Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residence. It’s fast, points-based, and fully online—open to qualified candidates both inside and outside Canada. Eligible applicants enter a pool, are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in periodic draws.
Programs managed under Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For people with recent skilled work experience in Canada (under NOC TEER 0–3), plus language and other requirements. Ideal for international graduates and temporary foreign workers.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For professionals with foreign work experience. Selection considers education, language, work history, and other factors.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespeople in fields like construction, industrial, and maintenance. (Skilled trades eligibility and proof-of-funds rules apply.)
If you’re not sure which program fits you best, book a quick consultation so we can assess your options together.
How Express Entry works
- Create your profile: Confirm eligibility, gather documents, and submit your profile to enter the pool.
- Get ranked by CRS: CRS scores reflect age, education, language, work experience, and more. Use IRCC’s official CRS tool to estimate your score.
- Rounds of invitations: IRCC holds general, program-specific, and category-based draws and invites top candidates to apply for PR. Tie-break rules and cut-offs are published for each round.
- Apply for PR if invited: Submit your eAPR with fees and supporting documents within the stated deadline.
Category-based selection (targeted draws)
In addition to general draws, IRCC runs targeted rounds to address labour needs—currently emphasizing strong French proficiency and specific sectors (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agri-food).
What affects your CRS today
CRS factors include core human capital (age, education, language, Canadian experience), spouse factors, transferability, and additional points (e.g., provincial nomination). Note: as of March 25, 2025, job-offer points were removed from CRS for new and existing profiles (PNP points are unchanged).
Additional Pathways and Support
If your work permit will expire while your PR application is processing, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit, allowing you to continue working in Canada legally while awaiting a decision. Verify your eligibility and application stage requirements on IRCC’s page.
- Category-based draws: Target candidates in specific sectors or with strong French skills.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): A provincial nomination (through an Express Entry–aligned stream) significantly boosts your CRS and can lead to an ITA. Review each province/territory’s criteria and steps.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): For applicants whose temporary status is expiring while waiting for PR.
Thinking about your next steps? Let’s review your eligibility and CRS score together.
Why work with us
At Nivara Immigration, we provide clear guidance at every step—eligibility checks, CRS improvement strategies, document preparation, and profile submission. Our goal is to simplify the process and give you confidence.
Ready to explore Express Entry? Schedule a consultation and let’s make a plan for your journey.
