Your Guide to Applying for Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most efficient ways to immigrate to Canada. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the application process.

Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile

To get started, create an account on the IRCC website.

Step 2: Documents Required for Express Entry Profile

• Passport or travel document

• Language Test Results: English (IELTS, CELPIP) or French (TEF, TCF).

• Proof of Canadian education OR Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you studied outside Canada, get an ECA from an agency like WES or ICAS to confirm your foreign education meets Canadian standards. To apply for an ECA, visit Educational credential assessment (ECA) for Express Entry: How to get one for Express Entry

• Proof of Work Experience: Gather letters from employers showing your job title, duties, and duration of employment.

• Proof of funds: show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (and your family) in Canada.

• Other documents if applicable: certificate of qualification, provincial nomination, etc.

Tip: Double-check all information for accuracy. Mistakes can lead to delays or rejection.

Step 3: Complete the Online Profile

Log in to your account and fill out details about your work experience, language results, education, and personal information. Submit your profile to receive your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

• Note: Your CRS score is crucial in determining your rank in the Express Entry pool. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Step 4: Enter the Express Entry Pool

Once you submit your profile, you enter the Express Entry pool where you’ll be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score. Profiles remain valid for 12 months, during which you may receive an ITA.

Step 5: Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The IRCC conducts regular draws to invite the top candidates from the Express Entry pool. If you meet the CRS score cut-off for that draw (ranging between high 400s/low 500s), you’ll receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence.

To calculate your points and see if you are eligible, use our CRS Calculator here.

Step 6: Submit Your Application After ITA

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your documents.

This includes:

• Medical Exams: Conducted by an IRCC approved panel physician. Note: you may be exempt from submitting a medical exam under certain circumstances. See Medical exam for permanent residence applicants for more details.

• Police Clearances: From every country you’ve lived in for 6 months or more since age 18.

• Proof of Funds: Financial proof that you can support yourself and your family in Canada (if required).

• Additional Documents: Birth certificates, passports, marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable), etc.

See the full list here: Immigrate through Express Entry: Documents

Step 7: Application Processing and Approval

Once you submit your application, processing times generally range from 6 to 8 months. During this period, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.

Job Offer and its impact on Express Entry

As of Spring 2025, job offers no longer count for additional points under the Express Entry system. In the past, job offers would add 50 or 200 points depending on the position. You can find more information here.

Education Requirements

You need an ECA to verify your foreign education against Canadian standards. Organizations like WES, ICAS, IQAS and others can provide this assessment. More education equals more points, and having a Canadian education gives additional bonuses.

• To apply for an ECA, visit Educational credential assessment (ECA) for Express Entry: How to get one for Express Entry

Work Experience Requirements

You need to demonstrate at least one year of skilled work experience for Express Entry. Canadian work experience is highly valued in the CRS.

Additional Points

Additional points are awarded for factors like a spouse’s education or work experience, Canadian study, or having family in Canada. These can help bump your CRS score up.

Tips for Improving CRS Score

• Language: Retake your language test if you’re close to the next CLB level.

• Work Experience: Gain more experience or move into a higher-skilled role. Canadian work experience gives you additional points.

• Education: Consider getting another degree or diploma.

• PNP: Apply for a PNP to secure those valuable 600 points.

Conclusion

Navigating Express Entry may seem complex, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. By gathering your documents, submitting an accurate profile, and strategically improving your CRS score, you can increase your chances of successfully immigrating to Canada.

Additional Resources

• IRCC Website - Express Entry Overview

• PR Coach CRS Calculator

• Express Entry Profile Submission