Express Entry

Express Entry program is a selection system implemented by the Canadian government to manage permanent resident applications from skilled workers. The key economic immigration programs that can be accessed through the express entry are:

• Federal skilled worker program
• Federal skilled trades program
• Canadian experience class
• A portion of provincial nominee program

Potential candidates express their interest in immigrating to Canada by first completing an online profile. The profile is electronically screened to determine if the candidate meets the criteria of at least 1 of the 3 federal immigration programs mentioned above. Using the same information, candidates are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. They are then placed in the Express Entry pool and ranked relative to each other based on their CRS scores. The pool is dynamic and a candidate’s rank can change as other candidates join and leave the pool, or when the ranking criteria are adjusted according to ministerial instructions. CRS scores can also change as a candidate’s circumstances change. (For example, a candidate gains more work experience or is nominated by a province or territory.) Only top-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.