Skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Canada can apply through Canada’s Express Entry system. Qualifications such as education, language proficiency, and professional experience will continue to be prioritized in 2025. From eligibility assessment to receiving your Permanent Residence (PR), this step-by-step guide explains exactly how to apply for Express Entry, improve your CRS score, and what to expect at every stage.
1. Getting to know the Express Entry system
Express Entry is a points-based program developed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for three main federal economic immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for professionals with foreign experience.
- Skilled Trades Programs (FSTP) – for employment in skilled trades.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for people who have worked in Canada.
In Express Entry, applicants are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates who score the highest receive invitations to apply for permanent residency (ITAs).
2. Verify your eligibility
At least one of the three Express Entry programs must meet your eligibility requirements before you can begin your application.
Program Requirements for Federal Skilled Workers (FSWP)
- Over the last 10 years, you must have worked continuously full-time or equivalent part-time as a skilled worker.
- Proficiency in English or French (CLB 7 or higher).
- Certificates or diplomas equivalent to Canadian secondary or post-secondary education.
- If there is no valid job offer, evidence of settlement funds should be provided.
- A minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection grid is required.
Requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Two years or more of full-time experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Job offers from Canadian employers or certificates of qualification from Canadian authorities are valid.
- Language ability: CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing.
- Demonstrate sufficient funds for settlement.
Requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Within the last three years, you must have had at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
- Language ability: CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
- If you are currently employed in Canada, no settlement funds are needed.
Your Express Entry profile can be created if you meet these requirements.
3. Obtain a Language Test Approval
The language proficiency factor is one of the most important factors in your CRS score. It is a requirement for all applicants to take an approved English or French test and submit valid results.
Tests accepted for English
- General Training for IELTS
- General CELPIP information
Tests accepted for French
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
Tips
- Higher scores in language tests can significantly boost your CRS score.
- Make sure your test results are less than two years old at the time of application.
- If you are bilingual, you can earn extra CRS points by submitting both English and French results.
4. Get your Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
To confirm that your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards, you must have your foreign education evaluated. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) refers to this process.
Organizations approved by the ECA
- WES (World Education Services)
- Canadian Credential Assessment Service (ICAS)
- CES (Comparative Education Service)
- IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)
- ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service)
An ECA is required for your highest completed qualification, such as your degree, diploma, or certificate. From the date of issuance, the ECA report is valid for five years.
5. Determine your CRS score
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can be calculated after receiving your language results and ECA report. According to the CRS, points are assigned based on the following factors:
Factors affecting human capital
- Age – Maximum points: 100 (for single applicants).
- Educate yourself – Higher education earns you more points.
- English/French proficiency – up to 170 points.
- Experience – Both Canadian and foreign work experience counts towards your score.
Amount of additional CRS points
- Work experience or education in Canada.
- Job offers that are valid.
- Nomination by the provincial government (adds 600 points).
- Citizens or permanent residents living in Canada who have a sibling.
- Ability to speak French fluently.
It is advisable to aim for a CRS score above 490–500, as recent Express Entry draws often invite candidates with scores in this range.
6. Set up an Express Entry profile
You can create an Express Entry profile online via your IRCC account once you have your key documents ready – language results, ECA report, and passport.
The information you need to provide in your profile
- Name, age, nationality, and marital status of the applicant.
- Results of ECA and education.
- Scores on language tests.
- Details of your work experience.
- Information about job offers (if any).
- (If required) Proof of funds.
When you submit your profile, you’ll receive a CRS score and be added to the Express Entry pool.
The pool’s duration
It is valid for 12 months after you create your profile. If you do not receive an invitation within that time, you can create a new one after it expires.
7. Increase your CRS score (optional)
Prior to receiving an invitation, you can increase your CRS score if it is below recent cut-off levels.
How to Boost Your Score
- To achieve higher CLB levels, retake your language test.
- Work in your field to gain additional experience.
- Take a second ECA for another qualification or pursue further education.
- Obtain a job offer from a Canadian company.
- Earn 600 extra points by participating in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Points can be claimed for your spouse or partner if applicable (education, language, or Canadian experience).
If you improve your language skills or your education, your ranking will improve significantly.
8. Obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The IRCC conducts regular draws (usually every two weeks) to invite the highest-ranked candidates.
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence will be sent to you if your score meets or exceeds the cut-off.
Following the receipt of an ITA: What to do
- Your complete PR application must be submitted within 60 days.
- To avoid missing the deadline, prepare all required documents quickly.
- Make sure your details are accurate before submitting.
9. Gather and upload the required documents
In order to prove your eligibility, you must upload your supporting documents after receiving your ITA.
Required Documents
- Travel document or passport
- Results of the language test
- Report of the ECA
- Experience proof (reference letters, pay slips, contracts)
- Bank statements as proof of funds
- Certificates of police clearance
- Results of a medical examination (from a doctor approved by the IRCC)
- Photographs taken digitally
- Certificate of marriage or birth (if applicable)
In case of documents issued in another language, they must be clear, legible, and translated into either English or French.
10. Medical and police checks must be completed
Applicants for Express Entry must undergo medical examinations by panel physicians approved by the IRCC and provide police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for at least six months after the age of 18.
Points to consider
- A medical exam determines your eligibility for admission.
- Your police certificate confirms that you have no criminal record.
- At the time of submission, both documents must be valid and recent.
11. Submit your PR application and pay the fees
Your application must be submitted online and fees must be paid after you have uploaded all necessary documents.
Fees for 2025 applications
- Fee for principal applicant: CAD 950
- Fees for permanent residence: CAD 575
- For spouses/partners: CAD 950
- Child with dependents: 260 CAD
Payment must be made online through your IRCC account using a valid credit or debit card.
12. Await processing of the application
IRCC will begin reviewing your PR application after you submit it. It is expected that most Express Entry applications will be processed within six months of submission in 2025.
During this time:
- It is possible that you will be asked to provide additional documents.
- Your application status can be tracked online.
- Keep your contact information up-to-date.
13. Obtain a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
When your application is approved, IRCC will issue a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) and a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Here’s what happens next
- A message or email will be sent to your IRCC account.
- If your medical exam expires before your visa expires, you must travel to Canada before then.
- A port of entry officer will review your documents and grant you permanent resident status.
14. Get ready for your arrival in Canada
Take time to prepare for your transition to Canadian life before moving.
Preparation for Departure
- It is recommended you book your flights early and plan your arrival at one of the major Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, etc.).
- Keep all important documents in your carry-on (passport, COPR, bank statements, educational credentials).
- Connect with local newcomers’ services or arrange temporary accommodation.
- Make sure you research employment opportunities, schools, and the cost of living in your destination province before you move there.
As soon as you arrive
- At immigration, present your COPR and passport.
- Make sure you have your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Obtain provincial health insurance.
- Get a Canadian bank account.
15. Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Express Entry also offers a Provincial Nominee Program, one of the best pathways within the system. Canada’s provinces and territories can nominate candidates based on local labor market needs.
PNP streams linked to Express Entry
- OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program)
- AAIP (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program)
- The PNP in British Columbia
- Program for Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominees (SINP)
- Manitoba PNP
- Program for nominating Nova Scotians (NSNP)
The addition of 600 CRS points from a provincial nomination almost guarantees an ITA in the next draw.
16. Avoid these common mistakes
Keep these Express Entry mistakes in mind to prevent rejection or delays:
- Documents that are incorrect or expired.
- Failure to update your profile when circumstances change.
- Providing inaccurate information about work or education.
- Lack of sufficient proof of funds.
- After ITA, there is a 60-day submission deadline.
- It is possible to be refused or banned if you overstate your language test results or experience.
Every step of the process requires accuracy and honesty.
17. Applying for a job: Key Tips
- Get started early – prepare all tests and documents in advance.
- Update your documents – expired ECAs or tests invalidate your profile.
- CRS ranking can be improved by improving your language scores.
- Make sure you monitor the Express Entry draws regularly for trends.
- The case of a dependent or a work history that is complex usually requires the assistance of a professional.
18. Upon becoming a permanent resident
The benefits and responsibilities that come with being a permanent resident of Canada are numerous.
The benefits
- The right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
- Healthcare and social benefits are accessible.
- Sponsorship eligibility for family members.
- After three years of residence, Canadian citizenship is available.
Roles and responsibilities
- Follow Canadian laws and pay your taxes.
- Ensure that your PR card remains valid.
- Every five years, you should stay in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years).
19. Pathway to citizenship and renewal
Once permanent residents meet certain conditions, they can apply for Canadian citizenship:
- Within the last five years, you have physically lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years).
- Have filed taxes for at least three years.
- Have passed a citizenship test (for applicants aged 18 to 54).
- Proven proficiency in English or French.
Citizenship gives you the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and enjoy full civic rights.
20. A few final thoughts
In 2025, the Canada Express Entry system will remain one of the best ways to immigrate permanently. The best way to make your dream of moving to Canada a reality is to understand the process, improve your CRS score, and submit a complete and honest application.
Getting prepared is key – gather all documents, stay current with the IRCC’s requirements, and plan ahead. A pathway to Canadian permanent residence is clear and achievable, regardless of whether you apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or a Provincial Nominee Program.