Express Entry is the online system IRCC uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It isn't a program itself — it's the pool and ranking system for three federal programs, plus part of the Provincial Nominee Program.
The programs it manages
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) — for skilled workers with foreign experience; uses a separate 67-point eligibility grid.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — for people with at least one year of skilled work in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) — for qualified tradespeople.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — enhanced streams that nominate candidates already in the pool.
How it works
- Check that you meet the minimum requirements of at least one program.
- Take an approved language test and, for foreign education, get an Educational Credential Assessment.
- Create an online profile. Eligible profiles enter the pool and get a CRS score. Profiles stay in the pool for up to 12 months.
- IRCC holds rounds of invitations. Each round sets a minimum CRS score; candidates at or above it receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- After an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Types of rounds
IRCC runs general rounds (all programs), program-specific rounds (CEC, PNP, FST, FSW) and category-based rounds targeting specific skills such as French, healthcare or trades. Category rounds often have much lower cut-offs.
Source: IRCC — Express Entry: who can apply.