Express Entry Complete Guide 2026: How to Apply for Canadian PR

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is the online system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. If you want to move to Canada as a skilled worker in 2026, Express Entry is likely the pathway you will use. The system was launched in 2015 and has become the primary route for economic immigration to Canada.

Express Entry is not an immigration program by itself. Instead, it manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs. You create an online profile, receive a ranking score, and wait for an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The entire process is designed to be fast, transparent, and merit-based.

For newcomers already in Canada looking for settlement support, the WelcomeAide AI Newcomer Navigator can help you understand your options in your preferred language.

The Three Express Entry Streams

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for people with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. To be eligible, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation
• Your work experience must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation under Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC)
• Meet the minimum language requirements of CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for English or French
• Have a Canadian educational credential or a completed foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSW selection grid, which evaluates language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is for people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. This stream is popular with temporary foreign workers and international students who have graduated and worked in Canada. Requirements include:

• At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before you apply
• Your Canadian work experience must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
• Meet the minimum language levels: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs
• You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for qualified tradespeople who want to become permanent residents. This stream is often overlooked but can be an excellent pathway for electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and other tradespeople. Requirements include:

• At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply
• Your trade must fall under specific NOC groups, including industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, and natural resources trades
• Meet the language requirements: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
• Have a valid job offer of at least one year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Once you submit your Express Entry profile, IRCC assigns you a Comprehensive Ranking System score. Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool relative to other candidates. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points.

How CRS Points Are Calculated

Factor	Maximum Points (Single)	Maximum Points (With Spouse)
Core human capital (age, education, language, Canadian work experience)	500	460
Spouse factors (language, education, Canadian work experience)	N/A	40
Skill transferability (education + language, education + work experience, foreign work + Canadian work experience, certificate of qualification + language)	100	100
Additional points (provincial nomination, job offer, Canadian education, French language skills, sibling in Canada)	600	600

Key CRS Point Values

Some of the biggest point allocations include:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination: 600 points. This virtually guarantees an invitation to apply
• Arranged employment (LMIA-supported job offer): 50 or 200 points, depending on the NOC level
• Canadian education: 15 or 30 points, depending on the credential level
• French language proficiency: Up to 50 additional points
• Sibling in Canada: 15 points

Express Entry Draws: How Invitations Work

IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws, typically every two weeks. During a draw, IRCC sets a minimum CRS score and invites all candidates at or above that score to apply for permanent residence. In 2025 and into 2026, draws have included both general draws (open to all programs) and category-based draws that target specific occupations or attributes such as healthcare workers, STEM professionals, trade workers, and French-language proficiency.

Recent Draw Trends in 2025-2026

CRS cut-off scores have varied significantly depending on the type of draw. General draws have typically seen cut-off scores between 470 and 530. Category-based draws for specific occupations have had lower cut-offs, sometimes in the 400s. You can check the latest draw results on the IRCC Express Entry rounds of invitations page.

How to Create Your Express Entry Profile

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before creating a profile, confirm that you meet the minimum requirements for at least one of the three Express Entry streams. Use the IRCC Come to Canada tool to check your eligibility.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need the following documents before creating your profile:

• Language test results: You need results from an approved language test. For English, the accepted tests are IELTS General Training and CELPIP General. For French, the accepted test is TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Results must be less than two years old
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education was completed outside Canada, you need an ECA report from a designated organization such as World Education Services (WES) or IQAS. The ECA confirms that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian credential
• Passport or travel document
• Proof of work experience: Reference letters from employers detailing your job title, duties, hours worked, and dates of employment
• Proof of funds: You must show that you have enough money to settle in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size and is updated annually by IRCC. For a single applicant in 2026, the minimum is approximately $14,690 CAD. CEC applicants with a valid Canadian job offer are exempt from this requirement

Step 3: Create Your IRCC Online Account

Go to the IRCC website and create a GCKey account or sign in using a banking partner. Once logged in, you can start your Express Entry profile. Fill in all required information accurately, including your personal details, education, work history, language test results, and family information.

Step 4: Submit Your Profile and Enter the Pool

After submitting your profile, IRCC will calculate your CRS score and place you in the Express Entry pool. Your profile is valid for 12 months. If you do not receive an invitation within that time, you can create a new profile.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score is at or above the cut-off in a draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents.

Understanding NOC Codes

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by IRCC to classify jobs. Each occupation has a five-digit NOC code and a Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category. For Express Entry, your work experience must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

TEER Category	Description	Examples
TEER 0	Management occupations	Restaurant manager, engineering manager
TEER 1	Occupations usually requiring a university degree	Software engineer, financial analyst, nurse
TEER 2	Occupations usually requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years	Computer network technician, medical lab technician
TEER 3	Occupations usually requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of less than 2 years	Baker, dental assistant, veterinary technician

Finding the correct NOC code for your occupation is critical. An incorrect NOC code can lead to your application being rejected. Use the ESDC NOC search tool to find the code that best matches your work duties.

Document Checklist for Your Application

Once you receive an ITA, you need to submit the following within 60 days:

• Valid passport or travel document for you and all family members
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Reference letters from all employers listed in your profile
• Proof of funds (bank statements, investment statements, or a letter from your bank)
• Police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for six months or more since age 18
• Immigration medical examination results from a designated panel physician
• Digital photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
• LMIA-based job offer documentation (if applicable)

Processing Times

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months from the date you submit your complete application after receiving an ITA. However, processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You can check current processing times on the IRCC processing times page.

Factors that can delay processing include incomplete documentation, additional background checks, and medical issues. To minimize delays, ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submitting your application.

How to Boost Your CRS Score

If your CRS score is below the typical draw cut-off, there are several strategies you can use to improve it:

Improve Your Language Scores

Language proficiency is one of the highest-scoring factors in CRS. Even a small improvement in your IELTS or CELPIP score can add significant points. For example, moving from CLB 8 to CLB 9 in all four abilities can add 30 or more points to your CRS score. Consider taking a preparation course and retaking the test if you believe you can improve.

Get an Educational Credential Assessment

If you have not yet obtained an ECA, do so. A higher level of education adds more CRS points. If you have multiple credentials, the ECA should reflect the highest one. Learn more about the credential assessment process in our guide to foreign credential recognition in Canada.

Gain Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience adds points both directly and through skill transferability factors. If you are eligible for a work permit, gaining even one year of Canadian work experience can significantly boost your score.

Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program

A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an invitation. Many provinces have streams linked to Express Entry. For example, the BC Provincial Nominee Program has an Express Entry BC stream specifically designed for Express Entry candidates. Read our complete guide to the BC PNP for details.

Obtain a Valid Job Offer

A job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) adds 50 or 200 CRS points depending on the occupation. An LMIA is a document that an employer obtains from Employment and Social Development Canada. Learn about the LMIA process in our LMIA guide.

Take Advantage of French Language Skills

If you speak French, take an approved French language test. Strong French language skills can add up to 50 additional CRS points, and IRCC has been running category-based draws specifically targeting French-speaking candidates.

Complete Canadian Education

Completing a Canadian post-secondary credential of one year or more adds 15 points. A credential of three years or more adds 30 points. If you are considering studying in Canada, our study permit guide can help you get started.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong NOC code: Match your actual job duties, not just your job title, to the NOC code descriptions
• Letting your language test expire: Test results are valid for two years. Ensure they remain valid throughout the application process
• Incomplete reference letters: Your employer letters must include your job title, specific duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment on company letterhead
• Not updating your profile: If your circumstances change (new language test, new job, new education), update your Express Entry profile to reflect your current score
• Missing the 60-day deadline: Once you receive an ITA, you have exactly 60 days to submit your complete application. Missing this deadline means losing your invitation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include my spouse or common-law partner?

Yes. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your Express Entry application. Your spouse's education, language skills, and Canadian work experience can also contribute to your CRS score. For more on family immigration, see our family sponsorship guide.

How long is my Express Entry profile valid?

Your profile is valid for 12 months. If you do not receive an invitation in that time, you can create and submit a new profile.

What happens after I receive permanent residence?

After your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You will need to complete your landing in Canada and then begin your settlement journey. Our guide to your first weeks in Canada covers the essential steps after arrival.

Start Your Express Entry Journey

Express Entry is a competitive but transparent system that rewards preparation. The candidates who succeed are those who take the time to understand the system, maximize their CRS score, and submit complete, accurate applications. Whether you are applying from abroad or already in Canada on a temporary permit, planning ahead is the key to a successful outcome.

WelcomeAide is here to support you throughout your immigration and settlement journey. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about Express Entry, CRS scores, and Canadian immigration in your preferred language. Learn about our mission, explore our programs, or browse more newcomer guides on our blog.