A Guide To Understanding Canada’s Express Entry System
Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most popular and efficient immigration systems in the world. Launched in 2015, it continues to be the primary pathway for skilled workers who want to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
What Is Canada’s Express Entry System?
Express Entry is an online immigration application system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage and process applications for permanent residence under the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Express Entry-aligned streams only
Candidates create an online profile detailing their skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors. Based on this information, they are awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and placed in a pool of applicants.
How Often Do Express Entry Draws Occur?
Express Entry draws are typically held every two weeks, though the schedule is not fixed. Delays may occur due to government policy changes, administrative reasons, or shifting immigration priorities. When a draw is held, the IRCC announces:
- ✓ The number of ITAs issued
- ✓ The CRS score cut-off
- ✓ The program or category targeted (if applicable)
- ✓ A tie-break date, which prioritizes candidates who submitted their profiles earlier if scores are tied
What Is an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
An ITA is a formal invitation issued by IRCC to selected candidates from the Express Entry pool. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). This submission includes documents such as:
Failure to submit the application within 60 days means the ITA will expire, and you will have to wait for another draw.
What Is the CRS Score?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points to Express Entry candidates based on various human capital factors. The maximum CRS score possible is 1,200. Most candidates aim for at least 470–500 to have a competitive chance.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Maximum points for 20-29 age group |
| Education | Higher education gets more points |
| Language proficiency | CLB 9+ in English/French earns high points |
| Work experience | Both Canadian and foreign experience count |
| Spouse’s qualifications | Adds additional points |
| Sibling in Canada | Adds 15 points |
| Job offer in Canada | 50–200 points depending on NOC level |
| Provincial nomination | 600 additional points |
Express Entry Draw History
Canada’s Express Entry Categories
In 2023, Canada introduced category-based Express Entry draws, which continued into 2025. These allow IRCC to issue invitations based on labour market needs and economic priorities.
Selected Categories for 2025:
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Trades
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food
- French-language proficiency
Tips to Improve Your CRS Score
Even if your current score isn’t high enough, there are several ways to increase it:
- Improve language test scores (especially aim for CLB 9 or higher).
- Take the French test (TEF Canada) for additional points.
- Gain more work experience, especially in skilled NOC jobs.
- Pursue further education or get an ECA for existing credentials.
- Get a provincial nomination to gain 600 extra points.
- Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.