Canada PR Through Express Entry: A Simple and Comprehensive Guide: Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers who want to obtain Permanent Residence (PR). Express Entry is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. If you’re considering immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, this guide will walk you through the entire process step by step. Relax and follow the steps below to get started on your road to PR via Express Entry. Do not forget, if at any stage you need help or would rather prefer holistic assistance, EF Global Travels got you covered
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online immigration system managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC is the Canadian government department responsible for handling immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship matters; it is the primary authority that sets eligibility criteria, manages application processes, and ensures compliance with immigration laws.
Express Entry is used to select skilled workers for immigration to Canada under three main programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with skilled work experience outside Canada. It is part of the Express Entry system and is designed for people with work experience in professional, technical, or managerial jobs. No job offer is required in Canada, but having one can increase your chances.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): FSTP is designed for other skilled trade workers with job offers or qualifications in specific trades. It is part of the Express Entry system and is designed for workers in trades like electricians, plumbers, welders, and construction workers. To qualify under this stream, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade, meet the required language levels in English or French, and have either a job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): CEC is an immigration program for people who have worked in Canada and want to become permanent residents. It is part of the Express Entry system and is designed for skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience in the past three years. To qualify, applicants must meet the required language levels in English or French and have work experience in a skilled job (managerial, professional, or technical/trade occupations).
CEC is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residence, making it ideal for international graduates and temporary workers already in Canada.
The Express Entry system works by assigning a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to eligible candidates and inviting the highest-ranking applicants in any of the streams above to apply for PR.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Express Entry
Step 1:
Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, it is recommended to check if you qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs explained above. Key eligibility requirements include:
Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF tests).
Education: A secondary school (high school) diploma or higher.
Proof of Funds: Sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family upon arrival (unless you already have a job offer). The minimum proof of funds required for an Express Entry application depends on the number of family members accompanying you, the main applicant. These funds show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you move to Canada.
As of 2024, the minimum required funds are:
1 person: $13,757 CAD
2 people: $17,127 CAD
Each additional family member: $3,706 CAD
Age: Younger candidates (18-35 years) get higher points. From 36 years, the maximum points you can get under this criteria begins to reduce.
You can check your eligibility using IRCC’s Come to Canada tool.
Step 2:
Take a Language Test
You must prove your proficiency in English or French by taking an approved test:
For English Language: IELTS General Training or CELPIP General will be fine
For French Language: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Your test results will be converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores, which impact your CRS ranking.
Also Read: Canada Permanent Residence Pathway: A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
Step 3:
Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was completed outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify its equivalency to Canadian standards. Approved organizations for ECA include:
World Education Services (WES)
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
Comparative Education Service (CES)
Step 4:
Create an Express Entry Profile
Once you have your language test results and ECA, you can create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website. You’ll need to provide details about:
Work experience
Education
Language test results
Family details
Proof of funds
After submitting, you will be entered into the Express Entry pool and assigned a CRS score.
Step 5:
Improve Your CRS Score (this is Optional)
If your CRS score is below the cut-off for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), consider improving it by:
Gaining more work experience
Retaking the language test for a higher score
Completing an additional degree or diploma
Securing a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
Obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Step 6:
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off in an Express Entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You have 60 days to submit a complete application.
As of February 19, 2025, IRCC conducted an Express Entry draw, issuing 6,500 ITAs to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 428.
This draw specifically targeted candidates with French language proficiency, marking the first French-specific draw of the year.
Step 7:
Submit Your Permanent Residence Application
Once you receive an ITA, you need to submit a full application along with supporting documents:
1. Police clearance certificate from every country you have lived in for 6+ months after age 18
2. Medical examination report from an IRCC-approved panel physician
3. Proof of funds (bank statements, investment records, etc.)
4. Work experience letters from previous employers
5. Valid passport and other identification documents
After submitting your application, pay the processing fees, which include:
Application processing fee
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
Biometrics fee (fingerprints and photo)
Step 8:
Wait for Application Processing & Decision
IRCC will review your application, verify your documents, and conduct background checks. Processing times vary, but most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months.
If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable).
Step 9:
Prepare for Your Move to Canada
Once you receive your COPR, you can prepare for your journey by:
Booking your flight to Canada
Arranging accommodation
Researching settlement services
Getting familiar with Canada’s healthcare and banking systems
Canada’s Express Entry system is an efficient pathway for skilled workers seeking Permanent Residence. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the process with ease and increase your chances of success. If you need expert guidance, EF Global Travels is here to assist you every step of the way.
Ready to start your journey? Take the first step today!
