Quick answer
Express Entry is Canada's online application management system for skilled worker permanent residence. It manages the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates create a profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score, and may be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Who should assess Express Entry?
Express Entry may fit you if you have skilled work experience, language test results, education credentials, and enough CRS points to compete in general, program-specific, or category-based invitation rounds. Your score depends on age, education, language, work experience, Canadian experience, job offers, spouse factors, and provincial nomination.
Main Express Entry programs
Canadian Experience Class
CEC is for skilled workers with qualifying Canadian work experience. It is often used by PGWP holders and temporary foreign workers.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
FSW is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet minimum points, language, education, settlement funds, and admissibility requirements.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
FST is for qualified skilled trades workers who meet trade-specific experience and offer or certification requirements.
Documents to prepare early
Prepare language test results, ECA where required, passports, reference letters, proof of funds, civil documents, police certificates, medicals when requested, and proof of any job offer or provincial nomination.
Improve your CRS score
Common CRS improvement options include better language scores, French language points, ECA for higher education, Canadian work experience, spouse strategy, job offer review, and Provincial Nominee Program options.
Use our CRS Calculator, CLB Converter, and FSW 67 Points Calculator to assess your profile.
Official reference
For current rules, see IRCC's Express Entry overview.
