Express Entry
Express Entry Canada 2026: Complete Guide to Permanent Residency
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s fastest pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. It is an online immigration system that manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs and ranks candidates using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Processing time is typically 6 months or less from submission to receiving permanent resident status.
Express Entry is not a visa or immigration program itself. It is a system that manages applications for these three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.
Express Entry at a Glance (2026)
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Processing Time |
6 months or less |
|
Programs Managed |
FSW, FST, CEC |
|
Ranking System |
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) |
|
Maximum CRS Score |
1,200 points |
|
Draw Frequency |
Every 1-2 weeks (approximately) |
|
Recent CRS Cutoffs |
509 (CEC), 746 (PNP) — January 2026 |
|
Application Fee |
$1,525 CAD (principal applicant) |
|
Language Tests Accepted |
IELTS, CELPIP (English); TEF, TCF (French) |
Who Is Eligible for Express Entry?
You are eligible for Express Entry if you meet the requirements of at least one of the three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Eligibility
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Minimum Requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum |
| Skilled Work Experience | 1 year continuous in past 10 years |
| NOC Category | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Language Ability | CLB 7 in all abilities |
| Education | Secondary or post-secondary (ECA required for foreign credentials) |
| Selection Factor Points | 67 out of 100 |
| Proof of Funds | Required (unless working in Canada with job offer) |
FSW Selection Factor Points (67 Points Required):
| Factor | Maximum Points |
| Language Skills (English/French) | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Work Experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged Employment in Canada | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Eligibility
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents.
Minimum Requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum |
| Skilled Trade Experience | 2 years in past 5 years |
| Language Ability | CLB 5 (speaking, listening), CLB 4 (reading, writing) |
| Job Offer or Certificate | Valid job offer OR certificate of qualification from Canadian authority |
| NOC Category | Specific skilled trades (TEER 2 or 3) |
Eligible Trade Groups:
- Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, construction trades
- Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources and agriculture
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, utilities supervisors
- Minor Group 632: Chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility
The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
Minimum Requirements:
| Requirement | Minimum |
| Canadian Work Experience | 1 year in past 3 years |
| NOC Category | TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Language Ability | CLB 7 (TEER 0/1), CLB 5 (TEER 2/3) |
| Work Status | Work must have been authorized |
Note: Self-employment and work experience gained while studying full-time does not count toward CEC eligibility.
How the CRS Score Works
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates. Your CRS score determines your position in the pool and your likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Maximum CRS Score: 1,200 points
CRS Point Distribution
|
Category |
Maximum Points (With Spouse) |
Maximum Points (Without Spouse) |
|
Core/Human Capital |
460 |
500 |
|
Spouse Factors |
40 |
0 |
|
Skill Transferability |
100 |
100 |
|
Additional Factors |
600 |
600 |
|
Total |
1,200 |
1,200 |
Core/Human Capital Points
Age (Maximum 110 points without spouse, 100 with spouse):
|
Age |
Points (Single) |
Points (Married) |
|
18 |
99 |
90 |
|
19 |
105 |
95 |
|
20-29 |
110 |
100 |
|
30 |
105 |
95 |
|
31 |
99 |
90 |
|
32 |
94 |
85 |
|
33 |
88 |
80 |
|
34 |
83 |
75 |
|
35 |
77 |
70 |
|
36 |
72 |
65 |
|
37 |
66 |
60 |
|
38 |
61 |
55 |
|
39 |
55 |
50 |
|
40 |
50 |
45 |
|
41 |
39 |
35 |
|
42 |
28 |
25 |
|
43 |
17 |
15 |
|
44 |
6 |
5 |
|
45+ |
0 |
0 |
Education (Maximum 150 points single, 140 married):
|
Education Level |
Points (Single) |
Points (Married) |
|
Less than secondary |
0 |
0 |
|
Secondary school |
30 |
28 |
|
One-year post-secondary |
90 |
84 |
|
Two-year post-secondary |
98 |
91 |
|
Bachelor’s OR three-year post-secondary |
120 |
112 |
|
Two or more post-secondary credentials (one 3+ years) |
128 |
119 |
|
Master’s degree |
135 |
126 |
|
Doctoral degree (PhD) |
150 |
140 |
First Official Language (Maximum 136 points single, 128 married):
|
CLB Level |
Points per Ability (Single) |
Points per Ability (Married) |
|
CLB 4-5 |
6 |
6 |
|
CLB 6 |
9 |
8 |
|
CLB 7 |
17 |
16 |
|
CLB 8 |
23 |
22 |
|
CLB 9 |
31 |
29 |
|
CLB 10+ |
34 |
32 |
Canadian Work Experience (Maximum 80 points single, 70 married):
|
Years of Experience |
Points (Single) |
Points (Married) |
|
None |
0 |
0 |
|
1 year |
40 |
35 |
|
2 years |
53 |
46 |
|
3 years |
64 |
56 |
|
4 years |
72 |
63 |
|
5+ years |
80 |
70 |
Additional Points (Maximum 600)
|
Factor |
Points |
|
Provincial Nomination (PNP) |
600 |
|
Valid job offer (TEER 0 Major Group 00) |
200 |
|
Valid job offer (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) |
50 |
|
Canadian education (1-2 year credential) |
15 |
|
Canadian education (3+ years or graduate) |
30 |
|
French language proficiency (CLB 7+ with English CLB 4 or less) |
25 |
|
French language proficiency (CLB 7+ with English CLB 5+) |
50 |
|
Sibling in Canada (citizen or PR) |
15 |
Express Entry Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before creating a profile, verify you meet the minimum requirements for at least one Express Entry program.
Requirements checklist:
- Valid language test results (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education
- Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay stubs)
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds (if required)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Required Documents:
| Document | Details |
| Passport | Valid for all applicants |
| Language Test Results | IELTS General/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French), valid for 2 years |
| Educational Credential Assessment | From designated organization (WES, IQAS, etc.), valid for 5 years |
| Work Experience Proof | Reference letters on company letterhead with specific details |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements, investment records (unless exempt) |
Proof of Funds Requirements (Updated July 7, 2025):
| Family Size | Required Amount (CAD) |
| 1 member | $15,263 |
| 2 members | $19,001 |
| 3 members | $23,360 |
| 4 members | $28,362 |
| 5 members | $32,168 |
| 6 members | $36,280 |
| 7 members | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Source: IRCC. These amounts are updated annually. You are exempt if you have valid Canadian work authorization and a job offer, or if you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Create an online profile through your IRCC account at canada.ca.
Profile Information Required:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, passport info)
- Contact information
- Education history and ECA results
- Work experience details
- Language test scores
- Family information (spouse, dependents)
- Job offer details (if applicable)
- Provincial nomination (if applicable)
Step 4: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Once your profile is complete and validated, you enter the Express Entry pool. Your CRS score is calculated automatically.
In the pool:
- Your profile is ranked against other candidates
- Profiles remain valid for 12 months
- You can update your profile to improve your score
- You wait for Express Entry draws
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool. If your CRS score meets or exceeds the draw cutoff, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Draw Types:
- General draws (all programs)
- Program-specific draws (FSW, FST, or CEC only)
- Category-based draws (French speakers, healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture)
Step 6: Submit Your Application
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Application Includes:
- All supporting documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination results
- Application fees
Fees (Current as of January 2026):
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) |
| Principal applicant processing fee | $950 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 |
| Total for principal applicant | $1,525 |
| Spouse/Partner | $1,525 |
| Dependent child | $260 |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
| Biometrics (family of 2+) | $170 |
Source: IRCC Fee List, updated December 2025
Step 7: Application Processing
IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months.
During Processing:
- IRCC may request additional documents
- Background and security checks conducted
- Medical results verified
- You can track status online
Step 8: Receive COPR and PR Visa
If approved, you receive:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- PR visa (if applicable, stamped in passport)
You can then travel to Canada and become a permanent resident upon entry.