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Express Entry is the online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage immigration applications from skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It covers three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
6–8 months
Canada
CA$1,365
May 2026
Express Entry is the online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage immigration applications from skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It covers three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Best for: For skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of three programs managed under Express Entry. It is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. To be eligible, you must meet the minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language ability, and education. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest-ranked are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Candidates must have gained at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 3 years before applying. This program does NOT require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or proof of funds, making it especially attractive for temporary foreign workers and international graduates already working in Canada.
You must meet every required item below. A licensed consultant can confirm your fit in minutes.
At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation within the last 10 years
At least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 3 years before applying. Must be paid, authorized work — not self-employment.
At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
For NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs: CLB 7 in all abilities. For NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs: CLB 5 in all abilities.
Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in English or French. Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada
CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, OR a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization showing it is equivalent to a Canadian credential
Typical processing time: 6–8 months.
Determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Score yourself against the FSW selection grid (minimum 67/100) and ensure you meet language, education, and work experience requirements.
Tip: Use the IRCC "Come to Canada" tool to check if you're eligible before investing in tests and assessments.
Work in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in Canada for at least 1 year (1,560 hours full-time or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years.
Complete an approved language test (IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French). You need a minimum of CLB 7 in all four abilities.
Tip: Book your test early — wait times can be 2-4 weeks. Practice with official preparation materials. You can take the test multiple times.
Complete IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada to prove language ability.
If your education was obtained outside Canada, get an ECA from a designated organization (WES, IQAS, etc.) to verify your foreign credentials are equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Tip: WES is the most commonly used ECA provider. Start this process early as it can take 2-3 months. You'll need original or attested documents.
A typical checklist. Your personal list is confirmed in your consultation.
Valid Passport
Valid passport or travel document for you and all family members. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.
Language Test Results
Official results from an approved language test: IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General (English), TEF Canada or TCF Canada (French). Results must be less than 2 years old.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
ECA report from a designated organization (WES, IQAS, CES, etc.) showing your foreign credentials are equivalent to a Canadian educational credential. Report must be less than 5 years old.
Translation needed
Proof of Work Experience
Reference letters from current and past employers on company letterhead detailing: job title, duties, dates of employment, hours worked per week, and annual salary. Also submit employment contracts, pay stubs, or T4 tax slips if available.
Translation needed
Proof of Funds
Official letter(s) from your bank or financial institution showing your account balance and transaction history for at least 6 months. Must be on bank letterhead with your name, account numbers, and current balance.
Translation needed
Police Certificates
Police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 6+ months since age 18. Must be originals and less than 12 months old at the time of submission.
Medical Exam Results
Results of the Immigration Medical Examination (IME) performed by an IRCC-designated panel physician. The exam includes physical examination, blood tests, urinalysis, and chest X-ray.
Birth Certificate
Birth certificate for you and all family members (including non-accompanying). Must be a long-form birth certificate showing parents' names.
Translation needed
Paid to the government and third parties. Our professional fee is separate and fixed upfront.
| Fee | Per | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee (Principal) | applicant | CA$1,365 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | applicant | CA$515 |
| Biometrics Fee | applicant | CA$85 |
| Application Processing Fee (Spouse/Partner)If applicable | applicant | CA$1,365 |
| Application Processing Fee (Dependent Child)If applicable | applicant | CA$260 |
| Language Test (IELTS) | applicant | CA$300 |
| Educational Credential Assessment (WES) | applicant | CA$220 |
| Medical Exam | applicant | CA$250 |
| Police Certificates | applicant | CA$50 |
Government fees change from time to time — we confirm the current amounts before you pay anything.
No. Unlike FSW, the Federal Skilled Trades Program has no formal education requirement. However, Canadian education can earn CRS points.
No, work done while you were a full-time student (e.g., co-op, on-campus work, off-campus work on a study permit) does not count. Only work experience gained with a valid work permit (including a Post-Graduation Work Permit) after completing your studies counts.
Express Entry is the online system IRCC uses to manage applications for permanent residence under 3 economic immigration programs. You create a profile, get ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and if your score is high enough, you'll be invited to apply for permanent residence in a draw.
Eligible trades fall under NOC Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 92 and Minor Groups 632, 633. This includes electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, chefs, and many more.
CRS cut-off scores vary by draw. General draws in 2025-2026 have ranged from approximately 430 to 520 points. Category-based draws (e.g., healthcare, STEM, French) can have different cut-off scores. A provincial nomination adds 600 points, practically guaranteeing an invitation.
No, unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the CEC does not require an Educational Credential Assessment. However, having a higher level of Canadian or foreign education can improve your CRS score.
Useful government links and offices. We’re not affiliated with IRCC or USCIS.
IRCC Online Portal
Canadian High Commission — New Delhi, India
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021, India
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM IST
VFS Global — Canada Visa Application Centre (India)
Multiple locations across India
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
guide
Express Entry – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Official IRCC guide covering the entire Express Entry process from profile creation to landing
tool
CRS Score Calculator
Official IRCC tool to estimate your Comprehensive Ranking System score
tool
Come to Canada Tool (Eligibility Check)
Answer questions to see which immigration programs you may be eligible for
link
Express Entry Rounds of Invitations
View past and current Express Entry draw results, CRS cut-off scores, and number of invitations issued
link
Processing Times
Check current processing times for Express Entry applications
link
NOC Classification (Occupation Search)
Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and TEER category
checklist
Document Checklist – Express Entry
Complete checklist of documents needed for your Express Entry application
link
Settlement Funds Calculator
Find out how much money you need to show as proof of settlement funds based on your family size
Government fees are paid separately.
Official program page
canada.ca
Fixed-fee help
Pick the help you need. Every service is handled by a licensed RCIC for one fixed fee.
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