How Express Entry works

Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.

There are 3 immigration programs managed through Express Entry:

If you’re eligible for one of the above programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re nominated, you’ll get extra points so you can be invited to apply quickly.

Step 1: Find out if you’re eligible

There are 2 ways to find out if you’re eligible for a program that is part of Express Entry:

• answer a few questions to see if you meet the minimum requirements
• read the detailed requirements for each program

Step 2: Check your score

If you’re eligible for one or more of the Express Entry programs and submit your profile, you’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The CRS is a points-based system we use to

• assess and score your profile and
• rank it in the Express Entry pool

To be invited, you need to have a score above the minimum points score for your round of invitations.

• Use the CRS tool to estimate your score.

Step 3: Get your documents ready

If you decide to fill out a profile, you’ll need documents, such as language test results, to show you’re eligible for Express Entry.

Some documents take a long time to get, so you should get them ready early.

• Get the documents you need

Step 4: Fill out your profile

Your Express Entry profile is where you give us information about yourself.

If you’re eligible, we’ll accept you into our pool of candidates and give you a CRS score.

• Submit your profile

Step 5: Get an invitation and apply

We send invitations to apply to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool. If we invite you to apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application.

We’ll process most complete applications that have all supporting documents in 6 months or less.

• Apply through Express Entry