📄 Details
Visa Overview
Express Entry is an online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers under three federal economic programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the criteria of one of the three federal programs and have a valid language test result, an Educational Credential Assessment (if applicable), and sufficient settlement funds.
Age Requirements
- There is no minimum or maximum age to enter the Express Entry pool.
- Age is a factor in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, with maximum points awarded to candidates aged 20 to 29.
- Candidates receive fewer points as age increases beyond 29.
Language Requirements
- You must take an approved language test in English or French.
- Accepted English tests: IELTS General Training and CELPIP General.
- Accepted French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
- Language test results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
- Minimum language levels vary by program: for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you need a minimum of CLB 7 in all abilities; for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you need a minimum of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Occupation & Skills Assessment Requirements
- For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must have a positive Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was completed outside Canada.
- For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you may need a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Invitation & EOI Requirements
- You must create an online Express Entry profile and enter the candidate pool.
- IRCC conducts regular invitation rounds and invites candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
- An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is required to submit a permanent residence application.
- Your CRS score is based on factors including age, education, language ability, work experience, and adaptability.
- Candidates must also meet the minimum CRS score threshold set for each specific invitation round.
Identity & Visa Requirements
- You must be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical inadmissibility).
- There is no requirement to currently live in Canada, but candidates with Canadian work or study experience may receive additional points.
- You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Quebec has its own selection system).
- You must have sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family unless you have a valid job offer or are currently authorized to work in Canada.