Canada continues to rely on its Express Entry system to attract skilled professionals and address ongoing labor shortages across key industries such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
The system, managed by the government of Canada, serves as a fast-track pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency.
Express Entry is an online immigration management system that processes applications from skilled workers who want to settle permanently in Canada. It allows candidates to apply under three main immigration programs:
Each program targets a different group of applicants based on work experience, skills, and qualifications.
Candidates begin by creating an online profile and entering a competitive pool. The system then ranks applicants using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on:
Canada holds regular invitation rounds and selects the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residency.
Once invited, applicants must submit a complete application, upload supporting documents, and pay the required fees. Authorities then review the application before making a final decision.
Canadian Experience Class
Canada selects skilled workers who already have eligible work experience inside the country.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada accepts skilled professionals with foreign or Canadian work experience who meet eligibility criteria.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canada invites qualified tradespeople with experience in specific skilled occupations.
Canada evaluates applicants using standardized systems:
These systems help Canada assess whether candidates meet labour market needs.
Canada updated Express Entry fees effective April 30, 2026. The current fees include:
Applicants must pay these fees when submitting their permanent residence application.
Processing times vary depending on the program and individual case complexity. However, the general process includes:
Successful applicants receive confirmation of permanent residence or instructions to complete their landing process in Canada. This allows them to live and work permanently in the country.
Through Express Entry, Canada continues to attract global talent and strengthen its labour market by selecting skilled professionals who can contribute to its economic growth and workforce needs.