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.
What Is Express Entry?
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:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Each program targets a different group of applicants based on work experience, skills, and qualifications.
How the Express Entry System Works
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:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language proficiency (measured using the Canadian Language Benchmark, CLB)
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.
Immigration Programs Under Express Entry
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.
Key Immigration Terms Explained
Canada evaluates applicants using standardized systems:
- CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark): Measures English or French language ability
- NOC (National Occupation Classification): Lists all occupations in the Canadian labour market
- TEER System: Categorizes jobs based on required training, education, experience, and responsibilities
These systems help Canada assess whether candidates meet labour market needs.
Application Fees Increased in 2026
Canada updated Express Entry fees effective April 30, 2026. The current fees include:
- Main applicant: $1,590
- Spouse: $1,590
- Dependent child: $270
Applicants must pay these fees when submitting their permanent residence application.
Processing Time and Application Steps
Processing times vary depending on the program and individual case complexity. However, the general process includes:
- Submitting an online profile
- Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Uploading documents and paying fees
- Completing biometrics (if required)
- Waiting for final processing and decision
Final Outcome for Approved Applicants
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.
Canada’s Goal
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.
