Canadian Experience Class
For skilled workers who have recent eligible Canadian work experience and meet language and other program requirements.
IRCC immigration pathway
Express Entry Canada
Express Entry is the online system IRCC uses to manage applications from skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
What it is
Express Entry is not a separate immigration program by itself. It is the system that manages candidate profiles and invitations for key skilled-worker programs.
How ranking works
Candidates in the pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System, commonly called CRS.
Why draws matter
Invitation rounds show the program or category, number of invitations, CRS cut-off, and tie-breaking rule for recent draws.
Important note
This page is a plain-language study guide, not legal advice. Always confirm eligibility, instructions, deadlines, and document requirements on the official Canada.ca pages.
Programs
Express Entry-managed programs
Federal Skilled Worker Program
For skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet factors such as language, education, work experience, age, and adaptability.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
For skilled trades workers who meet trade experience, job offer or certificate, language, and admissibility requirements.
Process
How Express Entry works
1
Check eligibility
Confirm which Express Entry-managed program you may qualify for before creating a profile.
2
Create a profile
Eligible candidates submit details such as work experience, education, language results, and other factors.
3
Enter the pool
Candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score and wait in the pool for invitation rounds.
4
Receive an invitation
IRCC invites top-ranking candidates or candidates in specific categories, depending on the round.
5
Apply for permanent residence
Invited candidates submit the complete permanent residence application before the deadline in their invitation.