The Express Entry process, step by step

Last reviewed October 2, 2026 against IRCC's published rules. Estimates only, not immigration advice.

Express Entry is IRCC's online system for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Provinces can also nominate candidates from the pool. This guide lists every step in order, with the deadlines that apply. Track your own dates in the application timeline.

Before you create a profile

1. Check which program you fit

• Federal Skilled Worker: at least one year of continuous skilled work in the last ten years, CLB 7 in every ability, and 67 points on the FSW grid.
• Canadian Experience Class: at least one year of skilled work in Canada in the last three years, with CLB 7 (for TEER 0 and 1 jobs) or CLB 5 (for TEER 2 and 3 jobs).
• Federal Skilled Trades: at least two years of trade experience in the last five years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.

IRCC's eligibility page has the full criteria.

2. Take an approved language test

Accepted tests are CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. Results are valid for two years. See the CLB conversion tables.

3. Get an Educational Credential Assessment

If you studied outside Canada, an ECA from a designated organization confirms what your credential is worth in Canada. ECAs are valid for five years. Without one, foreign education earns no CRS points.

4. Check your proof of funds

FSW and Federal Skilled Trades candidates must show settlement funds, unless they are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. CEC candidates are exempt. The amounts are updated every year on IRCC's proof of funds page.

In the pool

5. Create your Express Entry profile

You enter your details in your IRCC account. If you are eligible, you go into the pool with a CRS score. A profile stays valid for 12 months; after that you must create a new one.

Keep it up to date. A new test result, another year of work, or a change in your family situation can change your score.

6. Wait for an Invitation to Apply

IRCC holds rounds regularly. If your score meets the cutoff for a round you qualify for, you receive an ITA in your account. See draw types for how rounds work.

After the invitation

7. Submit your application within 60 days

You have 60 days from the ITA to submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR) with all supporting documents: police certificates, proof of work experience, identity documents and, if required, proof of funds. The details must match your profile. If your score would drop below the round's cutoff based on corrected information, you may no longer be eligible.

Use the document checklists to prepare. Police certificates can take months in some countries, so many candidates request them before the ITA arrives.

8. Acknowledgement of receipt (AOR)

IRCC confirms it received your application. Processing time is counted from this point.

9. Biometrics

You receive a biometric instruction letter, and must give fingerprints and a photo within 30 days, unless you gave biometrics in the last ten years and they are still valid.

10. Medical exam

You and your family members complete an immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician, if you have not done one already.

11. Eligibility and background checks

IRCC reviews your eligibility, admissibility and security. It may ask for more documents. Respond by the deadline in the request.

12. Final decision and confirmation of permanent residence

If approved, you are asked for your passport or for portal details, then receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If you are outside Canada, you get a permanent resident visa to travel. You become a permanent resident when you complete landing.

How long it takes

IRCC's service standard is to process most complete Express Entry applications within about six months of receipt. Actual times vary; see current processing times.

Sources

• IRCC, Who can apply: Express Entry
• IRCC, Proof of funds
• IRCC, Language testing