Canada’s Express Entry is the online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage permanent residence applications under three economic programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  - Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  - Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  Top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for PR, with most applications processed within six months or less.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP)

• Minimum 1 year of skilled work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last 10 years.
• CLB 7 language level in English/French (e.g. IELTS band ≈ 6.0 in each skill).
• High school education or higher (with Educational Credential Assessment if obtained abroad).
• Must score at least 67 out of 100 on IRCC’s eligibility points grid.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• At least one year of Canadian skilled work experience in the last 3 years (TEER 0-3).
• CLB 7 required for TEER 0 or 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
• No minimum education required, though credential assessment helps boost CRS score.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• At least 2 years of recent skilled-trade experience (TEER 2/3).
• CLB 5 (speaking/listening) and CLB 4 (reading/writing).
• A full-time job offer of at least 1 year or a provincial certificate of qualification is required.

Additional Requirements

• Valid medical and police clearances.
• Proof of funds (not required for CEC or valid job holders).
• Valid passport.

How the CRS Score Works

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks profiles using factors such as:

• Age
• Language skills (English/French)
• Education
• Work experience (Canadian and foreign)
• Adaptability (e.g. education or relatives in Canada)
• Additional bonus points for:
  • Provincial Nomination (+600 points)
  • Valid job offer (previously up to 200 points)
  • French language fluency
  • Sibling in Canada

Major 2025 Update: Job Offer Points Removed

• Effective March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for arranged job offers to reduce LMIA fraud.
• Both new and existing Express Entry profiles will no longer earn job-offer points (50 or 200 points).
• Jefferson points remain valid for CEC eligibility, FSTP, and PNP nomination criteria — but won’t impact CRS score.
• IRCC confirmed this change applies even to existing profiles, except active ITAs already issued.

Express Entry Process Overview

1. Check eligibility for one of the three Express Entry programs.
2. Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool.
3. Get a CRS score and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during periodic draws.
4. If invited, submit a complete PR application within 60 days (latest 60–90 days).
5. IRCC aims to process most applications within six months.

Suggested Strategy Adjustments

• Focus on CRS factors beyond job offers, like boosting language test scores, improving education credentials, maximizing age/work experience points, or securing a provincial nomination (+600 points).
• French fluency is increasingly rewarded via category-based draws with significantly lower cut-off scores (e.g. CRS 379 for Francophones in March 2025).
• Update your profile regularly with any relevant changes — e.g. new education or improved language scores.

Quick Overview Table

What Should You Do Next?

• Assess your eligibility across the three programs.
• Increase your CRS score through:
  • Retaking language tests for better CLB levels.
  • Obtaining or upgrading education credentials (ECA).
  • Gaining additional work experience.
  • Exploring PNP options.
• Monitor category-based draws, especially if you qualify (e.g. French speakers, healthcare, education, trades).
• Continue sharing accurate job offer details for CEC eligibility—even if CRS points don’t count.

Would you like help estimating your CRS score, selecting a province, or planning a strong Express Entry profile?