Express Entry is an application management system overseeing applications from three of Canada’s major economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Candidates in these programs receive scores based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), considering factors such as work experience, education, age, occupation, and language ability. For instance, a candidate between the ages of 20-29 earns 100 CRS points, with decreasing points for older age groups.

In May 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws for Express Entry candidates with work experience in in-demand occupations. These include categories for candidates with strong French-language proficiency and occupation-based categories for healthcare, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions, trades occupations, transport occupations, and agriculture and agri-food occupations.

Applying for Express Entry involves a multi-step process. First, applicants must self-evaluate their eligibility for an Express Entry program, each having distinct criteria. The second step involves creating a profile in the Express Entry pool and obtaining a CRS score. Successful candidates must then wait to receive an invitation to apply in an Express Entry draw.

Once an invitation is received, candidates have 60 days to compile their documents and submit their final application for permanent residence to IRCC.