How to Get Express Entry to Canada in 2025

Applying for Express Entry to Canada is the most efficient way to immigrate to Canada. It started in 2015 to enable skilled migrants and their families to move to Canada in six months. After the global pandemic, the Canadian government has allowed more permanent residence visas for potential immigrants already living and working in Canada while starting programs to fast-track essential workers and international students. This has broadened the number of prospective immigrants worldwide who want to begin a new life in the Great White North.

Below, we take a detailed look at the essential steps and strategies to successfully navigate the process of getting Express Entry to Canada in 2025.

What is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry System is Canada's immigration management system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. It manages applications for three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates create an online profile and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors like:

• Age,
• Education,
• Work experience, and
• Language proficiency.

Steps to Get Express Entry to Canada in 2025

Step 1: Get an ITA

To have the best possibility of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA), you must follow the application process to a tee. The most important part of the process is ensuring your eligibility for immigration. There are many eligibility categories you must fulfill. The two significant issues that may make you ineligible for Express Entry are having a criminal record or a severe medical condition that poses a:

• Danger to public health,
• Danger to public safety, and
• Excessive demand on health or social services.

Step 2: Choose your Express Entry Program

If you're unaffected by either of these issues, create an Express Entry Profile and apply to one of three Express Entry programs.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The FSWP has a minimum requirement based on age, skilled work experience, education, language, adaptability, and a valid job offer. All your attributes are valued in a points system out of 100 with a pass mark of 67.

Federal Skilled Trade Program

The FSTP allows entry to skilled workers with a valid job offer for a one-year minimum or certification in a skilled trade by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. These jobs are ranked under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Canada Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for individuals who have gained at least one year of work experience in Canada within a skilled occupation. This program recognizes the value of Canadian work experience, making it easier for eligible candidates to transition to permanent residency.

You can apply for the Express Entry pool online if you're eligible for one of these categories. Based on the above criteria, your eligibility will be calculated to create your CRS, which ranks you against other Canadian immigration applicants. You should comprehensively understand how the CRS works to get the best possible score.

Step 3: Fulfill Language and Education Requirements

To be eligible for Express Entry to Canada, you must meet Canadian standards about your qualifications and language ability.

Language Requirement

The next step in your application process is the Canadian language tests. English speakers must take one of the following tests to determine their language level according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) through one of the following tests:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program: CELPIP is the leading English proficiency test in Canada. Make sure you take the CELPIP-General test.
• International English Language Testing System: IELTS is the most recognized test within the Express Entry system. Make sure to take the IELTS General Training option.
• Pearson Test of English: PTE is the faster, fairer, and simpler general English test. You must take the PTE Core option.

The IELTS score is more relevant as converting to a CLB is far easier. You need a minimum CLB score of 7 to apply for FSWP or a CLB minimum score of 5 for the FSTP. For the best chance to fulfill your IELTS requirement for Express Entry, we recommend you take our IELTS preparation course, which provides exercises and tips for preparing for the test.

It'll count towards your CRS if you can fulfill your IELTS requirement for Express Entry. There are also tests for French speakers. The best language scores are given to those who score well in English and French tests.

If you want to immigrate to Quebec, New Brunswick, or any other Canadian province with large French-speaking communities, The French tests you have to take and submit include the TEF Canada: est d’évaluation de français and TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français.

Education Requirement

A huge component in the success of your application for express entry to Canada is to pass an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). You must prove your qualifications are valid and equal to or relative to a Canadian qualification. This massively affects your final CRS score and the success of your application. If you want to apply for the FSTP, you must be assessed by a Canadian regulatory body.

Learn more about what qualifications you need to immigrate to Canada.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

When you get your CRS score, you can see if you've met the program requirements you've applied for. You’ll then enter the Express Entry pool, where you must keep up to date with the Express Entry draws. Those happen every two weeks and will alert you if you‘ve been sent an ITA for permanent residence in Canada. The CRS requirements change with each draw, so if you don't qualify for this particular draw, it doesn't mean you won't ever be eligible.

Step 4: Provide Documentation

Once you've made it through the pool and have been sent your ITA, you have 60 days to assemble the documents needed for your application to be accepted. You must have relevant, up-to-date, and valid documentation to apply for express entry to Canada.

What you’ll need is outlined in the table below.

Once everything has been scanned and uploaded to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the difficult part is done. That said, this isn't the time to relax. There are many ways to improve your CRS score to give your application its best shot.

Step 5: Keep Your Details Up To Date

Once you've completed your process, submitted your application, and improved your CRS score, the Express Entry processing time is left. The Canadian government is far more efficient than most and will likely process your application in under 6 months. There are a few things that extend the Express Entry processing time which you should watch out for, such as:

• Unverified information,
• Security or criminal issues,
• More background checks are needed,
• Unclear family situation,
• Incomplete divorce or adoption proceeding,
• Unresolved child custody issues, and
• More documentation or an interview is required.

Most of these factors stem from insufficient information from the applicant. You must keep your information or anything that could affect your CRS score updated via the IRCC Webform. Check your application status online via the IRCC secure accounts portal.

Express Entry processing times change depending on the number of applications, pressure on the system, and number of applicants allowed to receive ITAs.

Express Entry Application Costs

The Express Entry process involves several costs that you must pay for your application to be processed successfully. This is why every step of the Express Entry process must be done correctly. The costs you will incur are outlined in the table below.

FAQs

What is the Maximum Age to Be Able to Apply for Express Entry to Canada?

There is no strict maximum age limit to apply for Express Entry; however, points for age in the CRS peak at 29 years. Candidates over this age may receive fewer points, affecting their overall score. Therefore, younger applicants typically have an advantage in the ranking process.

Do I Need a Job Offer to Qualify for Express Entry?

No, a job offer is not required to qualify for Express Entry. However, having a valid job offer can significantly boost your CRS score, enhancing your chances of receiving an ITA. Many successful candidates enter the pool without a job offer.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Invitations Issued?

Yes, Canada limits the number of ITA issued during specific draws. These limits can vary based on immigration targets and policy goals. Staying informed about each draw can help you understand the current system.

What Happens After I Receive an ITA?

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence. This application must include all required documents and fees. After submission, the processing typically takes about six months, barring any additional requests for information.