Express Entry Canada: Complete Guide for 2025

Express Entry is Canada's main immigration system for skilled workers. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system managing applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Core Factors (Maximum 600 points)

Age (Maximum 110 points)

• 20-29 years: 110 points
• 18-19: 99-105 points
• 30: 105 points
• 31-39: 95-99 points (decreasing)
• 40+: Decreasing points

Education (Maximum 150 points)

• Doctorate: 150 points
• Master's: 135 points
• Two or more degrees: 128 points
• Bachelor's: 120 points
• Three-year diploma: 98 points

Official Languages (Maximum 160 points)

• First language (English/French)
• Second language bonus

Canadian Work Experience (Maximum 80 points)

• 1 year: 40 points
• 2 years: 53 points
• 3+ years: 64-80 points

Additional Points (Maximum 600)

• Provincial nomination: 600 points
• Job offer (LMIA): 50-200 points
• Canadian education: 15-30 points
• French language: 25-50 points
• Sibling in Canada: 15 points

Eligibility Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker

Minimum Requirements:

• 1 year continuous work experience
• NOC 0, A, or B occupation
• Language: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 each)
• Education: High school minimum
• Proof of funds
• 67/100 points on selection factors

Canadian Experience Class

Requirements:

• 1 year Canadian work experience
• In last 3 years
• NOC 0, A, or B
• Language: CLB 7 (NOC 0, A) or CLB 5 (NOC B)
• Plan to live outside Quebec

Federal Skilled Trades

Requirements:

• 2 years work experience in skilled trade
• In last 5 years
• Meet job requirements
• Valid job offer OR certificate of qualification
• Language: CLB 5 speaking/listening, CLB 4 reading/writing

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Meet minimum requirements
• Calculate CRS score
• Ensure you qualify

Step 2: Create Express Entry Profile

• Complete online profile
• Provide all information accurately
• Enter Express Entry pool

Step 3: Improve CRS Score (if needed)

• Take language tests
• Get education assessed
• Gain work experience
• Consider provincial nomination

Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• Regular draws from pool
• Highest scores invited
• 60 days to submit application

Step 5: Submit PR Application

• Provide all documents
• Police certificates
• Medical exams
• Pay fees (CAD $1,365)

Step 6: Wait for Decision

• Processing time: 6 months
• May request additional documents
• Receive Confirmation of PR (COPR)

CRS Score Trends (January 2025 Update)

Recent cut-offs (Latest 2025 rounds):

• General all-program draws: 535-549 (significantly increased)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 690-750 (requires nomination)
• Category-based draws:
  • Healthcare occupations: 430-450
  • STEM occupations: 480-500
  • Trades occupations: 435-455
  • French language proficiency: 365-400
  • Transport occupations: 430-445

Important 2025 Changes:

• General draws now less frequent; category-based draws prioritized
• French speakers continue to have significant advantage
• Provincial nomination (+600 points) increasingly important
• Focus on specific occupation categories aligns with Canada's labor market needs

How to Improve CRS Score (2025 Strategies)

1. Language Tests: Aim for CLB 9+ (IELTS 7.0+) or CLB 10 (IELTS 8.0+); retake to maximize scores in all four skills
2. French Language: Learn French! Bilingual candidates (English + French CLB 7+) gain 50+ additional points - huge advantage in 2025
3. Provincial Nomination: +600 points (virtually guarantees ITA); research PNP streams actively
4. Job Offer: LMIA-supported job offer adds 50-200 points depending on NOC level
5. Education: Get highest degree assessed; consider Canadian credential for 15-30 bonus points
6. Canadian Work Experience: Even 1 year of Canadian work experience is valuable (up to 80 points for 3+ years)
7. Work Experience Optimization: Ensure you claim all eligible overseas work experience
8. Sibling in Canada: 15 points if you have a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or PR
9. Age Optimization: Submit while in the 20-29 age bracket for maximum age points (110 points)
10. Category-Based Strategy: Target specific category-based draws if you qualify (Healthcare, STEM, Trades, French, Transport)

Costs (2025 Updated)

• Language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF): CAD $320-$450
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD $220-$350
• Application processing fee: CAD $1,525 (main applicant) - increased April 2024
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $515
• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
• Medical examinations: CAD $300-$550 per person
• Police certificates: CAD $50-$200 per country
• Migration consultant (optional): CAD $3,000-$10,000
• Total estimated: CAD $3,500-$5,500 for single applicant (without consultant)

Timeline

• Profile to ITA: 1-12 months (depends on CRS)
• Application processing: 6 months
• Total: 8-18 months

Provincial Nomination Programs

If CRS score is low, consider PNP:

• Ontario (OINP)
• British Columbia (BC PNP)
• Alberta (AINP)
• Saskatchewan (SINP)
• Nova Scotia (NSNP)

Each province has different streams and requirements.

Tips for Success

1. Maximize CRS: Aim for 470+ points
2. Both Languages: Learn French for bonus points
3. Canadian Experience: Working holiday or study can help
4. Provincial Nomination: Research PNP options
5. Job Bank: Register for potential job offers
6. Stay Updated: Keep profile current

Calculate your CRS score and get personalized recommendations with our free Canada assessment tool.