Express Entry Programs

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing permanent residence applications under the economic immigration class. Introduced in 2015, it is a fast, points-based system designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy and fill labour market gaps.

At its core, Express Entry is not a program itself, but a management system for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates submit an online profile and are placed into a pool, where they are ranked against others using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded for factors such as age, education, language proficiency (English and/or French), work experience, and adaptability.

Regular draws are held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), inviting the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence. In addition to general draws, IRCC now conducts program-specific draws and category-based selection draws, which target candidates in priority occupations or with French language ability. This allows Canada to respond quickly to labour shortages in fields like healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, and education.

Express Entry is also linked with many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), enabling provinces and territories to nominate candidates directly from the pool. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

With processing times that are often faster than other immigration pathways and a flexible, transparent selection system, Express Entry remains the most popular and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada permanently.

Express Entry manages three main economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Additionally, IRCC introduced category-based draws to target candidates in specific industries or with certain skills, ensuring Canada’s workforce needs are met.

1.1 Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The FSWP is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Applicants are assessed on factors like education, language proficiency (English/French), skilled work experience, age, and adaptability.

Eligibility Highlights:

• At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
• CLB 7 in English or French.
• Educational credential equivalent to Canadian secondary or post-secondary education.
• Proof of settlement funds.

1.2 Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is designed for skilled tradespersons who want to become permanent residents.

Eligibility Highlights:

• At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
• Meet minimum language requirements (e.g. CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing in many cases)
• A valid job offer in Canada (full-time for at least one year) or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province/territory.

1.3 Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC targets individuals who already have Canadian work experience and wish to transition to permanent residence.

Eligibility Highlights:

• At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
• CLB 7 in Language
• Work experience gained while studying does not count.
• Generally, no proof of settlement funds is required

1.4 Express Entry – Category-Based Selection

Since 2023, IRCC introduced category-based draws to invite candidates who have skills in specific occupations or meet certain conditions. These targeted draws complement general Express Entry rounds.

Categories Include:

A. Healthcare Occupations
 Canada faces shortages of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Draws under this category prioritize applicants in healthcare roles.

B. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations
 To support innovation and growth, Canada targets STEM professionals, including software engineers, data scientists, and other tech roles.

C. Trades Occupations
 Skilled trades like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are in high demand across provinces.

D. Education occupations

Education areas target specific job roles to address labor shortages in the education sector. Qualified individuals with experience as teachers, early childhood educators, and teacher assistants can receive invitations to apply for permanent residence through these targeted draws,

E. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
 Farm supervisors, butchers, and food processing workers are prioritized to meet Canada’s agricultural needs.

F. French-Language Proficiency
 Candidates with strong French-language skills, regardless of occupation, are given preference to support Canada’s bilingualism and Francophone minority communities.

Eligibility Requirements per Category

To be invited under a category-based draw, you must:

• First qualify for one of the Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC)
• Have at least 6 months of full-time continuous work (or equivalent part-time) experience in a single occupation that is eligible under that category, within the past 3 years
• Meet any additional instructions specific to the draw (e.g., minimum CRS or language thresholds)

Sample Occupation Codes (2025)

Below are sample NOC / TEER codes currently eligible under categories (as per IRCC)

Express Entry PNP Process

Canada’s provinces and territories play a vital role in immigration by selecting candidates who can meet their unique labour market and demographic needs. Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), provinces can nominate skilled workers for permanent residence. When combined with Express Entry, this pathway is one of the fastest and most reliable options for candidates seeking higher CRS scores and a guaranteed Invitation to Apply (ITA).

How the Express Entry PNP Process Works

1. Create an Express Entry Profile – You must first be eligible under one of the federal programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
2. Indicate Interest in Provinces/Territories – Within your profile, you can select provinces where you’d like to live. Provinces may also search the pool for candidates who match their labour needs.
3. Receive a Provincial Nomination – If nominated, you gain 600 CRS points, which virtually guarantees an ITA in the next Express Entry draw.
4. Accepting the Nomination – You must accept the nomination in your profile; once accepted, your CRS score updates automatically.
5. ITA and PR Application – With the boosted CRS, you’ll receive an ITA, after which you submit a complete PR application through Express Entry.

Benefits of Express Entry PNP

• Drastically increases CRS score.
• Provides access to PR even if your CRS is below the general draw cut-off.
• Allows provinces to directly select candidates aligned with local labour needs (e.g., healthcare workers in Manitoba, tech workers in Ontario, or trades in Alberta).

Example: Manitoba PNP (MPNP)

Manitoba regularly invites candidates through its Skilled Worker Overseas – Express Entry Pathway and Skilled Worker in Manitoba streams. For candidates in the Express Entry pool who show strong ties to Manitoba (work, study, or family), an MPNP nomination provides a direct route to PR through enhanced Express Entry.

The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers. Whether applying through PNP, FSWP, FSTP, CEC, or a category-based draw, candidates with the right skills, experience, and adaptability have a strong chance of becoming permanent residents. With frequent draws and evolving categories, Express Entry ensures Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants who will contribute to its economy and diverse society.