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Central Alberta, Canada
Immigration Pathways Federal points-based system

Express Entry

Canada’s main system for skilled worker immigration, actually three programs in one.

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At a glance

Job offer required?
No
Leads to
Permanent residence
Run by
Federal

What It Is

Express Entry isn’t a single program. It’s a system that manages applications for three federal programs at once.

The Three Programs

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For skilled workers, generally with experience gained outside Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For qualified tradespeople with trades experience.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For workers who already have recent, skilled Canadian work experience.

How Candidates Get Invited

Candidates who qualify for at least one of these three programs enter a shared pool and are ranked using a point system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The government periodically invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Who It’s For

Skilled workers who meet the requirements of at least one of the three programs. This can include people with no Canadian ties, people already working in Canada, or people with Canadian trades experience.

Job Offer Required?

No. You can enter the pool without one. However, a valid Canadian job offer can add points to your CRS score, and some rounds of invitations specifically target candidates with certain occupations, French-language ability, or other attributes.

What It Leads To

Permanent residence, directly. Express Entry does not lead to a temporary work permit first.

Step by step

How the Process Generally Works

  • Candidate
  • IRCC invites
  • Candidate
  1. 1

    Candidate

    Confirm you meet the requirements of at least one of the three programs.

  2. 2

    Candidate

    Create an Express Entry profile and receive a CRS score.

  3. 3

    IRCC invites

    Wait in the pool. The government periodically invites top-ranked candidates.

  4. 4

    Candidate

    If invited, submit a full application for permanent residence.

Good to Know

CRS score cutoffs move around with each round of invitations and are not predictable in advance. The government also runs targeted “category-based” rounds for specific groups (for example, healthcare workers, tradespeople, or French speakers), which sometimes have lower cutoffs than general rounds.

Important to Know

Express Entry requirements, CRS scoring, and invitation rounds are set by the federal government and change frequently, sometimes month to month. This page describes the general shape of the system. It does not guarantee that any individual will receive an invitation or qualify for permanent residence. Speak with a licensed immigration professional to find out whether this pathway fits your specific situation.

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Other pathways

See all pathways
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Permanent residence Rural Renewal Stream Permanent residence Employer-Driven Pathway (LMIA) Temporary work permit Francophone Mobility Temporary work permit Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Temporary open work permit

Speak with a licensed immigration professional.

Find out whether this pathway fits your specific situation.

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