How Express Entry Works: A Plain-Language Overview

Express Entry is the online system Canada uses to manage applications for several federal economic immigration programs, including the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Candidates who meet the minimum requirements of at least one program create a profile and enter a pool. Profiles are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which considers factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.

Periodic draws invite selected candidates to apply for permanent residence. Some draws are general; others target specific categories. An invitation is not an approval — the full application and supporting documents are then assessed.

Because draw patterns and categories change, a profile strategy should be reviewed against current requirements rather than past results.