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Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing and selecting applications for permanent residence from skilled workers around the world. It is a fast, points-based method designed to bring in individuals who are likely to succeed economically in Canada. Rather than processing thousands of separate immigration streams in a disorganized manner, Canada utilizes Express Entry to centralize, rank, and invite the most qualified candidates.

When you apply through Express Entry, you don’t apply directly for permanent residence at first. Instead, you submit a profile, enter a pool of candidates, get ranked based on a points system (called CRS), and if your score is high enough, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After that, you send a full application for PR. By sorting the strongest candidates first, Express Entry helps Canada meet economic immigration goals more efficiently.

Key features:

It handles three federal immigration streams (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class) under one roof.
It is mostly online (you create and manage your profile through IRCC’s portal).
Many successful applications are processed in under six months once the full application is submitted.
Your profile stays valid for 12 months in the pool; if not selected, you can reapply after expiry.

Express Entry is not just a program, but the backbone of Canada’s modern economic immigration strategy.

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Express Entry Program

The Express Entry program is actually a management system that handles three separate federal immigration programs. The idea is: those three programs are how you immigrate, but Express Entry is how Canada chooses among many applicants. Let’s go deeper into the programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
– This is for applicants who have work experience (in or outside Canada) in a skilled occupation (classified under NOC / TEER categories).
– You don’t need Canadian work experience.
– You need to meet minimum thresholds (education, language, work experience, points) to be eligible.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
– Designed for skilled trade workers (e.g. electricians, carpenters, welders).
– You usually need a job offer or a certificate of qualification in that trade from a Canadian province.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
– For people who already have skilled work experience in Canada (for example, international students who worked post-graduation).
– In many cases, this path is easier because the applicant has already adapted to Canadian work.
All three “programs” feed into the Express Entry system. You don’t apply to one directly; you apply via Express Entry, and the system determines which program(s) you qualify under. If you qualify under more than one, Express Entry will assign you to the first one in this order for invitation: CEC → FSWP → FSTP.

Express Entry System

Let’s see how Canada organises its immigration system for skilled workers. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of its mechanics:

How the system works (step by step)

Eligibility check & document preparation –Start by confirming if you qualify for one of the following programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Once confirmed, gather key documents—passport, language test scores, educational credential assessments, and proof of work experience.
Create an Express Entry profile – You fill in your personal, education, work, language, and other data in the IRCC portal and submit your profile to the Express Entry pool.
Ranking (CRS) – Your profile is scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You are compared to all other candidates in the pool. The system ranks everyone. Key factors include age, education, language skills, work experience, and “additional factors”.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) draws – Periodically, IRCC holds draws — they set a cutoff score, and invite candidates whose CRS is above that cutoff to apply for permanent residence. There are general draws, program-specific draws, and category-based draws (for example, selecting candidates based on occupation, language, etc.).
Submit full application (after ITA) – If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a full application with all supporting documents (medical, police, etc.). IRCC examines your case, performs background checks, and makes a decision.
Decision & landing – If approved, you get Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if needed, a visa to travel to Canada. Then you “land” as a PR (you settle in Canada).

Key system features & rules

Profile validity

Your Express Entry profile stays valid for 12 months. If not selected by then, your profile expires. You can submit a fresh one after expiry.

Updating profile

You can update your profile (language test, new work experience, changed family status) while in the pool — your ranking may change.

Ineligibility conditions

If your language test expires, your education credentials expire, or you lose required experience, your profile can become invalid.

Category-based selection

Some draws target candidates with certain attributes (e.g. French language, specific occupations). Only those who meet criteria plus score get invited.

Tie breakers

If multiple candidates share the same CRS score, IRCC uses the time and date of profile submission to break ties — earlier submissions get priority.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Work experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the last 10 years.

Language: Minimum of CLB 7 (for English or French) in all four skills (speaking, reading, listening, writing).

Education: A Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate; or a foreign credential with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm equivalence.

Proof of funds: You must show money to support yourself and your dependents unless you already have valid job offer or work in Canada.

67-point selection threshold: Among six selection factors (age, education, work, language, adaptability, etc.), you must score at least 67 points to qualify.

A valid job offer is optional, but if you have one, it can boost your CRS points.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Work experience in trade: At least 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) experience in a trade (classified under NOC / TEER 2 or 3).

Job offer or certificate: You usually need a full-time job offer for a period of at least one year in Canada or a certificate of qualification in that trade from a Canadian authority.

Language ability: CLB 5 for speaking/listening; CLB 4 for reading/writing.

No education requirement: You do not necessarily need post-secondary education (but education can improve your point score).

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Work experience in Canada: At least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years, in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 occupations; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 (depending on job).

Education: No formal education requirement to apply, but having it gives you extra CRS points.

Job offer: Not required. CEC is ideal for people already working in Canada.

Thus, once you satisfy one of these three eligibility routes, you can enter Express Entry.

Other important criteria

Age: Younger applicants get more points (e.g. in their 20s to early 30s).

Language tests: Only tests approved by IRCC (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.) are accepted; results valid for 2 years.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For educational credentials earned abroad, an ECA from a recognized body is needed to prove equivalency to Canadian standards.

Proof of funds: The required amount changes yearly; IRCC publishes updated figures.

Admissibility: Even if you meet eligibility, you must pass criminal, security, medical, and immigration checks to be admissible to Canada.

NOC / TEER classification: Your work must align with recognized National Occupation Classification (NOC) categories (TEER levels) for eligibility.

Because eligibility is so crucial, high-quality consultants like GIEC GLOBAL (Sri Lanka) help you verify your credentials, choose the right program, avoid mistakes, and increase your chances. Their local expertise ensures your documents meet Canadian standards.

Express Entry Immigrate As A Skilled Worker

One of the main motivations for people to use Express Entry is to immigrate as a skilled worker. Let’s deep-dive into how this path works in practice:

Why choose Express Entry for skilled workers

It is comparatively fast; many selected applications are processed in under 6 months.
You do not always need a job offer to qualify; FSWP and CEC allow you to apply without one (though having one helps your ranking).
It is merit-based: your education, language, experience, and adaptability matter.
It gives you and your family permanent residence; you can live, work, and study in any province (with some provincial programs tied to Express Entry).

How the skilled worker path unfolds (overview)
Decide which program fits (FSWP or CEC, depending on your situation).
Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility under that program (work experience, language, education).
Gather all documentation to prove your credentials.
Create your Express Entry profile and enter the pool.
Get CRS score and await draws.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score qualifies.
Submit a full PR application (with supporting proof).
Await decision & land in Canada as a permanent resident.

Express Entry Cost

Understanding cost is essential so applicants aren’t surprised. These are the official fees and associated costs you must budget for.

Government (IRCC) fees:

These are the mandatory fees you pay to Canada’s immigration authority:

Principal applicant (you): CAD 1,525 (this includes processing and right of permanent residence)
Spouse / common-law partner: CAD 1,525 (if accompanying)
Dependent child: CAD 260 per child
Biometrics fee: Standard IRCC biometrics fee (if required)

Additional costs sometimes: police checks, translation, medical exam, etc.
Note: IRCC updated some fees after April 2024, so if you started early, you might need to pay the difference.

Associated / Indirect Costs

These are critical but are charged by external parties:

Language test cost (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) cost (via WES or other bodies)
Medical exam charges
Police/background checks
Document translation/notarization
Courier/shipping costs
Consultant/immigration lawyer fees (if you choose to hire one)

Consulting fees can vary widely. GIEC GLOBAL in Sri Lanka offers guidance packages for Express Entry applicants; fees depend on the level of service (document review, full representation, coaching). Many applicants find this value worthwhile to reduce mistakes, improve success, and save time.

Age

You get the highest points in your 20s and early 30s.

After ~35, your points for age decline.

There’s no strict “cutoff age,” but your score will be lower if you are older.

Education & ECA

Your highest achieved degree, diploma, certificate matters.

If your education was earned outside Canada, you need an ECA to show it is equivalent to a Canadian credential.

ECA evaluation bodies include WES, ICAS, and others recognized by IRCC.

The better your credential (e.g. master’s, doctorate), the more points you can earn.

Language proficiency

You must take an IRCC-approved test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF/TCF for French).

Your result is measured in Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.

For FSWP and many others, you need CLB 7 as a baseline.

Higher scores (CLB 9 or above) can significantly boost your CRS.

Language test results are valid for 2 years — after expiry, you must retake.

Work experience

For FSWP: 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work in a skilled NOC / TEER category.

For FSTP: 2 years in a trade, plus job offer or certificate.

For CEC: at least 1 year of Canadian experience in the last 3 years.

Your reference letters should clearly state your job duties, dates, hours worked, position title, employer information. Vague letters cause issues.

Proof of funds

IRCC updates the required amount yearly based on family size and cost of living.

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada unless you already have a valid job offer or work in Canada.

Acceptable proof: bank statements, term deposit, investment records, etc.

Admissibility & background checks

You must be medically fit (medical examination)

You must have clear police / criminal record

Must be admissible to Canada (no security, criminal, or immigration violations).

Other adaptability / bonus factors

Spouse/partner’s education and language skills can add points

Having a sibling in Canada

Provincial nomination (PNP) gives you 600 CRS bonus points

Strong French language ability

Previous study or work in Canada

New changes to note (2025 onward)

As of March 25, 2025, job offers no longer provide CRS points for many candidates (though some exceptions remain).

Because of this change, candidates must focus more on language, education, and experience rather than relying on job offers.

Draw categories are evolving: category-based selection (e.g. by occupation or language) is now used.

Understanding these criteria clearly helps your website visitors see what they must do (or upgrade) to become strong candidates.

Choose us as your trusted Canada Immigration consultant

When it comes to working with Canada’s Express Entry system, GIEC GLOBAL Sri Lanka is someone you can have faith in. As a reliable Canada immigration consultant, we have empowered many individuals and families to take confident steps towards building their future in Canada. With several years of experience, we help you understand what is often seen as a complicated, cumbersome, and exhaustive process.

Expertise You Can Rely On

We understand the Canadian immigration requirements and the Sri Lankan documents involved, be it educational transcripts or police clearances. As a Canada visa agent in Sri Lanka, there is no other agent in the district you live in that can claim to have a better insight on the current changes in Canadian immigration policies or documentation, thereby ensuring that you have the best CRS score possible on your application.

Individual and Hassle-Free Service

Rest assured that your application is in safe hands. We conduct an in-depth evaluation of your educational background, work experience, and language proficiency scores to help you in your Canada immigration application so you do not have to worry about mistakes that could cause delays.

Complete Guidance from Start to Finish

Whether you’re creating your Express Entry profile or submitting your final PR application, our consultants guide you step-by-step. We assist with:

Profile creation and CRS strategy
Document preparation and translation
Job offer and PNP guidance
Post-ITA application support

We handle administrative tasks so you can focus on improving your profile and preparing for your new life in Canada.

Transparent Costs and Proven Results

GIEC GLOBAL takes pride in helping Sri Lanks professionals, students and families obtain their Canada PR through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and study/work permits. Our reviews and success rates tell a clear story. We provide straightforward pricing, and there are no hidden fees. Fully loaded same as said.

GIEC GLOBAL provides unparalleled assistance for Express Entry and takes pride in being a pioneer in systems during the innovative stages. Launched in 2015, the Express Entry system was designed to strengthen the Canadian economy with skilled immigrants in the following three categories: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.

At GIEC GLOBAL, Canada immigration consultants in both Canada and Sri Lanka provide comprehensive support to streamline your immigration journey.