Overview of the Express Entry System
Express Entry draws are an integral part of Canada’s immigration system, determining which candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence. It’s a points-based immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Candidates create an online profile and are entered into the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Language proficiency (English and/or French)
- Work experience (both in Canada and abroad)
- Spouse or common-law partner factors
- Additional points for Canadian education, a valid job offer, provincial nomination, or French language skills
How Express Entry Draws Work
- Regular Draws
- The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, usually every two weeks, to invite candidates to apply for permanent residence.
- In each draw, a minimum CRS score is set, and candidates with scores equal to or above this threshold receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- The number of ITAs issued in each draw varies based on immigration targets and labor market needs.
- CRS Score Cutoff
- The CRS cutoff score is determined by the number of ITAs the government plans to issue and the distribution of CRS scores in the pool.
- If the CRS score cutoff is lower than a candidate’s score, they will receive an ITA.
- Tie-Breaking Rule
- In cases where multiple candidates have the same CRS score, a tie-breaking rule is applied based on the date and time the candidate submitted their Express Entry profile.
- Candidates who submitted their profiles earlier are prioritized.
- Targeted Draws
- Occasionally, the government conducts targeted draws for specific programs, occupations, or categories, such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- These draws may have different CRS score requirements and are designed to address specific labor market needs.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws
- Provinces and territories can nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool through their PNPs, adding 600 points to the nominee’s CRS score.
- Candidates with a provincial nomination are almost guaranteed an ITA in the next draw due to the significant boost in their CRS score.
