One of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry system, if eligible and you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, the current processing times is just 6 months.
There are 3 Immigration programs within the Express Entry system in which you can apply:
- Canadian Experience Class: You have 1 full-year or 1560 hours (30 hrs per week) of Canadian work experience in a NOC Teer 0, 1, 2 or 3 category and have English language scores of CLB 7 for Teer 0 and Teer 1 occupations and CLB 5 for Teer 2 or Teer 3 occupations.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: You have 1 full-year or 1560 hours of paid and continuous foreign work experience in a NOC Teer 0,1,2 or 3 category and choose this as your primary occupation in the immigration application. Must be a high school graduate and need CLB 7 in all four language abilities. Once you have met these minimum criteria to be eligible for FSW, your selection factors are assigned points out of 100. Currently, the cut-off points to be qualify you for FSW is 67 points. If you meet this score, you can submit your Express Entry profile.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: 2 years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled trade for which you are qualified to practice in, in following NOC groups (72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93), Minor Group 6320 and Unit group 62200. Either have a full-time 1-year job offer or a certificate of qualification. You have CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
If you meet the requirements for one of these programs, you can create an online profile in the Express entry system to enter its pool. The system will assign you points based on your qualifications; this is known as the CRS Score. IRCC usually conducts draws every 2 weeks, where they invite people to apply for permanent residence. Each draw contains the category under which the draw is being conducted and information regarding the required minimum CRS score.
In 2026, IRCC also has some special category-based draws in which they will invite applicants based on their French Skills, work experience in a special occupation or their educational background. These categories are based on what labour shortage we are facing.
Currently the following categories have been selected, please refer to the link to see if your occupation is listed:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- STEM occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Education occupations
- Physicians with Canadian work experience
You have to do nothing extra to be considered for these categories, as long as you meet the minimum criteria for one of the Express Entry programs and have the relevant experience or language skills you could be invited.
Q/A:
1. How does Express Entry work?
Once you meet the eligibility criteria for one of three programs you can create your profile in the Express Entry system by filling out the online questionnaire. Once submitted, the system assigns you points known as CRS score. They also check to make sure you meet eligibility for the program you’re applying under. Once approved, you will be issued an ITA when the CRS score cut-off includes your score.
2. How are category-based draws conducted?
IRCC has established the categories and the NOC Codes which they want to take out focused draws against. They do not tell you beforehand when to expect a specific draw. These draws are informed by labour market shortages and what government wishes to focus on.
3. Is studying French going to make it easier to get an ITA through Express Entry?
This year IRCC has stated their commitment to ensuring they welcome large numbers of Francophone skilled workers to Canada. To be eligible to get an ITA under the French Category you must have CLB 7 in an approved French language test and meet the minimum requirements for one of the Express Entry Programs.
4. What language scores do I need for Express Entry?
To be eligible for FSW you need CLB 7 in all four abilities and for CEC, you need CLB 7 for Teer 0 and 1 job, and CLB 5 for Teer 2 and 3 jobs.
5. I am expecting my ITA soon, what documents should I have ready?
Depending upon what type of program you are applying under and for what qualifications you are claiming points for, you should have any foreign education credential assessed through IRCC verified organizations, make sure your English language scores will be valid and you have your employment letters, payslips and tax documents organized for your work experiences. If you country has a lengthy process to issue to a Police Clearance Certificate, make sure you get a ahead start on it as well.
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