A streamlined, points-based immigration system for skilled workers, professionals, and tradespeople.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship permanent residency application system for skilled workers. It manages the intake and selection of candidates through a centralized, points-based model that prioritizes applicants most likely to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Introduced in 2015, Express Entry governs three federal immigration programs:
● Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
● Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
● Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
How Express Entry Works ?
Candidates create an online profile and are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on key factors:
● Age
● Education
● Language proficiency (English and/or French)
● Skilled work experience
● Canadian work/study history
● Valid job offer or provincial nomination (optional)
● Spouse/adaptability factors
● IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool. Candidates with the highest CRS scores—or those who meet a specific category-based requirement—receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Category-Based Selection Draws
In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based selection draws under Express Entry. These draws allow IRCC to invite candidates who meet targeted labor market or language needs—even if their CRS score is below general cut-off thresholds.
Current Express Entry Categories (2024–2025):
● Healthcare occupations
● STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) occupations
● Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters)
● Transport occupations (e.g., truck drivers, aircraft mechanics)
● Agriculture and agri-food occupations
● French-language proficiency (outside Quebec)
To be invited in a category-based draw, you must:
● Be eligible under one of the three Express Entry programs (CEC, FSW, or FST)
● Have a valid Express Entry profile
● Meet all requirements of the specific category
These draws allow Canada to quickly address critical skills shortages and improve regional labor market alignment.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For individuals with at least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years. Requires CLB 7 (for NOC TEER 0/1) or CLB 5 (for TEER 2/3) in English or French.
Ideal for:
● International graduates with Post-Graduate Work Permits
● Temporary foreign workers currently employed in Canada
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
For skilled professionals outside Canada with at least 1 year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation. Applicants are assessed on a 100-point selection grid (must score 67+ points) before entering the Express Entry pool.
Ideal for:
● Skilled foreign professionals
● Applicants with high education, strong English/French, and no Canadian experience
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
For qualified tradespeople with at least 2 years of full-time skilled trade work experience in the last 5 years. Requires either a valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial authority.
Ideal for:
● Cooks, butchers, electricians, welders, mechanics, and other Red Seal or trade-certified workers
Start Your Express Entry Journey Today
Sapra Immigration offers RCIC-led support for Express Entry profile creation, CRS optimization, category-based strategy, and full PR application submission. Whether you are applying from within Canada or abroad, we are here to help you succeed.