Canada is changing its economic immigration programs to give more opportunities to prospective skilled immigrants. Starting January 2015, skilled foreign workers will have access to Express Entry, which will cover Canada’s key economic immigration programs:
- the Federal Skilled Worker Program,
- the Federal Skilled Trades Program,
- the Canadian Experience Class, and
- A portion of Provincial Nominee Programs
How Express Entry Works
Step 1
Potential candidates create an online Express Entry profile
Express your interest in coming to Canada as a skilled foreign worker. Starting in January 2015, create an online Express Entry profile and tell us about your skills, work experience, language ability, education and other details.
Before doing this, you will need to take a language test in English or French. If you were educated outside of Canada, you may also need to have your education assessed against Canadian standards. More information on language and education assessments is available online.
If you meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs subject to Express Entry, you will be placed in a pool of pre-screened candidates.
If you do not already have a Canadian job offer or a nomination from a province/territory, you must register with the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. Job Bank is an easy, online search tool that will help you get matched with jobs in Canada based on your skills, knowledge and experience.
Express Entry Pool
You will be given a score to determine your place in the Express Entry pool using a Comprehensive Ranking System that includes factors known to contribute to economic success (such as language, education, and work experience).
There will be regular draws of candidates from the Express Entry pool, inviting them to apply for permanent residence. Candidates with the highest scores, including those who have a valid job offer or a provincial/territorial nomination, will be invited to apply.
Your Express Entry profile will be valid for 12 months. During that time, you will need to update your profile if circumstances change, such as your level of education or language test results.
Important: Filling out an online Express Entry profile is not a guarantee that you will qualify for permanent residence. If you are invited to apply for permanent residence, information provided in your Express Entry profile will be verified at that time.
Step 2
Selected candidates are invited to submit an electronic application for permanent residence
You will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence if you:
- have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada (subject to the Labour Market Impact Assessment process in place at that time);
- have been nominated by a province or territory; or
- are among the top ranked in the pool based on your skills and experience.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada will process the majority of complete permanent residence applications received within six months or less.
Candidates in the Express Entry pool who do not receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence after 12 months can resubmit their profile and re-enter the pool if they still meet the criteria.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteria – Express Entry
Summary of maximum points per factor for Express Entry candidates
| Factors | Points per factor – With a spouse or common-law partner | Points per factor – Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Level of education | 140 | 150 |
| Official languages proficiency | 150 | 160 |
| Canadian work experience | 70 | 80 |
| Factors | Points per factor (Maximum 40 points) |
|---|---|
| Level of education | 10 |
| Official language proficiency | 20 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 10 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500 points (with OR without a spouse or common-law partner)
| Education | Points per factor (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency and a post-secondary degree | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree | 50 |
| Foreign work experience | Points per factor (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level 7 or higher) and foreign work experience | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and foreign work experience | 50 |
| Certificate of qualification (for people in trade occupations) | Points per factor (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency and a certificate of qualification | 50 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Transferability factors = Maximum 600 points
| Factor | Points per factor |
|---|---|
| Post-secondary education in Canada | 30 |
| Arranged employment | 200 |
| PN nomination | 600 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors + C. Transferability factors + D. Additional points = Grand total – Maximum 1,200 points
Points breakdown, section by section
CRS – A. Core / human capital factors
- With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 460 points total for all factors.
- Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 500 points total for all factors.
| Age | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 100 points) |
Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 110 points) |
|---|---|---|
| 17 years of age or less | 0 | 0 |
| 18 years of age | 90 | 99 |
| 19 years of age | 95 | 105 |
| 20 to 29 years of age | 100 | 110 |
| 30 years of age | 95 | 105 |
| 31 years of age | 90 | 99 |
| 32 years of age | 85 | 94 |
| 33 years of age | 80 | 88 |
| 34 years of age | 75 | 83 |
| 35 years of age | 70 | 77 |
| 36 years of age | 65 | 72 |
| 37 years of age | 60 | 66 |
| 38 years of age | 55 | 61 |
| 39 years of age | 50 | 55 |
| 40 years of age | 45 | 50 |
| 41 years of age | 35 | 39 |
| 42 years of age | 25 | 28 |
| 43 years of age | 15 | 17 |
| 44 years of age | 5 | 6 |
| 45 years of age or more | 0 | 0 |
| Level of Education | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 140 points) |
Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 150 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than secondary school (high school) | 0 | 0 |
| Secondary diploma (high school graduation) | 28 | 30 |
| One-year degree, diploma or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 84 | 90 |
| Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 91 | 98 |
| Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 112 | 120 |
| Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 119 | 128 |
| Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree,” the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) | 126 | 135 |
| Doctoral level university degree (Ph.D.) | 140 | 150 |
Official languages proficiency – first official language
Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):
- 32 with a spouse or common-law partner
- 34 without a spouse or common-law partner
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 128 points) |
Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 136 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than CLB 4 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 8 | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 16 | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 22 | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 29 | 31 |
| CLB 10 or more | 32 | 34 |
Official languages proficiency – second official language
Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):
- 6 with a spouse or common-law partner (up to a combined maximum of 22 points)
- 6 without a spouse or common-law partner (up to a combined maximum of 24 points)
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 22 points) |
Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 24 points) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 or less | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
| CLB 9 or more | 6 | 6 |
| Canadian work experience | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 70 points) |
Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 80 points) |
|---|---|---|
| None or less than a year | 0 | 0 |
| 1 year | 35 | 40 |
| 2 years | 46 | 53 |
| 3 years | 56 | 64 |
| 4 years | 63 | 72 |
| 5 years or more | 70 | 80 |
Subtotal: A. Core / human capital factors
- With a spouse or common-law partner – Maximum 460 points
- Without a spouse or common-law partner – Maximum 500 points
CRS – B. Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)
| Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education | With spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 10 points) |
Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than secondary school (high school) | 0 | n/a |
| Secondary school (high school graduation) | 2 | n/a |
| One-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 6 | n/a |
| Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical in school, or other institute | 7 | n/a |
| Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 8 | n/a |
| Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 9 | n/a |
| Master’s degree, or professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree”, the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) | 10 | n/a |
| Doctoral level university degree (PhD) | 10 | n/a |
Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.
Spouse’s or common-law partner’s official languages proficiency – first official language
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening ) | Maximum 20 points for section Maximum 5 points per ability |
Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 or less | 0 | n/a |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | n/a |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | n/a |
| CLB 9 or more | 5 | n/a |
Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.
| Spouse’s Canadian work experience | Maximum 10 points | Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply) |
|---|---|---|
| None or less than a year | 0 | n/a |
| 1 year | 5 | n/a |
| 2 years | 7 | n/a |
| 3 years | 8 | n/a |
| 4 years | 9 | n/a |
| 5 years or more | 10 | n/a |
Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.
Subtotal : A. Core / human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500 points
CRS – C. Skill transferability factors (Maximum 100 points for this section)
Education
| With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 7 or higher) and a post-secondary degree | Points for CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, with one or more under CLB 9 (Maximum 25 points) |
Points for CLB 9 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary school (high school) credential or less | 0 | 0 |
| Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer | 25 | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree | Points for education + 1 year of Canadian work experience (Maximum 25 points) |
Points for education + 2 years or more of Canadian work experience (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary school (high school) credential or less | 0 | 0 |
| Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer | 25 | 50 |
Foreign work experience – With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 7 or higher)
| Years of experience | Points for foreign work experience + CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under 9 (Maximum 25 points) |
Points for foreign work experience + CLB 9 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|---|
| No foreign work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 years or more of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
Foreign work experience – With Canadian work experience
| Years of experience | Points for foreign work experience + 1 year of Canadian work experience (Maximum 25 points) |
Points for foreign work experience + 2 years or more of Canadian work experience (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|---|
| No foreign work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 years or more of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
| Certificate of qualification (trade occupations) – With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 5 or higher) | Points for certificate of qualification + CLB 5 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under 7 (Maximum 25 points) |
Points for certificate of qualification + CLB 7 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|---|
| With a certificate of qualification | 25 | 50 |
Subtotal: A. Core / human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Skill transferability factors – Maximum 600 points
CRS – D. Additional points (Maximum 600 points)
| Additional points | Maximum 600 points |
|---|---|
| Brother or sister living in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada | 15 |
| Scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and scored CLB 4 or lower in English (or didn’t take an English test) | 15 |
| Scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills | 30 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada – credential of one or two years | 15 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada – credential three years or longer | 30 |
| Arranged employment – NOC 00 | 200 |
| Arranged employment – any other NOC 0, A or B | 50 |
| Provincial or territorial nomination | 600 |
Subtotal: D. Additional points – Maximum 600 points
Grand total: A. Core / human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Skill transferability factors + D. Additional points = Maximum 1,200 points
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One of our licensed immigration consultants can speak with you in person, online or on the phone about your unique immigration situation and give you a breakdown of your options.
I had completed my three year diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Guwahati, India in 1998. Please advise if I can get an ECA done for this education qualification in order to increase my CRS score for Express Entry.
Hi
I got 6 in reading 7 in listening 6.5 in speaking and 7.5 in writing am 42 years working in middle management am I eligible for PR through express entry
Hello CICS Immigration Team
I hope you are doing great. Speaking of immigration, i would like to ask two question regarding education. I have US Masters degree how do I evaluate it for immigration purpose or do I get any extra point for this. Currently I am doing CPA (certified public accountant) in Massachusetts. My second question, is there any benefit to have CPA certification for immigration purpose. I would like to inform you that originally I am from Bangladesh and now I am in OPT under F-1 student in USA. I would really appreciate it, if you address my concerns.
Thank you
Seek an accepted organization to assess your education. You can also contact CICS Immigration and set-up a time for a consultation to maximize your chances in immigration to Canada.
Hi everybody.
I got the followong result in IELTS: L: 7, R: 7.5, W: 6.5, S: 6.5 plus i have a bachelor degree and i´m 40 years old, when i took the test for the express entry at the end says i didn´t reach the necesary points to be on the pool candidate. If the minimum for the IELTS is 6.5 on each test for the FSW, why i always say that i can´t apply for the express entry?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, I recently wrote the IELTS and my score was as follows; Reading-9, listening-9, speaking-8.5 and writing-7. With this I understand I’m eligible for the process. I’m a medical Dr.
I am currently single but will be getting married in about a year’s time. I was wondering if I should start my application now or wait till I get married. Will getting married help or hurt my scores? And if I were to apply as single, will I be able to get my spouse involved later on in the process such that both of us will be able to get permanent residence? Pls reply.
Hello,
Can you tell us please, if we are spouse/common in law and we going to apply the EE, if it’s neсessary to add information about each other in our separate profiles. If we don’t do this can we go together when one of us will be selected?
Thank you in advance!
Hello, Both myself and husband have completed the IELTS & ECA with over 6 band in IELTS. Our ECA are equivalent to Master & Bachelors degree accordingly. We are trying to complete a provincial nomination application wherein my husband will be the Principal applicant as his NOC is currently opened. Please can you clarify where he will fall with regards to his Bachelors degree of 4 years as I dont seem to have that option… (Below 6 options refers). Thank you
1) University – doctoral level degree or equivalent (PhD)
2) University degree at the Master’s level or equal OR university level
entry-to-practice professional degree (or equal). Occupation related
to the degree must be NOC 2011 Skill Level A, and
-licensed by a provincial regulatory body.
Must be in one of these fields of study: Medicine, Veterinary
Medicine, Dentistry, Podiatry, Optometry, Law, Chiropractic
Medicine or Pharmacy.
3) Canadian post- secondary – two or more degrees, diplomas or
equivalent for a program of at least three years
4) Canadian post-secondary – one degree or diploma or equivalent for
a program of at least three years
5) Post-secondary degree or diploma for a two-year program, or equal. 19
Canadian post-secondary degree, diploma or equivalent for a oneyear
program
6) Canadian high school diploma or equivalent 5
I see that my Overall Score CSR score went down from 308 to 303.
Specifically, I see CRS – Human Capital – Age went down from 65 – 60.
This is very frustrating. CIC/Scoring System did the same thing last year immediately after 27th June(Birthday) and my Express Entry profile went inactive
Questions
1. Are they looking for skilled and experienced worker? Then its obvious as experience increases the age would also increase/grow (Directly Proportional).
2. How can one control his age? Why/How does age matter ? How do CIC Employees/Staff control their age?
Regards
Hiten
CIC’s reasoning is that the younger you are, the better chance you have at succeeding in Canada. Hence the age factor. You can’t control age, but you can control your language level.
Hi CIC Members,
Hi CIC Member,
I have got the below mentioned scores in IELTS, Please let me know which provenance will accept my score.So that I can apply for PNP for the same and also enter into the express entry
Listening – 6.0
Reading – 5.5
Speaking – 6.5
Writing – 6.0
Overall – 6
With Regards
P.Sanjay Sarma
Hi team,
My IELTS score is over all band 5.5 . Reading 4.5,listening 6,speaking 6,writing 6,
Do I qualify for express entry immigration for Canada .. It’s general module .. Plz advice am already in process of Immigration.. I need to know whether I have to re apply for exam ??
minimum 6 in each ability.
Thanks for your responses
1. Why do CIC’s think so “The younger you are, the better chance you have at succeeding in Canada?”. I was on the impression that “The more skills you have , the better chance you have at succeeding in Canada”. Skills come only with experience and experience is proportional to age. The lesser the age, the lesser inexperience you are Right?
2. Any idea why ‘Job Bank’ that is linked to Express Entry profile does not have an option to upload resume.? How would an Employer get to know about an Employee’s deeper skills etc. without a resume?
3. Should my son aged about 5 years need to write IELTS? and prove his language level too?
Please correct me in my understanding. This would help me in making my final decision on whether I should continue with my immigration to Canada or not .(specifically if they are ONLY looking at younger people aged 18 to 25 , then I can discontinue rightaway)
Must my wife have language tests result and credential assessment before I apply through the EXPRESS ENTRY POOL.
If you would like extra points on your profile, then it’s recommended that she does. However, it’s not mandatory.
Hello,
My name is Sunil. I graduated from BA from Waterloo University, ON in 2012. I did not work on PGWP after completing my studies in Canada. I have worked for my own company since 2013, as an importer of foodstuff commodities in Kenya, Benin, and Niger.
My IELTS GT results are
L:8
R:7.5
S:7
W:7
Any chance of ITA?
(I studied BA Economics from Waterloo University)*
Respected sir, i am gnm having 4.3yrs experience , married , 30yrs of age , indian , ielts general s=6.5 w=6 r=6 l=7 over all 6.5 . My wife has not completed her degree, she is final year b.com . Is it possible for me to apply for express entry or pr to federal or quebec. Kindly pls rply me
I got 5.5 IELTS band L:5.5: R:5.5: W:6 S:5.
I have 5 year of Prof Exp with as computer operator, i passed MSc-IT or Master of Hindi, i have passed many more diploma’s that like N.T.T, or boutique, can I apply for express entry for PR.
l am a trained postgraduate teacher in English language from an Indian university. Do I need to appear ielts for getting my PR visa to Canada?
Yes.
Hi,
I would like to know if I have to do ECA for secondary qualification i.e. Diploma of Associate Engineering in BioMedical (Equivalent to High School)?
Hi,
One of the Alberta employer has agreed to offer me a job and advertised the position for 30days.The Attorney is all set to apply for LMIA but I have stopped him doing so as,against a total experience of 20yrs ,I have experience letters for only last eight years.
The position advertised by employer demands only an experience of 5yrs.
Need to learn what should I do:
1. Amend the CV accordingly(In such case will the Immigration question about my previous experience)
2.Show complete experience with no experience certificate for a part of Employment.
Kindly,advice
Regards,
Meenakshi
Sir
M preetika, I have done BSc nursing have 1.9 years experience. Currently working in international hospital. My ielts GT bands are L7.5 R6.5 W6.5 S5.5
What’s your opinion about Canada express entry visa
I ll appreciate your prompt reply
Dear sir,
i have completed my general nursing in 2008 and my course was 4 years diploma course. now i want to know that am i eligible to apply for canada express entry?
I have done my bachlor degree in b.scfashion designs i am working as. Store manager since last three and half year as a store manager at there i am managing the all staff and take care for designer clothes under the the company redsun dry cleaner can you please let me know if i get my ielts score 6.5 or 7 can i apply for express entry
i will just ask, can you considered as common law partner your fiance? if yes, can we apply both in express entry me as an principal applicant and him my fiance as a secondary applicant. thank you.
No. Common-law is someone who you have declared to be common-law and have lived together for at least 1 year consecutively.
dear sir
I have my PG and BEd in English and working as a secondary teacher for 9+ years.I am 34 years old. To work as a teacher in Canada do I need to obtain any other certification from the universities in Canada? What is the appreciable ielts score for a teacher? How can I get a job offer without the help of a recruiting agency?
Hi,
Can I submit two IELTS results to proof my English proficiency Or it has to be 7 CLB in all section on the same score card.
Result-1
Listing- above 7 CLB
Reading – 6 CLB (* Required 7 CLB)
Writing – above 7 CLB
Speaking- above 7 CLB
Result-2
Listing- 6 CLB (* Required 7 CLB)
Reading – 7 CLB
Writing – 7 CLB
Speaking- 7 CLB
Thank you
Hi,
I have overall band score of 7 in IELTS. Please suggest further procedure to be followed in order to get PR in Canada
Dear Sir,
My score in ielts is 6.0 that means W 6.0, R 6.0, L 6.0 and S6.0. and I am Electronics engineer and have 8 years of total experience. My wife has just completed MBA in HR and 5.0 band in IELTS means W 5.0, R 5.0, L 5.0 and S 5.0.
My question is that, Am I eligible for immigration and what are the advantages if wife has 5 band and MBA degree ?
Please reply
Dear Sir,
I have done my Educational assessment, I score L-6 , R-6 W-6.5 & S-6.5 in IELTS, what is will the next stage for processing Express Entry to Canada.
I also want to ask if I can add my Master Degree which I know the certificate will be issued by November/December 2016 to my application?
Can I use my English Proficiency Certificate from my University where i have done my Masters in Information Technology instead of IELTS for Canada Immigration?
No. Only IELTS or CELPIP for English.
Hello,
I have read through the responses to see if there has been an answer to the kind of challenge I have experienced but you have provided none. I scored in my IELTS, R:6 L:6 W: 6.5 and S: 7.0 which gave a total of 6.5. 33 y.o with 3yrs work experience in same field. 2yrs diploma and a university degree. WES Verified. But each time I try the free assessment, it tells me I am not eligible. From the response provided you have stressed that we need to score 6.0 minimum in every category. Do you have any reason why I am not eligible?
Kindly assist with response.
I got 135 points for the Msc degree (ECA equalized) . Should I send my Bachelors degree also for equivalence to get more points? Would it affect my overall score ? Thanks !