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.
Good Afternoon,
I created my Express Entry profile since the 16th February 2018 and on the 9th of July, I got LAA to apply for Manitoba nomination under Express Entry having filled the manitoba EOI form.
Today, I discovered after logging into my Express Entry account, my profile has been declare ineligible to be in the pool .
I have gathered together all required documents to apply for my LAA for Manitoba and I don’t know how to go about it from here as I am perplexed.
Please kindly advise
Hi Olawale,
what was your CRS core?
I think you had a limited period to reply for province nomination which is noted to be within 60 days …you may delay in responding to their request within this period
I have an application already filed for Express Entry. My score is low. The application is valid till Jan 2019. Can I withdraw or cancel?
Yes.
If I am applying for PR with my partner but I am the main applicant does my partner need to have 1 year Canadian work experience or a NOC code for 1 year to be on my application?
No.
Dear Sir,
Is PTE academic is acceptable for Express Entery?
Regards
I am pharmacy graduate with over 15 years of experience . My age is 43 year 8 month if I apply express entry before my age 44. Will my CSR point will reduce after my age 44 or it will remain same as applied at 43 age .
Hello Team,
I am having an experience of 2 years till now and now i am doing masters along with my job .so, will i get the points for masters and job till my masters get completed or it will seem fake to Canadian embassey that i am working at doing masters at same time.please reply as soon as possible.
Many people work and do education at the same time. For more information, email us to set-up a time for a consultation: info@cicsimmigration.com
Bro i have same query. I do pg diploma with continuing my experience
Hello everyone,
How many scores can I collect based on the following sub-scores in the IELTS? What CLB level is this?
L:7.5
R:8.5
W: 8.5
S: 8.5
When I change the L from 8 to 7.5 in the CRS tool, over 50 points get off my total score. Why is that? Is it going to be the same when I create the profile and get into the pool?
Hai sir
I am a nursing tutor with 6 year of experience and my husband is masters in psychiatric nursing with 6 year of teaching experience and age 33and 34 respectively. For express entry what is the procedure please reply
Thank you
An MBA with 14 yrs of exp an IELTS score of 6.5.R-6.5,L-6.5,W-6,S-7.What would be the probability to get eligible for express ebtey5
If you’re able to raise your language level to 7+ in each ability, then you have a good chance. Contact us to learn more.
I am 45 years old, having 20 years of work experience in IT. I want to migrate to Canada. Considering my age, am I eligible? My wife is also an Assistant Professor having 10+ years of experience. Please guide
I have Ph. D with 23 years of work experience. Age 57. How can I get permanent residence in Canada with my family? IELT is needed for Ph. D holder. Please let me how can I apply and what category
Yes you do.
I have secured the following in IELTS:
Listening- 8
Reading-9
Writing-6.5
Speaking-7
I have approximately 5 yrs. work experience. Please help me to know my probability of getting an ITA.
Chances are good if you can increase your writing to 7 at least.
Hi Team,
I have 5 yrs experience as Software Consultant. My WES score is ready and i have given my ielts and got the below result.
L:6.5/R&W:6/s:7 .
Can I Create my profile for EE . i have read somewhere you need to have a minimum 6 in each section to create a profile.
Kindly confirm .
Thanks in advance
Yes.
Hi,
I am MBA graduate in HR and also holding DELF B2 (French Language) certificate. Right now I am working as a French (Freelancer) trainer. Can I show my experience through a website where all my clients have given the reviews?
Showing self-employed experience is tricky, but possible. If you’d like more information, contact us for a consultation.
I have done my Bachelors of Engineering in Electronics & Telecommunication and my Master’s in Management Information Systems, could you please let me know what should I put in ‘field of study’ for each BE and MS degree
I have bachelors from India and Masters from USA (State University). Do I need to submit the ECA report of both degrees for EE application?
Yes you do.
Hi,
I have an ielts score of 8.5, 7,7,7.5 in Listening, Reading, , Writing and speaking respectively. My ECA with Iqas came out as ‘ a first professional degree in common law’
Furthermore, i am single and 27 years old.
Do i qualify?
Yes.
I’m a lecturer of Political Science at Tejgaon Mohila College in Bangladesh. My total experience is 2 years. Is this profession is included in Canadian NOC? And can I apply for express entry or any other programs of Canadian immigration with my experience in this profession?
Hello Sir,
I hold a bachelor a law degree from a Nigerian University. I also hold a Barrister and Solicitor at Law certification from the Nigerian Law school. Will I be able to claim a professional degree required to practise from a licenced profession in my express entry profile?
Dear Sir,
Greetings of peace!!!
I would like to know with IEELTS score L:6, R:4.5, W:6 and S: 6.5 overall 6, can I apply through EOI or any other way to get PR. Because I know for Express entry I need 6 in each. Please guide me what are the other option apart from Express entry to apply in any PNP with my current IELTS score.
Is it possible to apply through EOI and after getting invitation and 600 point , may I activate my Express entry , even though I have less than 6 in Reading module (Overall 6)
[I have PhD CS qualification , Age 36, Exp: 13 Years as Lecturer-IT]
Hi Faisal,
have you got an answer to your question. I am asking because my situation is the same as yours.
Dear Sir,
I would like to know with IELTS score R: 7.5, W: 7.0, S: 7.5 , L: 6.5 and overall 7.0, am I eligible for CRS – C. Skill transferability factors points as I have “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”.
Am I ineligible for these points as I have a score of 6.5 in Listening.
Pl Advise,
Manjit
With CLB 7 can I get PR Visa for Canada?
Hi,
I have work experience of 3+as an engineer, 26 years and Single. have over all score of 7(L=8, R=7.5,W=6.5 and S=6.5)can i apply for PR and whats the probability.
Dear Sir,
I have done RPL double diploma in marketing and accounting from Pakistan with having nine years experience in my field.. Mims. institute. Will it be recognised by Canadian assessment body? Do I stand chance to immigrate Canada?
Looking forward to hear from you soon. Thank you. Regards
Pls with ielts of l 7.5,S 6.5,W.5.5 and R 6.0.What should I do cos I am a general practitioner and 36years of age.Which province can I apply to for PR.Thanks.
yo soy ingeniero civil. cual elección me corresponde en :
level of education?
– Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute
or..
-Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession
I’m sorry, I wrote it in Spanish. I am a civil engineer. Which choice corresponds to me in:
Hi ,
I got my CELPIP exam results i.e L-7, R-5, W-8, S-6 , Please advice does i disqualify for EE , what should i do next
Hi:
Can I apply for express entry with an IELTS band of 7 in listening? I made 8,. 7.5,. 7.5 respectively in writing, reading and speaking.
I am a graduate of computer Engineering with 11years post graduate experience. I am 33years, married with kids.
Your prompt feedback will be appreciated.
Thanks.
In less than 60 days, I will get 13 points added to my Express Entry Score for 2 years work. Can I add those points to my current score now as it may be enough for an invitation, knowing that it will be accurate when I submit my paperwork? Thank you.
Hello Team,
Please clarify, is Secondary school diploma applicable in ” Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years.”?
Please reply.