The Canada Express Entry Program is a system introduced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to select skilled workers for permanent residency. It allows qualified foreign professionals, temporary workers, and international graduates to build their future in Canada.

Express Entry is one of the fastest and most popular immigration pathways, giving eligible applicants the chance to live, work, and settle permanently. For residents of Surrey and Vancouver, as well as applicants from India and the Middle East, Express Entry is often the first step toward a Canadian PR visa.

Main Express Entry Programs

The Express Entry system includes three immigration categories, each with unique eligibility requirements:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): For skilled professionals with foreign work experience.

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): For workers in qualified trade occupations.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For temporary workers or graduates with Canadian work experience.

In addition, many provinces, including British Columbia, use their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) linked to Express Entry. If a candidate receives a provincial nomination, it can be added to their Express Entry profile, significantly increasing their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

• The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the backbone of the Express Entry Canada Program. Points are awarded based on four key factors:

  • Skills

  • Education

  • Language proficiency (English or French)

  • Relevant work experience

  ---

  Ways to Increase Your CRS Score

  In addition to these basic factors, applicants can boost their CRS points through:

  • Completing a Canadian degree or diploma from a recognized institution.

  • Securing a valid job offer supported by an LMIA.

  • Receiving a provincial nomination through programs such as the BC PNP.

  Each of these factors can make a major difference. For example, a provincial nomination alone adds 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

  ---

  Processing Time and Validity

  An Express Entry profile remains in the pool for up to 12 months, depending on your CRS score and the frequency of draws announced by the Canadian government.

  If you receive an ITA, you must submit your permanent residency (PR) application within 60 days.

  If you don’t get an invitation within 12 months, your profile will expire. However, you can re-enter the pool by updating your information and submitting a new profile.