Express Entry
Canada’s points-based system for skilled workers. Profiles are ranked, and the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in periodic draws.
Overview
Express Entry is the online system IRCC uses to manage skilled-worker applications for permanent residence. You create a profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and wait for an invitation to apply.
Key points
Who can apply
- Skilled workers with at least one year of qualifying work experience
- Applicants with a valid language test result
- Applicants whose foreign education has an Educational Credential Assessment
Eligibility details
- Federal Skilled Worker: 1 year of continuous skilled work in the last 10 years, CLB 7 and secondary education
- Canadian Experience Class: 1 year of skilled Canadian work in the last 3 years, with CLB 7 (TEER 0 or 1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2 or 3)
- Federal Skilled Trades: 2 years in a skilled trade in the last 5 years, plus a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification
- Skilled trades language levels are CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing
- A job offer is not required for the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class programs
How the process works
- Check eligibilityUse IRCC’s Come to Canada tool to get a personal reference code
- Prepare documentsLanguage test, education credential assessment and work reference letters
- Create your profileEnter your details and receive your CRS score
- Receive an invitationIRCC invites top-ranked candidates in rounds of invitations
- Apply for PRSubmit a complete application before the deadline in your invitation
- After you applyBiometrics, medical exam and police certificates, then a decision
How OvalArc helps
- Free assessmentWe review your age, education, work history and language score.
- Route planYou receive options with costs and timelines in writing.
- DocumentsWe prepare and check every document before filing.
- Filing and follow-upWe submit, track and respond to the authority.
Costs and timelines
- Language test and education credential assessment fees
- Government processing and biometrics fees
- Immigration medical exam and police certificates
- Proof of settlement funds for most Federal Skilled Worker and Trades applicants
Government fees and processing times change. Your adviser gives the current figures from the official source.
Documents we usually need
- Valid passport
- Education certificates and mark sheets
- Work experience and reference letters
- Language test result (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF or other)
- Police clearance and medical when required
- Proof of funds and civil documents
The exact list depends on your case.
Mistakes to avoid
- Submitting documents that do not match each other
- Missing deadlines in an invitation or request letter
- Hiding past refusals or travel history
- Relying on outdated rules from old web pages
Common questions
Can you guarantee approval?
No. Only the immigration authority decides. We improve the quality of your application and tell you the real odds.
How long does it take?
Processing times change. Your adviser gives the current official estimate during your consultation.
What if my application is refused?
We review the refusal reasons with you and explain your options, such as reapplying with stronger evidence or choosing another route.
Can my family come with me?
Often yes. Spouses and dependent children can usually be included or can follow, depending on the route.
Please note: OvalArc is a private advisory service and not a government agency. Decisions are made only by the relevant authorities and no outcome is guaranteed. Rules, fees and processing times change often, so please confirm on the official government website.
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