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Canada’s Express Entry Draw: What It Is & How It Works

Kevin Kuhlmann

Summary of Key Points:

  • Canada’s Express Entry system is a points-based immigration pathway managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), selecting skilled workers for permanent residency through periodic draws based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.

  • Candidates submit an Express Entry profile and receive a CRS score based on factors like age, education, work experience and language proficiency. Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

  • There are three immigration programs where candidates are selected from: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

  • To boost CRS scores, candidates can improve their language test results, gain additional work experience, obtain a provincial nomination, enhance their educational credentials and/or secure a job offer.

  • Upon receiving an ITA, candidates must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and should book an appointment early to ensure a smooth application process.

Canada’s Express Entry Draw: What It Is & How It Works

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most efficient and popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to the country. Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the system is designed to select candidates for permanent residency based on their skills, experience and ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.

One of the key components of this system is the Express Entry draw, which determines who receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Our experts at Panel Physician break down everything you need to know about the Express Entry draw, including how to improve your chances of being selected.

How the Express Entry Draw Works

The Express Entry system operates through a points-based framework called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates who create an Express Entry profile are assigned a CRS score based on various factors, including:

  • Age (must be at least 18)

  • Education (having a higher secondary school diploma or higher education)

  • Work experience (must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a job listed in Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC))

  • Language proficiency in English or French (assessed based on the Canadian Language Benchmark Level (CLB))

  • Adaptability (such as having a job offer or family in Canada)

Approximately every two weeks throughout the year, IRCC conducts an Express Entry draw, selecting the highest-ranking candidates from the pool to receive an ITA. The cut-off CRS score varies with each draw, depending on the number of candidates and the specific program requirements. You can calculate your CRS score here.

How the Process Works

  1. Candidates create and submit a profile to enter the Express Entry pool, also known as an Expression of Interest (EOI). The profile requires a variety of documents including a passport or travel document, language test results, an educational credential assessment report and more. See the full list here.

  2. The system will rank candidates based on their CRS score and the highest-ranking candidates will receive a government-issued ITA.

  3. If you're invited to apply, fill out the permanent residency application within 60 days.

  4. The government reviews your residency application and makes a decision.

How Do I Know If I Qualify For Express Entry?

In order to qualify for Express Entry, you’ll need to be part of an immigration program. Some Express Entry draws are program-specific where candidates from just one immigration program are selected, while others are general, inviting candidates from all three immigration programs to apply and candidates may be selected solely on their CRS score.

Here are the three immigration programs managed through Express Entry:

If you’re unsure if you are eligible for Express Entry, see more information about who can apply. 

Learn More: A Guide to Finding Immigrant Organizations in Canada

Tips to Improve Your CRS Scores

Since Express Entry is highly competitive, increasing your CRS score can improve your chances of receiving an ITA. Here are some strategies:

  • Enhance Language Scores: Retaking IELTS or CELPIP (English) or TEF (French) can significantly boost CRS points.

  • Gain Additional Work Experience: More years of skilled work experience can contribute to a higher score.

  • Obtain a Provincial Nomination: Many provinces offer Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams aligned with Express Entry, awarding 600 additional CRS points.

  • Improve Educational Credentials: Obtaining a higher degree or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign qualifications can add points.

  • Secure a Job Offer: Although a job offer from a Canadian employer isn’t required, it’s definitely a huge benefit. Statistics show that applicants with a job offer or provincial nomination have the best chance of success.

What Happens After I Receive an ITA?

If you’re invited to apply for permanent residence, you’ll need to pay the $CAN 1,525 application fee. Family members will also need to pay an application fee: $CAN 1,525 for a spouse and $CAN 260 for a dependent child.

You’ll also need to schedule your mandatory Immigration Medical Exam (IME) conducted by a designated Panel Physician. This examination ensures that applicants meet Canada’s health standards and do not pose a public health risk. It’s advisable to schedule an IME promptly to avoid delays in the application process.

Learn More: The Health and Character Requirements for Immigrating to Canada

Stay Up-To-Date on the Express Entry Draw

The Express Entry system provides a structured and transparent route to Canadian immigration and staying proactive is crucial. To maximize your chances of success:

  • Regularly check IRCC’s website for the latest Express Entry draw results and CRS score trends.

  • Keep your profile updated with any changes in education, work experience or language scores.

  • Prepare the documents needed to complete your Express Entry profile in advance.

Don’t forget to contact your nearest Panel Physician location to schedule your IME once your ITA arrives so you can start the process of becoming a permanent Canadian resident.