Canada Express Entry Requirements 2026
IELTS, Funding, Work Experience & Complete Preparation Guide
Express Entry 2026 Quick Facts
Minimum CRS Score: 470-540 points | Processing Time: 6 months | New Categories: Senior Management, Research, Military
Minimum IELTS Level
Single Applicant Funds
Work Experience Required
FSW Minimum Score
Express Entry Program Eligibility Overview
Canada’s Express Entry system manages three federal immigration programs. You must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one program to be accepted into the Express Entry pool.
| Program | Work Experience | Education | Language | Job Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | 1 year continuous in skilled occupation | Required + ECA | CLB 7 minimum | Not required |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1 year Canadian experience | Not required | CLB 7 (NOC 0,A) / CLB 5 (NOC B) | Not required |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | 2 years in skilled trades | Not required | CLB 5 (Speaking/Listening) / CLB 4 (Reading/Writing) | Required OR provincial certificate |
IELTS Requirements for Express Entry 2026
Most Express Entry programs require a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in each area of the French or English language exam (band 6 in each area of the IELTS exam).
Accepted English Tests:
- IELTS General Training: Most popular choice
- CELPIP-General: Computer-based test
- PTE Core: Newer option (Pearson Test of English)
IELTS Score Requirements by Program:
- FSW & CEC (NOC 0,A): Minimum 6.0 in each skill (CLB 7)
- CEC (NOC B): Minimum 5.0 in each skill (CLB 5)
- FST: CLB 5 Speaking/Listening, CLB 4 Reading/Writing
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing | CRS Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 34 points |
| CLB 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 31 points |
| CLB 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 23 points |
| CLB 7 (Minimum) | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 16 points |
As it takes at least 6 months for IRCC to process your application, you should ensure that your IELTS test results are valid for the entire duration. IELTS results are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Proof of Funds Requirements 2026
Unless you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class program or have a valid arranged employment offer, you will need to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support your resettlement in Canada.
Who Needs Proof of Funds:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants
- Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants
- Applicants without a valid job offer in Canada
Who Does NOT Need Proof of Funds:
- Canadian Experience Class applicants don’t have to show any proof of funds
- Applicants with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Applicants currently authorized to work in Canada
| Family Size | Funds Required (CAD) | Funds Required (USD)* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $13,310 | ~$9,800 |
| 2 persons | $16,570 | ~$12,200 |
| 3 persons | $20,371 | ~$15,000 |
| 4 persons | $24,733 | ~$18,200 |
| 5 persons | $28,052 | ~$20,600 |
| 6 persons | $31,638 | ~$23,300 |
| 7+ persons | $35,224 | ~$25,900 |
*USD amounts are approximate based on current exchange rates. Always maintain funds 10-15% above the minimum requirement to account for currency fluctuations and bank fees.
Work Experience Requirements
Your skilled work experience must be in occupations classified under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, and must be paid work experience.
Work Experience Must Be:
- Skilled: NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Paid: Volunteer work doesn’t count
- Continuous: At least 1 year continuous or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week)
- Recent: Within the last 10 years
How to Calculate Work Experience Hours:
- Full-time: 30+ hours/week for 12 months = 1,560 hours
- Part-time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1,560 hours
- Multiple jobs: Combined hours must equal 1,560
Program-Specific Work Experience Requirements:
1 year of continuous skilled work experience in your primary occupation within the last 10 years.
Requirements:
- Must be in same NOC as your intended occupation in Canada
- Can be gained outside Canada
- Must meet NOC job duties and requirements
- Need reference letters from employers
1 year of skilled work experience gained in Canada within the last 3 years.
Requirements:
- Must be gained while legally authorized to work in Canada
- Full-time or part-time work accepted
- Can be in different NOC categories
- Self-employed work generally doesn’t count
2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
Requirements:
- Must be in eligible skilled trades (NOC groups 72, 73, 82, 92, 93)
- Need either a job offer OR certificate of qualification
- Must meet trade-specific requirements
- May need licensing in Canada
Educational Requirements
Foreign educational credentials must be assessed by a designated organization to verify Canadian equivalency.
Designated Organizations for ECA:
- WES (World Education Services): Most popular choice
- ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service): Canadian option
- CES (Comparative Education Service): University of Toronto
- IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service): Alberta-based
- MCC (Medical Council of Canada): For medical professionals
ECA Process:
- Submit original transcripts directly from institution
- Processing time: 20-35 business days
- Cost: $200-$300 CAD
- Valid for 5 years
| Education Level | With Spouse | Without Spouse | Canadian Study Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | 140 points | 150 points | +30 points |
| Master’s Degree | 126 points | 135 points | +30 points |
| Bachelor’s Degree (3+ years) | 112 points | 120 points | +15 points |
| Two or More Diplomas | 119 points | 128 points | +15 points |
There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class. However, higher education increases your CRS score and chances of receiving an ITA.
Additional Requirements
No minimum age, but maximum CRS points awarded to candidates aged 20-29.
Age Point Distribution:
- 20-29 years: 100-110 points (maximum)
- 30-39 years: 95-105 points
- 40+ years: Decreasing points with age
- 45+ years: Minimal age points
All Express Entry applicants and family members must undergo medical examinations by IRCC-approved panel physicians.
Medical Exam Process:
- Required after receiving ITA
- Must be done by approved panel physician
- Valid for 1 year from exam date
- Cost: $300-$500 per person
- Includes chest X-ray and blood tests
Criminal background checks required from all countries where you lived for 6+ months since age 18.
Police Certificate Requirements:
- Required from every country of residence (6+ months)
- Must be recent (usually within 6 months)
- Processing time varies by country (2 weeks to 6+ months)
- Start obtaining early in the process
Document Preparation Checklist
Essential Documents for Express Entry
All documents must remain valid throughout the entire application process. Start renewal process early if documents are expiring soon.
2026 Express Entry Process Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Key Activities | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 3-6 months | IELTS, ECA, document gathering | $800-$1,500 |
| Profile Submission | 1-2 hours | Create Express Entry profile | Free |
| Pool Waiting | Variable | Wait for ITA, improve CRS score | Free |
| Post-ITA | 60 days | Submit complete application | $1,365+ CAD |
| Processing | 6 months | Medical exam, background checks | $300-$800 |
| Decision | Varies | COPR issued or refusal | Travel costs |
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