Express Entry is Canada’s electronic immigration system for managing applications for three federal economic programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

IRCC typically conducts Express Entry draws every two weeks, though the frequency can vary based on immigration targets and priorities. Category-specific draws may occur more or less frequently.

CRS cut-offs are influenced by the number of candidates in the pool, immigration targets, draw size, and the distribution of scores among candidates. Category-specific draws often have different cut-offs.

You can improve your score by: increasing language test results, obtaining higher education credentials, gaining more work experience, getting a provincial nomination (+600 points), learning French, or having your spouse take language tests.

When multiple candidates have the same CRS score, IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule based on the date and time when candidates submitted their Express Entry profiles. Earlier submissions are prioritized.

Category-based draws target specific groups like French speakers, healthcare workers, STEM professionals, trades workers, transport occupations, or agriculture workers. These draws often have different CRS requirements.

Express Entry profiles are valid for 12 months. If you don’t receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within this period, you can create a new profile if you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence with all required documents and fees. Processing typically takes 6-8 months after submission.