Skilled immigrant applicants have the opportunity to utilize Canada’s Express Entry system as a pathway to obtaining permanent residency in the country. This system is specifically designed to oversee skilled immigration applications and prioritize individuals who demonstrate a high likelihood of successfully integrating into Canadian society and contributing to its economy.

It is the intention of immigration authorities that 80 percent of applications submitted through the Express Entry system are processed within a six-month timeframe. Additionally, there exists no imposed deadline for applicants to finalize their profiles within the system. Furthermore, there is no predetermined limit on the number of Express Entry applications that will be accepted. However, the selection of candidates each year is contingent upon Canada’s annual immigration levels.

Skilled immigration applicants are afforded the opportunity to seek permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system under one of four economic immigration programs.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canada Experience Class Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (Certain components)

IRCC also introduced category-based rounds of invitations to complement the other types of EE draws. These rounds cater to those holding work experience/language ability/educational background that falls under one of the following professional categories:

1. French-language proficiency
2. Healthcare occupations
3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
4. Trade occupations
5. Transport occupations
6. Agriculture and agri-food occupations

Applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry system consists of two steps.

Step 1: Create an Online Express Entry Profile

Eligible applicants will use their online Express Entry profiles to provide information to Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada regarding their:

• Work experience
• Education
• Language abilities
• Skills
• Other personal information relevant to the assessment of their application

Those who successfully meet the criteria of one of the three skilled immigration programs mentioned above will be accepted into a pool of candidates. It is important to note that successful admission to the candidate pool does not automatically result in an invitation to apply for permanent residence (ITA). Receiving an ITA will depend on the factors listed below.

Applicants who already possess a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), will have a greater chance of obtaining an ITA. Those who have been nominated for permanent residence by a provincial government will also have an increased chance of success.

Candidates who do not have a job offer, LMIA or provincial nomination can register with Employment and Social Development Canada’s Job Bank, however, this is not mandatory. The Job Bank will help put candidates in touch with employers. Candidates should also use other independent means to seek employment while in the candidate pool.

Step 2: Obtain an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITA)

All applicants in the Express Entry pool will be ranked against each other using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Under the ranking system, applicants are awarded points based on.

• Their skills
• Their work experience
• Whether they have a job offer
• Whether their job offer is supported by a LMIA or meet the alternative requirements
• Whether they have been nominated for permanent residence by a provincial government

Candidates who receive the highest CRS scores will be offered an ITA. Once a candidate receives an ITA, he or she will have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residence.

IRCC says that it will process most complete applications that have all supporting documents in 6 months or less. 

Candidates who do not receive an ITA may remain in the candidate pool for 12 months. After 12 months in the pool, candidates must create a new online Express Entry Profile.