Canada Express Entry Immigration System

Updated: March 18th, 2021

Previous Draw

March 1, 2023

667
Total

748
Lowest CRS

242

Latest Draw

March 15, 2023

7000
Total

490
Lowest CRS

243

Next Draw

March 29, 2023

244

*Prediction Date

Express Entry to Canada

Introduced in January 2015, Canada's Express Entry (EE) system was developed to allow Canada to meet its future labour market needs in order to maintain long-term economic growth. In 2020, the immigration target was set at 195,800 through federal economic programs, like those under the Express Entry System, and this number is expected to significantly increase as the year continues. In 2020, Express Entry was estimated to issue 91,800 Invitations to Apply (ITA's) for permanent residency, which was surpassed; issuing an impressive 107,950 ITA's.

Canada confidently continues to accept and process Express Entry applications, despite the current pandemic travel restrictions. In fact, Canada's new immigration totals have been set for the next three years, promising to welcome over 1.2 million newcomers by the year 2023.

Below is a breakdown of the 2021 - 2023 Express Entry Immigration targets:

2021 - 108,500 ITAs
2022 - 110,500 ITAs
2023 - 113,750 ITAs

What is the Express Entry System?

Canada's Express Entry system was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and it is used to select candidates for immigration to Canada through various Federal Economic Immigration programs. Candidates who intend to apply for immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian Experience Class are required to do so through the system.

As the main driver of economic migration to Canada, the Express Entry system is seen as a flagship program providing a fast-tracked route to Canadian immigration.

Let's take a closer look at how far the Express Entry system has come, whether it is fulfilling its objectives, and what this means for you as an applicant.

History of the Express Entry System
Express Entry to Canada: Application Process & Latest Express Entry Draw Results
Comprehensive Ranking System
Canada Immigration Plan: 2021 - 2023

History of the Canadian Express Entry System

Canada's Express Entry system was launched in January 2015 to help people apply for Canadian permanent residence, under three categories:

Early Rounds

At the beginning of 2015, the majority of admissions came from applications submitted before January 1. These early draws included a large number of applications from foreign nationals who already worked in Canada. Many of those immigrants were given ITAs because they had job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

In the first ten draws, which took place over six months, a total of 11,353 ITAs were issued to candidates. Since the first draw on January 21, 2015, the system has developed into one of the most efficient immigration programs in Canada.

Remember that the number of invited candidates can be lower than the number of invitations sent. This happens when some candidates receive more than one invitation or when invitations are declined.

System Improvements

Over time, the number of ITAs issued under the system have continued to rise, because of Canada’s growing market. Due to this upwards trend, improvements were made to the system in the fall of 2016.

These changes came into effect on November 19, 2016. Aimed at creating a fair immigration system, the changes address human resource needs, while ensuring long-term economic growth for the country.

The improvements include awarding points for job offers made to eligible candidates already in Canada with LMIA-exempt work permits and to international students who have completed their education in Canada.

In addition, more time is now allocated for candidates to submit applications for permanent residence once they have received ITAs.

The most recent improvement to the Express Entry system is that candidates with exceptional French language skills will now be able to get more points, increasing from 15 to 25 points for French-speakers and 30 to 50 for bilingual applicants.

Job Offers

From Nov 19, 2016, Points Awarded by the CRS for a Job Offer Changed in Three Basic Ways:
Points will be awarded for job offers made to eligible candidates who are on LMIA exempt work permits. Many foreign workers in Canada who are temporarily on an employer-specific LMIA-exempt work permit, but who want to stay in Canada permanently, will no longer need to get an LMIA to be awarded job offer points by the CRS. This includes candidates who are here under the North American Free Trade Agreement, a federal-provincial agreement, or who are intra-company transferees. For the points to be awarded, the candidate must meet certain criteria, such as having at least one year of work experience from the same employer who is providing their job offer.
Job offers will only need to be a minimum of one year in duration once they receive permanent residence. Changing the job offer requirement from permanent to one year means that more highly skilled candidates working in contract-based industries will have a higher likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Points awarded for job offers will be reduced. A total of 50 points will be awarded to candidates with a valid job offer in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A or B occupation, while a total of 200 points will be awarded to candidates with a valid job offer in a NOC 00 occupation.

80% of Express Entry candidates in 2017 got ITAs, even without a job offer. This means that even without a job offer it is still possible to qualify for this program.

Education

Points will now be awarded for study in Canada above high school. The CRS will award 15 points for a one or two-year diploma or certificate and 30 points for a degree, diploma, or certificate of three years or longer, including a master’s, professional or doctoral degree.

With these changes, more former international students will be able to transition to permanent residency using the system. Former international students are a key source of candidates for the system because of their age, education, skills, and experience. Permanently integrating into Canadian society will be easier for them, because they have already familiarized themselves with life in Canada.

Candidates will now have 60 days to complete an application for permanent residence if they get an invitation to apply. This will give candidates more time to gather all the required documentation and submit a complete application.

Since the new changes came into effect the number of ITAs issued has progressively increased and the number of CRS points required has significantly decreased.

Express Entry to Canada ITA Numbers

1. Most number of ITAs issued in one draw – 27,332 on February 13, 2021

2. Least number of ITAs issued in one draw – 250 on January 6, 2021 (this draw was for candidates invited under provincial nomination only)

3. Number of ITAs issued in 2015 – 31,063

4. Number of ITAs issued in 2016 – 33,782

5. Number of ITAs issued in 2017 – 86,022

6. Number of ITAs issued in 2018 – 89,800

7. Number of ITAs issued in 2019 – 85,300

8. Number of ITAs issued in 2020 – 107,950

9. Total number of ITAs issued to date in 2021 – 37,986

10. Total number of ITAs issued since the system was introduced – 471,903

Why the Program Is Popular

Applications can take as little as six months to process, making this program one of the fastest immigration programs in Canada. Only immigrants who have the right skills required in each province can qualify, unlike the Green Card Lotteries used in the U.S.

Applicants who are successful can eventually apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Express Entry to Canada: Application Process

Express-Entry-to-Canada-Latest-Draw-Results

You must first:

Find out if you meet the basic requirements;
Create an online Express Entry Profile and make sure you have your:

Passport;
National Occupation Classification (NOC);
Education credential assessment report;
Recent language tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP); and/or
Test d'Evaluation de Français (TEF)

Canadian job offer (If you have one); and
Provincial Nomination (If you have one)

Receive a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score out a possible 1,200 points;
Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you score high enough on the CRS. An ITA means you can apply for permanent residence in Canada:

Please note that the score needed to apply for permanent residence changes for each draw. Even if you do not qualify for a specific draw, you still remain in the pool for one year.

Pay an application fee and a Right of Permanent Residence Fee;
Provide Proof of Funds to show you can support your family;
Provide Police Certificates;
Prepare for a medical exam from certified health professionals; and
Contact previous employers to provide job letters to prove you have valid work experience

Please note that if you have a Canadian job offer, your future employer may need to provide you with an LMIA.

Comprehensive Ranking System

Applicants are ranked on a system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which determines who gets selected from the Express Entry Pool first. This system scores you based on four main factors:

Human Capital Factors;
Spouse and Common Law Partner;
Skill Transferability; and
Additional Factors

These factors take into account:

Age;
Work experience;
Education qualifications;
Language skills;
Adaptability;
Job offers; and
Spouse or common-law partner

The higher the applicants’ scores on the CRS, the better their chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada. The highest you can score on this system is 1,200 points.

Below is a breakdown of how you will be scored:

Core points = 600 points; and
Additional points = 600 points

Core CRS Points

You can earn Core CRS points for the following:

Skills and experience factors
Spouse or common-law partner factors eg. language skills and education; and
Skills transferability eg. education and work experience.

Additional CRS Points

You can earn additional CRS points for the following:

Canadian degrees, diplomas, or certificates;
A valid job offer;
A nomination from a province or territory;
A brother or sister living in Canada (citizen or permanent resident.
Strong French language skills.

CORE POINTS + ADDITIONAL POINTS = TOTAL SCORE

You can score points under these four main categories:

SECTION A - Core/Human Capital
Criteria	Maximum Points With Spouse	Maximum Points Without Spouse
Age	100	110
Education	140	150
Language Skills (English/French)	150	160
Canadian Work Experience	70	80

SECTION B - Spouse or Common-Law Partner
Criteria	Maximum Points
Education	10
Language Skills (English/French)	20
Canadian Work Experience	10

SECTION C - Skills Transferability
Education	Maximum Points
Language Skills (English/French) + Education	50
Canadian Work Experience + Education	50
Foreign Work Experience	Maximum Points
Language Skills (English/French) + Foreign Work Experience	50
Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience	50
Certificate of Qualification (Trades)	Maximum Points
Language Skills (English/French) + Education Certificate	50

SECTION D - Additional Points
Criteria	Maximum Points
Brother and Sister Living in Canada	15
French Language Skills	30
Post-Secondary Canadian Education	30
Arranged Employment	200
Provincial Nomination	600

How to Improve Your CRS Score

There are several ways to improve your CRS scores, like receiving a Provincial Nomination that adds an extra 600 points or getting a Canadian job offer, which is worth 50 - 600 points. For example, a job offer from a level 00 job under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) will give you an additional 200 points. Any other job level offer from a Canadian employer will give you an additional 50 points. But a job offer under a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) will give 600 CRS points.

Another way to increase your score is through Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points). This awards points for education qualifications like certificates, diplomas, and degrees. The higher your educational qualifications, the better the score you will receive.

If you apply with your spouse or common-law partner it can also help increase your score, if they have the correct work experience and educational background. Having more work experience can also have an impact on CRS results.

Language skills are a great way to increase CRS scores. The higher the applicants' score on recognized French and English tests like IELTS, TEF, and CELPIP, the better the results. In total, language skills can add an extra 150 points.

Canada Immigration Plan: 2021 - 2023

multi-racial-people-holding-canadian-flags

In October 2020, the government of Canada released its Immigration Plan for the following 3 years, seeking to improve ways to immigrate to Canada by making the application process easier and less time-consuming. Canada has continued to raise its immigration targets and aims to welcome 401,000 newcomers in 2021, of which a total of 108,500 is expected to be invited to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry system and about 80,800 through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These totals are expected to increase by 1,000 ITAs every year to 411,000 in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023. Below is a breakdown of the Government plan for Economic Immigration for 2020.

Economic Canadian Immigration Plan for 2021
Immigration Program	Target
Express Entry	108,000
Provincial Nominee Program	80,800
Quebec Immigration	TBC
Economic Pilot's (Caregivers; Agri-food Immigration Pilot; Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot)	8,500
Atlantic Immigration	6,000
Business Immigration (Start-up Visa and Self-employed Persons Program)	1,000
Total (Economic)	232,500

Want to apply for a Canadian visa through the Express Entry system? Click below to start the process with our help.

1. How to Increase Your CRS Score

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:

Provincial Nomination (600 Points)

600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Job Offers (50-600 Points)

A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.

Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)

These take into account your level of education, for example:

Certificate;
Diploma; or
Degree

If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.

Language (150 Points)

Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.

Work Experience

The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.

2. How to Pass Minimum Entry Criteria

You must:

Meet all the requirements of the:

Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
Canadian Experience Class

You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:

You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program

You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:

Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205

If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.

3. How to Apply for Canadian Express Entry

There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:

Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

4. How to Qualify for the Skilled Federal Worker Program

The following factors affect your eligibility:

Work Experience

You must:

Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
Have received payment for your work;
Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC

Language Ability

You must:

Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply

Education

You must:

Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
Have completed foreign credentials; or
Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC

Proof of Funds

You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:

You are working in Canada; or
You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Additional Factors to Be Considered

Age;
Valid job offers; and
Adaptability

Read more about the Skilled Federal Worker Program

5. How to Qualify for the Skilled Federal Trades Program

This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.

Minimum Requirements

You must:

Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
Meet the language requirements for English and French;
Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
Have work experience within the past 5 years;
Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority

Skilled Work Experience

These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.

Group Number	Job Description
72	Industrial, construction or electrical trades
73	Equipment operation and maintenance
82	Technical and supervisors in: Agriculture Natural resources Production
92	Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators
632	Cooks and chefs
633	Bakers and butchers

Education

You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:

Foreign qualifications;
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree

Language Ability

Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.

Be assessed by the province or territory

Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.

6. How to Qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements

You must:

Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
Have the required language skills needed for your job;
Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.

Job Description	Skill Type
Technical jobs	B
Skilled trades	B
Professional jobs	A
Managerial jobs	0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:

Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
Have completed foreign credentials

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.

Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed	Job Level (NOC)
7	0
7	A
5	B

The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.

Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
Have the required language skills needed for your job;
Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
Have language levels need for your job; and
Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.

Job description	Skill Type
Technical jobs	B
Skilled trades	B
Professional jobs	A
Managerial jobs	0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:

have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
completed foreign credentials

Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in:

the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
the language tests

Canadian Language Benchmark score needed	Job level (NOC)
7	0
7	A
5	B

The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:

Read;
Speak;
Listen; and
Write

Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.

Principal Applicant

When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.

Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.

Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.

Inadmissibility

You may be inadmissible if you are:

Considered a security risk;
Lied about information in your application or interview;
Have ties to organised crime;
Can’t support yourself financially;
Have terrible financial health;
Committed a crime outside of Canada;
Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
Have a family member that is not allowed in the country

Choosing Where To Live

Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.

7. How to Calculate Comprehensive Ranking System Points

These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points

Age (max 110 points);
Education (max 150 points);
Language proficiency (max 160 points);
Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
Additional Factors (max 600 points)

8. What Is a Legal Agent?

A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:

A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec

Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.

9. Who Are Canadianvisa.org’s Legal Agents?

There are currently 3 Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants working with Canadianvisa.org:

David Allon #R513335

Mario Antolinez #R515931

Jimmy Park #R510391

10. How to Check If Your Legal Agent Is Authorized

If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.

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