Overview of the Express Entry System

Express Entry draws are an integral part of Canada’s immigration system, determining which candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence. It’s a points-based immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for the federal economic immigration programs.

Candidates create an online profile and are entered into the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as:

  • Age
  • Education
  • Language proficiency (English and/or French)
  • Work experience (both in Canada and abroad)
  • Spouse or common-law partner factors
  • Additional points for Canadian education, a valid job offer, provincial nomination, or French language skills

The Categories

The Canadian Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residence through three main economic immigration categories. Each category is designed to attract skilled workers to Canada, and candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Here are the main categories:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
  • Candidates are assessed based on factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
  • Requires a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP points grid to be eligible.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • For skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
  • Requires work experience in a skilled trade, as defined under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
  • A valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority is generally required.

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
  • This program is popular with temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have gained work experience in Canada.

Additional Draw Categories within Express Entry

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Express Entry Aligned

  • Certain provinces and territories in Canada have agreements with the federal government to nominate individuals through Express Entry.
  • Candidates who are nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) receive additional points (usually 600 CRS points), greatly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

5. Targeted or Category-Based Draws (Occupation, Language, etc.)

  • The Targeted or Category-Based Draws in the Canadian Express Entry system were introduced in 2023 to address specific labor market needs and economic priorities. These draws focus on candidates who have particular skills or qualifications, regardless of their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. As of the latest updates, here are the main categories for these targeted draws:
    1. Healthcare Occupations
    • A significant focus of targeted draws, healthcare professionals are in high demand across Canada.
    • Includes occupations like doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

    2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Occupations

    • This category focuses on professionals in the STEM fields to help Canada remain competitive in tech and innovation sectors.
    • Common occupations include software developers, engineers, data scientists, IT specialists, and researchers.

    3. Trades Occupations

    • Skilled trades are essential to Canada’s growing infrastructure and development needs.
    • Includes trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and construction workers.

    4. Transport Occupations

    • Involves workers in the transport and logistics sector to support Canada’s supply chain and transportation infrastructure.
    • This can include truck drivers, transport supervisors, and other logistics professionals.

    5. Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations

    • Candidates with skills related to agriculture and food production to meet growing demands in Canada’s agricultural industry.
    • Includes farmers, agricultural technicians, and food processing workers.

    6. French-Language Proficiency

    • Candidates who demonstrate strong French language abilities are prioritized, especially those who can help promote bilingualism in Canada.
    • This applies across various professions and occupations but emphasizes candidates who have tested highly in French-language exams (like TEF or TCF).

    These targeted draws allow the Canadian government to address specific gaps in the workforce, irrespective of broader CRS rankings, thus speeding up the invitation process for individuals whose skills match critical economic needs. The list of occupations or focus areas may evolve as labor market needs change.

6. All-Program Draws

  • These draws include candidates from all Express Entry categories (FSWP, FSTP, CEC, and PNP). Invitations to Apply (ITA) are issued based purely on CRS scores.

Each of these categories has its own requirements and eligibility criteria, and candidates are ranked based on their CRS scores, which determine who will receive an ITA in each draw.

How Express Entry Draws Work

  1. Regular Draws
    • The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, usually every two weeks, to invite candidates to apply for permanent residence.
    • In each draw, a minimum CRS score is set, and candidates with scores equal to or above this threshold receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    • The number of ITAs issued in each draw varies based on immigration targets and labor market needs.
  2. CRS Score Cutoff
    • The CRS cutoff score is determined by the number of ITAs the government plans to issue and the distribution of CRS scores in the pool.
    • If the CRS score cutoff is lower than a candidate’s score, they will receive an ITA.
  3. Tie-Breaking Rule
    • In cases where multiple candidates have the same CRS score, a tie-breaking rule is applied based on the date and time the candidate submitted their Express Entry profile.
    • Candidates who submitted their profiles earlier are prioritized.
  4. Targeted Draws
    • Occasionally, the government conducts targeted draws for specific programs, occupations, or categories, such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
    • These draws may have different CRS score requirements and are designed to address specific labor market needs.
  5. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws
    • Provinces and territories can nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool through their PNPs, adding 600 points to the nominee’s CRS score.
    • Candidates with a provincial nomination are almost guaranteed an ITA in the next draw due to the significant boost in their CRS score.