Quick answer
Express Entry manages three permanent residence programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You create a profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200, and the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply; you then have 60 days to submit. Since 25 March 2025, a job offer no longer adds CRS points.
Last reviewed against official Government of Canada sources. Rules change often: confirm with a counsellor before you apply.
- Programs
- Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades
- CRS maximum
- 1,200 points
- After an invitation
- 60 days to submit your application
- Job offer points
- Removed on 25 March 2025
The three programs
| Program | Language | Work experience |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class | CLB 7 (TEER 0 or 1 jobs) or CLB 5 (TEER 2 or 3) | 1 year in Canada in the last 3 years |
| Federal Skilled Worker | CLB 7 | 1 year continuous in the last 10 years |
| Federal Skilled Trades | CLB 5 speaking and listening; CLB 4 reading and writing | 2 years in the last 5 years |
Check your test scores against these levels in CLB to IELTS.
What counts for international graduates
For the Canadian Experience Class, your experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 jobs and gained while authorized to work in Canada. Work you did while studying full time, including co-op work terms, doesn't count, and neither does self-employment. For many graduates, that experience comes from working on a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
How CRS points work
| Factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Core / human capital | 500 (460 with a spouse or partner) |
| Spouse or partner factors | 40 |
| Skill transferability | 100 |
| Additional points | 600 |
| Total | 1,200 |
Additional points include 600 for a provincial or territorial nomination, up to 50 for French language skills, up to 30 for post-secondary education in Canada and 15 for a sibling in Canada. Since 25 March 2025, a job offer no longer earns CRS points.
The steps
- Check that you're eligible for at least one of the three programs.
- Take an approved language test. Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
- Create your Express Entry profile. It stays in the pool for up to 12 months.
- If you're invited, submit your permanent residence application within 60 days.
A provincial nomination, such as through Ontario's OINP, adds 600 points. See our immigration services: every application is handled by licensed RCICs. For the other routes to permanent residence, see PR in Canada.
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