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Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
CanadaCanada•North America
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Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $1,590

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Points-based permanent residence for skilled workers via Comprehensive Ranking System draws.

Express Entry is Canada's points-based system for skilled-worker permanent residence, launched in 2015. It manages three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. Applicants submit a profile and enter a pool ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

CRS scores age, education, official-language ability (English/French), work experience, and provincial nominations. Top scorers receive an Invitation to Apply in regular draws, often category-based (healthcare, STEM, trades, French speakers). Successful applicants gain PR with no employer sponsor required.

This visa is ideal for skilled workers with strong age, education, language, and experience scores who want Canadian permanent residence without an employer sponsor.

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Cost Breakdown

Processing feeCAD $990
Right of Permanent Residence FeeCAD $600
TotalCAD $1,590

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must meet the criteria for at least one of the federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

For FSWP: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 10 years.

For FSWP: Minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 in English or French.

For FSWP: Educational credential (Canadian degree/diploma or foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment).

For FSWP: Minimum score of 67 points on the FSWP selection grid.

Must have sufficient settlement funds (unless exempt).

Must pass medical and security/criminality checks.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Savings

15,263 CAD

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document

Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report

Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts, pay stubs)

Proof of funds (bank statements, investment statements)

Police certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months

Medical examination results from an IRCC-approved panel physician

Birth certificates or civil status documents

Photos following IRCC specifications

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • 6-month processing
  • No employer needed
  • Transparent CRS system

Worth Knowing

  • High CRS score needed (470+)
  • Language test mandatory
  • Education assessment required

Application Process

1

Check qualification

Ensure your profile appears to address the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (work experience, language ability, education) and score at least 67 points on the selection factors.

2

Get your documents ready

Take an approved language test, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education, and obtain other required documents.

3

Create and submit your Express Entry profile

Submit your profile online. If qualifying, you will be placed in the Express Entry pool and given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

4

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If selected in a round of invitations, receive an ITA with 60 days to apply.

5

Apply for permanent residence

Submit a complete online application with all required documents and pay the fees.

6

Await processing and decision

IRCC processes the application (usually within 6 months). If approved, receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Online Express Entry Profile—
electronic Application for Permanent Residence—

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