Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system that was developed to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. There are 3 immigration programs managed through Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program

Requirements

Canadian Experience Class

  • Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, gained while authorized to work.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs; CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
  • Education: No specific education requirement; however, having a Canadian education or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last ten years.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
  • Education: Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree; or a completed foreign credential with an ECA showing equivalency to Canadian standards.
  • Selection Factors: Must score at least 67 out of 100 points based on factors including age, education, work experience, valid job offer, language skills, and adaptability.
  • Proof of Funds: Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening; CLB 4 for reading and writing.
  • Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
  • Education: No formal education requirement; however, education can enhance your CRS score.

Process

01. Initial meeting

During our initial meeting, our team will conduct a comprehensive review of your immigration goals, education, work history, language proficiency, and personal background. We assess your eligibility the three main Express Entry streams—Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades—and determine which program best suits your profile. We also explain how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) works and outline strategies to strengthen your score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

02. Document collection & Profile Creation

Once eligibility is confirmed, our team at DavyLaw will guide you through the collection of all required documentation, including language test results, educational credential assessments (ECA), proof of work experience, and identity documents. We ensure everything meets IRCC standards before creating and submitting your Express Entry profile. This step officially enters you into the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked among other candidates based on your CRS score.

03. Invitation to Apply & Submission to IRCC

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), we promptly begin preparing your full application for permanent residence. Our team carefully compiles your documents, completes all necessary forms, and ensures the application is accurate, complete, and submitted within the 60-day IRCC deadline. We also address any issues that could arise and stay in communication with IRCC throughout the process.

04. Prepare for Landing

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and instructions for entering Canada. We help you understand the next steps, including pre-arrival planning, landing procedures, and post-arrival obligations. Our goal is to make your transition to life in Canada as smooth and informed as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It covers three main programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

The CRS is a points-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates with the highest scores in the Express Entry pool receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

The points are calculated via a tool that takes into account many factors. Even though you might have enough skilled work experience, your age may be the factor that will not get you enough points. You can calculate your approximate result here.

When you create an Express Entry profile, the system automatically assesses your eligibility for all three programs. You do not need to submit separate applications for each program.

The processing times for Express Entry applications are case specific. Your profile is only valid for 12 months. After 12 months, your profile needs to be resubmitted, if you want to remain in the pool of applicants.

Ready to start?

Click the link below to complete our onboarding form and to book a meeting with our lawyers.