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Express Entry

⚠ NOTICE — Proposed Changes to Express Entry

The Express Entry system is currently under review. In 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched a public consultation on potential reforms to Express Entry’s federal programs and the Comprehensive Ranking System. 

Proposed changes under consideration include:

  • Merging the three existing federal programs into a single Federal High Skilled program with streamlined eligibility requirements
  • Updating the CRS to better reflect the latest data on economic outcomes
  • Introducing new points for candidates with Canadian work experience or a job offer in a high-wage occupation
  • Removing or modifying points for certain additional factors including spousal French proficiency, study in Canada, and siblings in Canada

These proposed changes have not yet been implemented. The information on this page reflects the current rules in effect as of July 2026. We will update this page as new information becomes available.

For the most current information please visit: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship online application management system for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

Federal Skilled Worker

The FSW category is for skilled workers, who may become permanent residents based on their ability to become economically established in Canada, and who intend to reside in a province other than Quebec.

A “skilled worker” is a foreign national who has worked in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, and TEER 3.

Federal Skilled Trades

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for people who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Skilled trades for the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized under these groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

(1) Major Group 72 – technical trades and transportation officers and controllers (excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers)

(2) Major Group 73 – general trades

(3) Major Group 82 – supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production

(4) Major Group 83 – occupations in natural resources and related production

(5) Major Group 92 – processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers

(6) Major Group 93 – central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors

(7) Minor Group 6320 – cooks, butchers and bakers

(8) Unit Group 62200 – chefs

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. A foreign national is not eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if:

(1) he/she is a refugee claimant in Canada

(2) he/she is working without authorization

(3) work experience was gained without temporary resident status in Canada

Skilled work experience means work experienced gained in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of National Occupational Classification (NOC).

How Express Entry Works

Candidates create an online Express Entry profile and are placed in the Express Entry pool if they meet the eligibility requirements of one of the three programs. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) — a points-based system that scores candidates based on age, education, language ability, work experience, and other factors. IRCC holds rounds of invitations and invites top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Types of Invitation Rounds

IRCC holds three types of invitation rounds:

  • General rounds — open to all eligible candidates in the pool across all three programs
  • Program-specific rounds — targeting candidates eligible for one specific program
  • Category-based rounds — targeting candidates who meet specific occupational or language criteria established by the Minister

Important Update — Removal of Job Offer Points (March 2025)

As of March 2025, IRCC removed additional CRS points for job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA-exempt work permit. Candidates who previously received an additional 50 or 200 points for arranged employment no longer benefit from this advantage.

Category-Based Selection — 2026 Updates

New categories introduced in 2026:

  • Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience — to address physician shortages across Canada
  • Researchers with Canadian work experience — supporting innovation, academic, and scientific sectors
  • Senior managers with Canadian work experience — facilitating leadership and growth in Canadian organizations
  • Transport occupations — including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors
  • Highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces

Categories continuing from previous years:

  • Strong French-language proficiency
  • Healthcare and social services — including nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and chiropractors
  • Skilled trades — including carpenters, plumbers, and machinists
  • Education occupations
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations

The Express Entry Process

(1) Evaluate your eligibility for one of the three Express Entry programs

(2) Create and submit your Express Entry profile

(3) Your profile is ranked based on your CRS score

(4) Receive an Invitation to Apply through a general, program-specific, or category-based round

(5) Apply for Permanent Residence within 60 days of receiving your ITA

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Please consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for advice specific to your situation. Last updated: July 1, 2026.