Permanent Residence in Canada through Express Entry

Introduction / Who is it for

Express Entry is the fastest route to Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada for skilled workers. The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) point system evaluates candidates based on age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply.

Three programs in Express Entry

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) — for individuals with work experience abroad
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — for individuals with 1+ year of work in Canada
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) — for skilled tradespeople

Minimum requirements (FSW)

• 67 points in the FSW eligibility test
• At least 1 year of full-time work experience in a job classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Proficiency in English or French at a minimum CLB 7 level (IELTS 6.0 / TEF B2)
• Minimum secondary education with an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) from WES, ICAS, or IQAS
• Settlement funds: ~14,690 CAD for a single applicant (more for a family)

CRS System — how you are scored

After creating an Express Entry profile, IRCC calculates your CRS (max 1200 points). Main categories include:

• Age — max 110 points (most for ages 20-29)
• Education — max 150 points
• Language — max 160 points (both: English + French)
• Work experience — max 80 points
• Adaptability (spouse, family in Canada) — max 100 points
• Provincial Nomination — bonus 600 points (crucial!)
• Job offer LMIA — bonus 50-200 points

In 2026, typical invitation thresholds: 480-550 CRS (general category) / 380-450 CRS (French category).

Step by step

1. Check eligibility using the "Come to Canada" tool — canada.ca/come
2. Get ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) — ~250 CAD, 6-12 weeks through WES (most popular)
3. Take IELTS General or CELPIP — 309 CAD, results valid for 2 years
4. Create an Express Entry profile online — free; profile valid for 12 months
5. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) — draws every 2 weeks
6. Submit e-APR application within 60 days of ITA
7. Biometrics, medical exams, police certificates
8. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) within 6-12 months
9. Landing in Canada — cross the border and become a Permanent Resident

Costs (as of 2026)

• PR application (single) — 1,525 CAD
• PR application + spouse — 2,850 CAD
• Dependent child — 260 CAD each
• ECA through WES — 250-300 CAD
• IELTS / CELPIP — 309 CAD
• Biometrics — 85 CAD (single) / 170 CAD (family)
• Medical exams — 100-200 CAD per person
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee — 575 CAD (paid before COPR is issued)

How long does it take

From the moment of creating an Express Entry profile to receiving the COPR: 6-18 months. The process after ITA typically takes 6 months under normal conditions, sometimes longer for complicated cases.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

If your CRS is too low for federal draws, consider PNP — provinces (Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) have their own nomination programs. Provincial nomination provides +600 CRS points — practically guarantees an ITA.

Common mistakes

• Not obtaining ECA before creating a profile — education points do not count
• Old IELTS score (loses validity after 2 years)
• Mismatch of occupation with NOC (National Occupational Classification) — employer in Poland must confirm duties align with NOC
• Not declaring all family members (even non-accompanying children — affects future sponsorship)
• Underreporting settlement funds

What next after Permanent Residence

• You will receive a PR Card within 2-3 months
• You must reside in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within a 5-year period (residency obligation)
• After 3 years as a PR — apply for Canadian citizenship
• Possible family sponsorship (spouse, parents, children)