Last verified: July 5, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca — Express Entry
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
The journey at a glance
Express Entry is a two-stage system: first you get into a ranked pool; then, if you're selected, you submit a full PR application. Here's the whole path.
Step 1 — Check eligibility & gather documents
Confirm you qualify for at least one of the three programs — CEC, FSW, or FST — then get the documents that take longest first:
- A valid language test (CELPIP/IELTS/PTE Core, or TEF/TCF for French).
- An ECA if you have foreign education you want counted.
- Your correct NOC and proof of skilled work experience.
- A valid passport.
Step 2 — Create your profile & enter the pool
Submit an Express Entry profile online. You're scored by the CRS and placed in the pool, ranked against everyone else. Your profile is valid for a period during which you can keep improving it. (Not eligible yet? Fix that first — a profile requires meeting a program's minimum criteria.)
Step 3 — Improve your score while you wait
The pool is dynamic. Use the time to raise your CRS — re-test your language, add French, pursue a provincial nomination (+600), or gain more experience. See how to improve your CRS and track cutoffs in the Draw Tracker.
Step 4 — Receive an ITA
In a round of invitations, IRCC invites the top-ranked candidates (either in a general draw or a targeted category draw). If your score meets the cutoff, you get an ITAITA: Invitation to Apply — the invitation, issued in a round of invitations, that lets you submit a full permanent-residence application. You have a limited window to submit..
Step 5 — Submit your e-APR
After an ITA, you submit your e-APRe-APR: Electronic Application for Permanent Residence — the complete PR application you file after an ITA, with all supporting documents. within the deadline stated in your invitation. This is where you upload everything: work reference letters, proof of funds (if required), education, language, and identity documents.
⚠️ Everything you claimed in your profile must now be proven. If you can't back up a claim (e.g. skilled experience matching your NOC), don't submit against that ITA — an inability to prove claims can lead to refusal.
Step 6 — Biometrics, medical & police certificates
As part of the PR application you'll typically complete:
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) after an instruction letter.
- An immigration medical exam with an approved panel physician.
- Police certificates from countries where you've lived.
Step 7 — Decision & confirmation of PR
IRCC reviews your application, may request more information, and issues a decision. If approved, you receive confirmation of permanent residence and complete the final landing formalities.
Documents to prepare early
| Document | Why it's slow |
|---|---|
| Language test | Booking + results take time |
| ECA | Depends on your school verifying credentials |
| Police certificates | Some countries are slow to issue |
| Reference letters | Employers can be slow; must match your NOC duties |
Starting these before you get an ITA is the single best way to avoid a rushed, incomplete submission.
Where this fits
This is the backbone of the Permanent Residence hub. If you're on the student path, it follows PGWP and skilled Canadian experience — see the Study → PR pathway map. Know your number first with the CRS Calculator.