Express Entry is an online application management system which aims to ensure faster processing and better economic outcomes for permanent residence to Canada under federal and certain provincial programs.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will submit a profile in the Express Entry pool, known as an Expression of Interest (EOI).
How does Express Entry work?
Apply for permanent residence
Rounds of invitations under Express Entry
Candidates are ranked under a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking profiles are selected from the Express Entry Pool and receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
The federal government issues invitations at regular intervals during the year.
Types of Canada Express Entry Draws
- Invite candidates from all Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- Selection is based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score without program-specific requirements.
- Aimed at achieving broad immigration targets and attracting a diverse range of skilled workers.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Draws
- Target candidates with international work experience and qualifications.
- Applicants must meet specific criteria for language proficiency, education, and work experience.
- Ideal for addressing Canada’s labor needs with internationally trained professionals.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Draws
- Focus on skilled tradespeople in fields like construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and industrial work.
- CRS cutoffs tend to be lower due to demand for these skills.
- Applicants may require certification or a valid job offer in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draws
- Designed for candidates with Canadian work experience, often international students or temporary foreign workers.
- Preferred for proven ability to integrate into Canada’s economy and society.
- Generally have lower CRS score requirements compared to other programs.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws
- Invite candidates nominated by a province or territory through their PNP.
- Provide a 600-point CRS boost, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Focus on filling labor gaps and encouraging settlement in specific provinces or territories.
- Invite candidates with expertise in high-demand occupations.
- Examples of targeted fields include:
- Healthcare: Physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
- STEM Professions: Engineers, IT specialists, and data scientists.
- Trades: Carpenters, plumbers, and contractors.
- Transport: Truck drivers, logistics professionals, and airline personnel.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: Farm managers, food processing workers, and agricultural specialists.
- Draws help address critical skill shortages across key sectors.
- Prioritize French-speaking or bilingual candidates, regardless of CRS score.
- Support the growth of francophone communities outside Quebec.
- Frequently target provinces with large francophone populations, such as Ontario, New Brunswick, and Manitoba.
- Help strengthen Canada’s bilingual and multicultural identity.
Express Entry Draws 2026
| Draw | Date | Number of Invitations | Lowest CRS Score | Program Targeted | |
1 | 2026-01-05 | 574 | 711 | Provincial Nominee Program |
For an archive of every Express Entry draw in 2025, click here. For a complete archive of all Express Entry draws prior to 2025, click here.
