Canada’s Express Entry remains one of the fastest ways for skilled workers to gain permanent residency. With updates introduced in 2025, including the removal of CRS points for job offers and more targeted draws, it’s important to understand each step clearly to maximize your chances of success.

Determine Your Eligibility

First, check if you qualify under any of the three programs managed by Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). You must meet the minimum requirements for work experience, education, and language ability to create a valid profile.

Complete an Approved Language Test

Language proficiency is one of the biggest factors affecting your CRS score. Take an approved test such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF/TCF for French. Achieving Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 or higher significantly boosts your score and positions you better in draws.

Get Your Educational Credentials Assessed (ECA)

If you studied outside Canada, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment from a recognized organization. This confirms that your qualification is equivalent to Canadian standards, ensuring you earn CRS points for education.

Create and Submit Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have your language results and ECA, create your profile on the IRCC portal. You’ll provide personal details, education, work history, and language scores. Based on this, you’ll receive a CRS score out of 1200, ranking you against other candidates in the pool.

Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

In 2025, PNPs have become even more important, especially with the removal of CRS points for job offers. A provincial nomination gives you an additional 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Research PNPs that align with your occupation and profile.

Improve Your CRS Score

If your score is below recent cutoffs, work to improve it. The main ways include achieving higher language scores, gaining more skilled work experience, adding a spouse’s education or language points, demonstrating French proficiency, or obtaining a provincial nomination.

Monitor Category-Based Draws

Canada now holds category-based draws targeting specific occupations such as healthcare, STEM, trades, and French speakers. Even with a mid-range CRS score, being eligible under these targeted draws can increase your chances of selection.

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff in a general or category-based draw, you will receive an ITA. This is the formal invitation to submit your full application for permanent residency within 60 days.

Gather and Submit Your Documents

After receiving an ITA, prepare your documents quickly. You will need your language results, ECA report, police certificates, medical examination results, proof of funds (if required), work experience letters, and any provincial nomination certificate.

Complete Biometrics, Medicals, and Final Review

Schedule your biometrics and complete your medical examination as soon as possible. IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within six months, but delays can occur if documentation is incomplete.

Land in Canada as a Permanent Resident

Once approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Use it to travel to Canada and officially land as a permanent resident. You will later receive your PR card, allowing you to live, work, and settle anywhere in Canada.

Key Updates for 2025

One major change this year is the removal of CRS points for job offers, which previously offered 50–200 extra points. This aims to reduce misuse of LMIA-based job offers. Another important update is the emphasis on category-based draws targeting specific occupations and French speakers to address labor market needs more effectively.

Final Thoughts

Express Entry remains an efficient pathway to Canadian permanent residency, but the competition is high. By understanding these steps, improving your CRS score, and aligning your profile with targeted categories, you can maximize your chances of success. If you want professional guidance in preparing your Express Entry profile and application, our experienced consultants are ready to assist you at every stage of your journey to Canada.