What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada's online immigration management system. It was launched in 2015 and is used to process applications for three of Canada's main skilled worker immigration programs.
Instead of waiting years in a paper queue, you create a profile online. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) then scores your profile and invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence (PR).
The whole process — from submitting your profile to getting your PR — typically takes around 7 months for CEC and FSWP applicants as of June 2026, with IRCC's service standard target of 6 months.
The 3 Programs Inside Express Entry
Express Entry manages three separate immigration pools. You need to qualify for at least one of them.
1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
This is the most popular stream. It's for people with skilled work experience outside Canada. To qualify, you generally need:
- At least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in the past 10 years
- A minimum score on the FSW points grid (67 points out of 100)
- A valid language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English; TEF or TCF for French)
- Proof of enough money to settle in Canada (unless you already have a job offer or are currently working in Canada)
2. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
This stream is for people working in skilled trades — think electricians, plumbers, welders, and similar occupations. Requirements include:
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade in the past 5 years
- A valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province/territory
- A language test showing you meet the minimum standard
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This is for people who are already living and working in Canada temporarily. It's often used by international students or temporary foreign workers. You need:
- At least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years
- A valid language test result
How Your CRS Score Works
Once you're in the pool, every candidate is given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200.
Your CRS score is based on factors like:
- Age (younger = more points, up to age 30)
- Education (higher credentials = more points)
- Language skills (higher IELTS/CELPIP scores = more points)
- Work experience (more years = more points)
- Adaptability (spouse's education, Canadian study/work experience, job offers, etc.)
The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a draw.
Express Entry Draws in 2026: What's Happening
In 2026, IRCC has continued running a mix of draw types:
- All-programs draws — open to everyone in the pool, typically requiring a CRS score around 480–510
- Category-based draws — active in 2026 and targeted at candidates in specific sectors like French language proficiency, healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, and transport. These draws often have lower CRS cutoffs (sometimes as low as 409), giving more people a chance.
Latest Draw: Draw #418 (May 28, 2026)
- Type: French-Language Proficiency
- Minimum CRS: 409
- ITAs issued: 4,500
- Total pool size: 238,847 candidates (as of May 24, 2026)
Current CRS Score Distribution (May 2026)
| CRS Score Range | Candidates |
|---|---|
| 601–1200 | 332 |
| 501–600 | 17,945 |
| 451–500 | 75,348 |
| 401–450 | 65,963 |
| 351–400 | 52,581 |
| 301–350 | 18,375 |
| 0–300 | 8,303 |
Current Processing Times (as of June 2026)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 7 months
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): 7 months
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): approximately 6–8 months
IRCC's service standard target is 6 months; actual processing times are currently running at 7 months for CEC and FSWP as of the May 2026 IRCC update.
IRCC holds draws roughly every two weeks. You can check the latest draw results on the IRCC website or let Settlr track them for you automatically.
Tip: If your score is below the cutoff, focus on boosting it. Even 10–20 more points can make a big difference. Category-based draws (French, healthcare, trades) are active in 2026 and often invite candidates with lower CRS scores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants make errors that cost them time and money. Here are the most common ones:
- 1
Taking the language test without preparing
A higher IELTS or CELPIP score can add 50–80 points to your CRS. Retaking the test after studying often pays off.
- 2
Not getting your credentials assessed
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for most FSW applicants. Skipping this step or choosing the wrong organization will delay your application.
- 3
Letting your profile expire
Express Entry profiles are valid for 12 months. If you don't receive an ITA, you must renew your profile or you'll be removed from the pool.
- 4
Incorrect NOC codes
Every job you list must match the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. A wrong code can make your application ineligible.
- 5
Missing documents at the ITA stage
Once you receive an ITA, you have only 60 days to submit a complete PR application. Not having your documents ready is the #1 reason for delays.