Express Entry is a points-based system through which the highest ranked eligible candidates from express entry pool are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Currently there are four streams through which IRCC invites applicants. Draws are held for each stream after which ITA’s (invitation to apply) are issued to who rank above the cut-off.

Note: Being in the Express Entry pool does not guarantee that a candidate will be issued an ITA (invitation to apply). Likewise, an ITA does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a positive decision on their application for permanent residence.

Candidates are scored on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and are ranked accordingly in the Express Entry pool. CRS is based on objective criteria known to contribute to an immigrant’s economic success in Canada. Candidates can score a maximum of 1,200 points in CRS, with points allocated as follows:

• A core set of human capital factors that drive economic outcomes: Age, level of education, official language proficiency, and work experience
• A set of spousal factors: Age, level of education, official language proficiency, and work experience
• A set of skills transferability or interaction factors that amplify the core set
• Points awarded for candidates with a validated provincial/territorial nomination and/or a qualifying offer of arranged employment