Canada is more than just snow-covered mountains, maple syrup, and hockey — it’s a land of opportunity for people looking to build better lives. If you’re skilled, determined, and looking for a legal and fast way to immigrate, the Canada Express Entry system might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Whether you’re applying from Nigeria, India, Kenya, the Philippines, Pakistan, South Africa, or anywhere else in the world, we will walk you through the entire Express Entry process step by step, with no confusion, no fluff — just clear guidance on how to start your journey to permanent residency in Canada.

What is Canada Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s official online immigration application system for selecting skilled foreign workers for permanent residency (PR). It manages applications under three economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants are ranked using a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and top-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible for Express Entry if you:

• Are under 45 years old
• Have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience
• Have a recognized diploma or degree
• Can prove English or French proficiency
• Have proof of settlement funds (unless applying under CEC)
• Have no serious criminal or medical inadmissibility

You do not need a job offer, but it helps increase your points.

Step-by-Step: Canada Express Entry Visa Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Use the IRCC eligibility tool to see if you qualify under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC.

Step 2: Take an Approved Language Test

Approved language tests:

• IELTS General Training for English
• TEF Canada for French

Minimum score for FSWP:

• CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each category)

Your results are valid for 2 years.

Step 3: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

You must have your foreign degree assessed by an approved agency such as:

• WES
• IQAS
• ICAS
• CES

This shows your education is equal to a Canadian credential.

Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have:

• Your language results
• Your ECA report
• Work experience details
• Passport and ID documents

Go to the IRCC website and create your Express Entry profile.

You’ll be entered into the pool and given a CRS score out of 1200 points.

Step 5: Increase Your CRS Score (Optional)

If your score is too low, you can:

• Improve your IELTS or TEF scores
• Add your spouse’s profile for extra points
• Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Gain Canadian work experience or study credentials
• Secure a valid Canadian job offer

Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC holds Express Entry draws every 2–3 weeks. If your score is above the cutoff, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

You’ll then have 60 days to complete and submit your application online.

Step 7: Submit Your PR Application

Documents required:

• Valid passport
• IELTS/TEF score sheet
• ECA report
• Work experience letters (detailing roles and duties)
• Police clearance
• Medical exam results
• Proof of settlement funds
• Digital photo and biometrics
• Marriage/birth certificates (if applicable)

Fee: CAD $1,365 per adult applicant

Submit your application through the IRCC portal.

Step 8: Biometrics and Medical Examination

Once your application is in:

• You’ll be asked to submit fingerprints and a photo (biometrics)
• You must attend a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician

Step 9: Wait for Your PR Approval

Most complete Express Entry applications are processed in 6 months or less. You’ll receive:

• A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
• Instructions for visa stamping (if applying from outside Canada)

Step 10: Travel to Canada and Settle

Once your visa is issued:

• Book your flight to Canada
• Carry your COPR, proof of funds, and travel documents
• Meet with the immigration officer at your port of entry
• Receive your permanent resident status and PR card

Congratulations — you’re now a Canadian permanent resident!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply without a job offer?
👉 Yes, Express Entry does not require a job offer, but one can boost your score.

Q: What’s the minimum CRS score to be selected?
👉 Scores vary by draw. Competitive scores in general draws are usually 470+, but PNP draws accept scores as low as 300.

Q: How much money do I need to show?
👉 For one person: CAD $13,757 (2025). Add CAD $3,700 for each additional family member.

Q: How long does the process take?
👉 6 months after submission. Full journey (from eligibility to PR) takes about 8–12 months on average.

Q: Can I bring my family?
👉 Yes. You can include your spouse and children under 22 in your application.

Key Takeaways

• Express Entry is Canada’s most popular immigration program for skilled workers.
• You need language results, ECA, and a strong CRS score to compete.
• A job offer and provincial nomination can increase your chances dramatically.
• Once invited, you can apply for permanent residency within 60 days.
• Processing is fast — typically under 6 months for most complete applications.

Helpful Resources

• Canada Express Entry Portal
• CRS Score Calculator
• WES ECA Application
• Approved Panel Physicians

Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Please refer to official Canadian government sources or consult a licensed immigration consultant for personalized support. For more details, visit our Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms of Use.

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Written by our team of international travel and visa experts based in Canada. Read more helpful guides like this here.