The Express Entry (EE) system is a three stage active immigration process whereby interested applicants will first submit an EE form online. Second, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses these potential applicants against specific eligibility criteria. Potential applicants who are deemed to have met the eligibility criteria are then entered into a pool with other eligible candidates. Third, those candidates whose profiles align with the identified needs of the government, as well as, that of certain Canadian employers, will be issued an “invitation to apply” (ITA). Only those candidates who receive invitations can then proceed to apply for permanent residence.

Express Entry is a selection system the Canadian Government implemented to expedite the Permanent Resident visa process for various  Economic Immigration Programs.  It is an electronic process with online submissions which allows for quicker processing times, averaging around 6 months.

The following programs are processed by Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)  – some programs