Express Entry manages applications for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. First establish whether you qualify for a program; then check how your profile is ranked and whether a current invitation category is relevant. Language results, education assessments and documented work experience are central. Keep the profile accurate as circumstances change, and prepare evidence before an invitation creates a submission deadline.
What to plan
- Compare eligibility across the three federal programs.
- Review occupation classification and qualifying work history.
- Plan language tests and education assessment.
- Prepare a profile and invitation-stage document timeline.
The process, step by step.
This is the typical sequence to discuss when agreeing your service. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and current instructions.
Assess federal program eligibility
Compare your work experience, education, language and circumstances against the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades requirements.
Obtain the key evidence
Complete an accepted language test and any required education assessment, and organize work evidence before entering your profile information.
Create and maintain the profile
Submit accurate information to the pool and update relevant changes, while keeping a separate plan for any Canadian temporary status.
Review an invitation before applying
Check the invitation category, claimed points and submission deadline, then prepare the full supporting file for the permanent residence application.
Complete federal processing requirements
Submit the application and respond to applicable biometrics, medical, police certificate and other evidence requests through the instructed channels.
Follow confirmation instructions
If approved, complete the relevant in-Canada confirmation or arrival process and arrange the address and photograph for your first card.
What to prepare
These are starting points for a discussion. The official checklist and your circumstances determine the documents required for an application.
- Approved language results
- Education credentials and ECA where required
- Detailed employer letters and work records
- Identity, civil status and settlement funds evidence where required
Your questions, answered.
No. Eligible candidates enter a pool. Only an invitation allows the next application stage, subject to meeting its requirements.
It provides historical context only. Future thresholds and selection categories can differ, so maintain a status plan independent of invitations.
Check the official guidance
Research checked 13 October 2026. Program rules, intake, fees, and processing times can change. Use the current official instructions before making a decision.