Immigrate to Canada
Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, find the right pathway and understand every step.
Last verified: June 2026 · Source: IRCC, IRPA, IRPR
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Explore your admissibility and find your pathway
Our free explorer checks your eligibility against IRPA criteria and points you to the right program.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry (IRPA s.11.2) is Canada's primary system for managing permanent residence applications under three federal economic programs. IRCC holds regular draws, sometimes weekly, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with the highest CRS scores.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For skilled workers outside Canada. No Canadian experience required. Requires CLB 7+, 1+ year skilled work, and education credentials assessed by a designated organization.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For workers already in Canada. Requires 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (TEER 0–3) in the past 3 years and meeting language requirements.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
For qualified tradespeople. Requires 2 years of skilled trades experience, a valid job offer or certificate of qualification, and language requirements.
FSW vs CEC vs FST: Quick Comparison
| Factor | FSW | CEC | FST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian exp. required | No | Yes (1 year) | No (job offer/cert) |
| Language minimum | CLB 7 | CLB 7 (TEER 1) / CLB 5 (TEER 2–3) | CLB 5 |
| ECA required | Yes | No | No |
| CRS cut-off | Varies by draw | Varies by draw | Varies (FST-specific draws are rare) |
Free Immigration Tools
No account required. All tools use official IRCC data.
CRS Calculator
Estimate your Express Entry score
Pathway Explorer
Browse every major pathway by its published criteria
NOC Finder
Search 516 NOC codes, learn your TEER level
Document Checklist
Learn which documents IRCC requires for your application
Physical Presence
Track physical presence days for citizenship
Canada Immigration Guides
Detailed walkthroughs based on IRCC policy and IRPA/IRPR regulations.
Express Entry
FSW, CEC, FST, how the pool, CRS, and draws work (IRPA s.11.2)
Provincial Nominee Program
All 11 provincial and territorial nominee programs compared
Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor your partner or spouse for permanent residence
Canadian Citizenship
1,095-day physical presence, language, and the citizenship test
Move from the US
Pathways for Americans and US permanent residents
PR Card Renewal
How to renew your Permanent Resident Card inside or outside Canada
How do I apply for permanent residence in Canada?
The process depends on your pathway. Here's how Express Entry works, the fastest route for most economic immigrants:
- 1
Check eligibility
Verify you meet requirements for FSW, CEC, or FST. Key factors: language scores (CLB), education, work experience, age.
- 2
Get your documents ready
Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF), Educational Credential Assessment (FSW), proof of work experience, valid passport.
- 3
Create your Express Entry profile
Submit your profile online at IRCC. Your CRS score is calculated automatically. You enter the Express Entry pool.
- 4
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC holds draws regularly (often every 2 weeks). If your CRS score meets the cut-off, you receive an ITA.
- 5
Submit your complete PR application
You have 60 days to submit a complete application after receiving an ITA. Include all supporting documents.
- 6
Receive your Confirmation of PR (COPR)
IRCC targets a 6-month service standard for complete applications. Upon approval, you receive a COPR and become a permanent resident.
Deep-Dive Library · Coming soon
Immigrating to Canada (Vol. 2), $79
The "Immigrating to Canada" volume of our deep-dive library explains Express Entry, the PNP, sponsorship, and permits from the published criteria, with citations. Education, not advice.
- ✓How the Comprehensive Ranking System is built, factor by factor
- ✓The published criteria behind each PNP stream
- ✓Where the official government fee schedule lives
- ✓How IRCC publishes and updates processing times