Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST)

Express Entry is the main online system for skilled workers. It manages 3 programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). You create a profile, enter a pool, and IRCC invites the candidates with the most points in rounds.

Open

Centre Block and the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, Ottawa — Photo: Saffron Blaze · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Who it is for (summary)

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): skilled work experience in Canada or abroad (TEER 0–3), 1 year continuous in the last 10 years, CLB 7, secondary education. A job offer isn’t required. There are more rules, such as a points grid and proof of funds: read IRCC’s full list before you apply.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 1 year of skilled work in Canada in the last 3 years. CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2/3.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST): 2 years in a skilled trade in the last 5 years, CLB 5 speaking/listening and CLB 4 reading/writing, plus a full-time job offer of at least 1 year or a Canadian certificate of qualification.

Step-by-step checklist

0 of 6 done

1. Create a profile and enter the poolWhat to expect: You get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score from the information you enter.
2. Wait for an invitationWhat to expect: IRCC invites candidates in rounds: some for everyone in the pool, some for a category or program. Each round has its own lowest score. See the latest draws on our Draws page.
3. Apply within 60 daysWhat to expect: An invitation is valid for 60 days only. Fill out the form, upload documents and pay the fees.
4. Medical exam and biometricsWhat to expect: An immigration medical exam (IME) from a panel physician is required. If your application is complete, IRCC sends a biometrics letter; you have 30 days.
5. IRCC reviews your applicationWhat to expect: IRCC confirms in your secure account that it has reviewed your application, then makes a decision.
6. Decision and landingWhat to expect: IRCC tells you through your secure account. If approved, pay the right of permanent residence fee if you haven’t yet, then confirm your PR status or prepare to arrive.

Documents you usually need

Passport or travel document
Language test results
Educational credential assessment (required for FSW, or to get points for foreign education)
Proof of work experience
Written job offer or provincial nomination, if you have one
Trade certificate of qualification, if you have one
Police certificates
Proof of funds
Medical exam (IME)
Birth certificates of dependent children
Marriage, divorce or common-law documents (IMM 5409), if they apply
Certified translations of documents not in English or French

Government fees

CAD

Application with right of PR fee	$1,590
Application without right of PR fee	$990
Right of permanent residence fee	$600
Biometrics (one person)	$85

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

Biometrics letter (30 days).
Review of your application, shown in your IRCC account.
IRCC can’t approve your application until all fees are paid.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

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