Many graduates choose to remain in the country after completing their studies, and Express Entry offers a clear path toward permanent residency. If you’re planning to study in Canada or are already a student here, understanding how this system works can help you make informed decisions about your education, work experience, and long-term goals.

Express Entry in Canada: How It Works

Express Entry is Canada's main immigration system for skilled workers. It allows the country to select candidates who can fill labour shortages across key industries, helping maintain a balanced and competitive workforce. It is an online system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), used to process applications for permanent residence under three federal programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates submit an online profile, and those who meet the eligibility criteria are placed into a pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Key Changes to Know in 2025

Since November 2022, Canada uses the NOC 2021 classification system, which introduced TEER levels (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities). Express Entry focuses on occupations in TEER 0–3:

• TEER 0: Management jobs
• TEER 1: Jobs that usually require a university degree
• TEER 2 & 3: Jobs requiring college diplomas, apprenticeship training, or work experience in a related occupation

In 2023, Canada also introduced category-based Express Entry draws to target applicants in priority sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Trades
• French-language proficiency
• Transportation
• Agriculture and agri-food

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the program:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years
• Language test scores equivalent to CLB 7
• Education credential (assessed if obtained outside Canada)
• Minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection grid

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• 2 years of recent full-time experience in a qualifying trade within the last 5 years
• A valid job offer in Canada OR a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority
• CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years
• CLB 7 (for TEER 0 and 1 jobs) or CLB 5 (for TEER 2 and 3 jobs)

Language Tests Accepted

To prove your proficiency in English or French, you must take an approved test:

• English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General
• French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada

Your scores are converted into CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels to determine your eligibility and CRS points.

How the CRS Score Works

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) gives you a score out of 1,200 based on:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language ability
• Adaptability (e.g. Canadian education or work experience)
• Job offer or provincial nomination

There is no fixed minimum score, but recent general draws typically require over 470–490 CRS points. In contrast, category-based draws may accept lower scores if you meet specific eligibility (e.g. healthcare workers, French speakers). You can estimate your score using the official CRS calculator.

How to Improve Your CRS Score

Here are common ways to raise your score:

• Retake your language test to achieve a higher CLB level
• Complete additional education (e.g. bachelor's or master’s degree)
• Gain more skilled work experience, especially in Canada
• Secure a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to receive a 600-point boost

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry

Each province and territory in Canada (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own PNP stream. Some streams are aligned with Express Entry, allowing provinces to nominate candidates from the federal pool.

A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing an invitation. Most provinces require you to intend to live and work there. While Canadian law allows freedom of mobility once you're a permanent resident, moving immediately after landing could jeopardize future applications or raise concerns about misrepresentation.

Summary: Is Express Entry Right for You?

Express Entry is ideal if you:

• Have post-secondary education
• Have strong language skills in English or French
• Have skilled work experience (in Canada or abroad)
• Want to immigrate as a permanent resident

Even if your CRS score is currently low, category-based draws, PNPs, and score improvements offer many paths forward.

From Studies to Opportunities

For international students, it’s useful to be aware of the options that may open up after graduation. Express Entry is one such pathway and understanding how it works can support your academic and career planning. While your main focus is studying, staying informed helps align today’s choices with tomorrow’s opportunities.

Note 1: Eligibility criteria and scoring thresholds in the Express Entry system may change. Always refer to the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.

Note 2: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or immigration advice. For personalized guidance, consult a certified immigration consultant or visit the official IRCC website.