Express Entry System - How to Apply

Express Entry System is not an Immigration Program. It is the system being used by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence for these programs:
If you are eligible in any of these programs, you will become an Express Entry Candidate.  And as such, you:
  • will be placed you in the Express Entry Pool with others who are also eligible
  • will be ranked with other candidates using several factors
  • will get an Invitation to Apply to a specific program if you’re a top candidate
  • you can apply online for permanent residence if you received the invitation to apply
Your application will be processed in six months or less.


Express Entry System - How to Apply


Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to meet local labour market needs.

Ministerial Instructions set out the rules for the Express Entry application management system.