Last Updated:February 19, 2026
What is the Express Entry?
On January 1, 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new immigration application management system. Based on the applicant’s registered profile, IRCC assigns scores using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with higher scores are given priority for the right to apply for permanent residence. This system ensures that individuals with the highest potential for success in Canada are prioritized, rather than being processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Drawings are held intermittently, and high scorers receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), allowing them to proceed with their application.
Categories Eligible for the Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Certain Provincial Nominee Programs
Profile registration and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
When you register your profile online (including details like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and marital status), it will be scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and ranked in the Express Entry pool.。
Once registered, your profile is valid for one year. If there are any updates, such as achieving a better English score, you can update your profile at any time.
- A valid job offer (offer of arranged employment)
- Language test result
- Siblings or relatives living in Canada who are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents
- Educational background, such as graduating from a Canadian public university or college
- Proficiency in both English and French
- A nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program
2026 Target Drawing Categories
On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the following 10 categories for the 2026 Target Drawings:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Education occupations
- Transport occupations (Newly Added)
- Physicians with Canadian work experience (Newly Added)
- Senior managers with Canadian work experience (Newly Added)
- Researchers with Canadian work experience (Newly Added)
- Skilled military recruits (Newly Added)
These 10 categories were determined based on labor market information and projections, as well as input from provinces, territories, partner organizations, and stakeholders across the country. They are reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary.
Express Entry Registration to Permanent Residence Process
01Meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence categories
To apply, you must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the following categories: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades.
02Submit your profile to the Express Entry system
Once you meet the requirements, you can register your profile in the Express Entry system through your online account.
03Once your score is calculated, you will be placed into the selection pool
Based on your profile registration, your score will be calculated, and you will be placed into the Express Entry selection pool.
04Receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA)
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is the right to submit your permanent residence application. You can only proceed with the full application once you have received the ITA. IRCC conducts regular selections called ‘draws,’ where candidates with the highest scores in the pool are issued an ITA. If you do not receive an ITA, you will remain in the selection pool for up to one year.
05You must submit your permanent residence application to IRCC within 60 days
After receiving the ITA, you must finalize your permanent residence application within 60 days. This involves creating an account on the online application portal, attaching the necessary documents, and submitting them to IRCC.
06Assessment by IRCC
After IRCC completes their review, the applicant will receive a letter called the Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR).
07Landing
Applicants residing outside Canada will enter the country with their Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR). Those applying from within Canada can complete the landing procedure online.
08Receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card
Following the landing process, the PR card will be sent to the designated address within Canada and should arrive within a few months.
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