Canada’s Express Entry system is the primary path for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and gain permanent resident status in Canada in 2025 and the coming years. In 2015, Express Entry became the most popular and efficient way for immigrants with eligible skills, education, work experience, and language abilities to achieve permanent residency in Canada under significant federal economic programs.
This guide covers everything you need to know about applying through Express Entry in 2025.
What is Express Entry in Canada?
Express Entry (EE) is an online application management system introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2015. It manages applications for three major federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Express Entry allows Canada to select the top candidates who meet the criteria for these programs to apply for permanent residence.
Candidates start by creating an online EE profile where they provide information about their skills, education, language ability, work experience and other details. Those who meet the minimum eligibility requirements for one of the programs are accepted into a pool of candidates, such as international students to Canada, temporary residents or family reunification.
The Government of Canada selects the top-ranked candidates from this pool through regular draws and invites them to apply for permanent residence. This competitive process makes Express Entry the fastest and most popular path to Canadian immigration.
Who is Eligible for Express Entry in Canada 2025?
To be eligible to apply through EE in 2025, you must meet the minimum criteria for one of the three immigration programs above. Let’s review the basic requirements for each program:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for candidates with skilled work experience and high levels of human capital including education, language skills, and other factors. The minimum requirements are:
- At least one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B) within the last 10 years
- A CLB 7 or above in English or French language abilities
- A Canadian high school diploma or foreign credential equal to a Canadian credential
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for qualified tradespeople with experience in an eligible skilled trade. The minimum criteria are:
- At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a specified skilled trade within the last five years
- A CLB 5 or higher in speaking/listening and CLB 4 or higher in reading/writing
- Meet job offer requirements OR have a Certificate of Qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) pathway is for skilled foreign workers with at least one year of full-time skilled work experience gained in Canada. The minimum requirements are:
- 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience gained in Canada within the last 3 years
- Meet language requirements for your skill type (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A, CLB 5 for NOC B)
- Experience must be in managerial jobs, professional occupations, technical jobs or skilled trades.
In addition to meeting the basic eligibility requirements above, candidates are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are invited to apply through regular Express Entry draws.
Ideal Candidates for Express Entry in 2025
While simply meeting the minimum criteria can make you eligible, ideal candidates score very highly on the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Here are some of the key factors that can maximize your CRS score:
- Being under 30 years of age
- A Master’s, professional degree or PhD
- High English and/or French proficiency (CLB 9+)
- 3+ years of skilled work experience
- A sibling in Canada
- Arranged employment in Canada
- Provincial nomination
Younger applicants with higher levels of education, language ability, skilled experience and Canadian ties are perfect candidates for Express Entry.
How to Apply for Express Entry in Canada in 2025
The process to apply through Express Entry in 2025 involves three basic steps:
Create Your Online Express Entry Profile
This is where you provide information about your skills, education, language ability, work experience and other details. Make sure you have all your supporting documents ready.
Acceptable documents include:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment
- Proof of work experience letters
- Valid passport
- Etc.
If you meet the criteria for one of the programs, you’ll be accepted into the pool of candidates where you’ll be ranked.
Get Invited to Apply
The highest-ranked candidates in the pool are invited to apply through regular Express Entry invitation rounds.
If you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Submit Your Application
In this stage, you have to complete the full permanent residence application, including forms, documents, fees, medical exams, etc.
The IRCC will review your application and make a final decision on granting you permanent residence if you meet all requirements.
The whole EE process can take as little as six months from profile submission to getting permanent residence if you’re invited quickly.
Comprehensive Ranking System in Express Entry 2025
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is how EE candidates are ranked against each other in the pool.
Points are awarded across these significant factors:
- Core human capital factors
- Spouse or common-law partner factors
- Skill transferability factors
- Additional points
In 2025, a CRS score over 450 should be competitive. The actual minimum CRS score required for ITAs can fluctuate each draw.
Let’s examine some key ways applicants can maximize their ranking in 2025:
Improve Your Core Human Capital Factors
- Focus on improving your education and language scores and gaining additional skilled work experience.
- Consider pursuing further education, like a Master’s degree, to get more points.
- Retake your language test multiple times to get a higher score.
- Work for over 3 years at your skilled job to boost work experience points.
Increase Points for Your Spouse or Partner
- Your spouse can take a language test to add points.
- If they also have skilled work experience, add it to your profile.
Maximize Skill Transferability Points
- Get an additional language test in your second official language. Bilingual candidates get a significant boost.
- Get your foreign education and credentials assessed – you may be eligible for more points.
- Review your work experience to ensure your current NOC codes give you the most points possible.
Try to Get Additional Points
- If you have a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, make sure to declare them. This gives you 15 extra points.
- If you have a valid arranged job offer, this can add 50 or 200 points, depending on your LMIA.
- Consider applying for a provincial nomination through EE linked PNPs to get 600 additional points.
Following the tips above can help maximize your ranking and chances of being invited to apply in 2025.
Express Entry Draws in 2025
Express Entry candidates are invited to apply through regular draws from the pool. Here is how draws will work in 2025:
How Do Express Entry Draws Work?
Draws are typically held every two weeks. IRCC will:
- Decide on the number of ITAs needed and the minimum CRS score
- Search the pool for the highest-ranked candidates above that score
- Issue ITAs to those candidates
Candidates then have 60 days to submit a complete application.
When Will Express Entry Draws Be Held in 2025?
While a set schedule is never released, we can expect draws to continue being held approximately every two weeks.
Most draws are on Wednesdays but some may be on Tuesdays. No draws are held in late December.
What Are the Types of Draws in 2025?
There are a few different formats for Express Entry draws:
- General draws – ITAs issued across all programs
- Program-specific draws – Only candidates from one program are invited
- Linked PNP draws – Top candidates with a provincial nomination get ITAs
2025, we will likely see a mix of all three draw types held. Candidates in the pool have to be ranked highly enough to get an ITA, regardless of the draw format.
Express Entry Processing Times in 2025
Here are the current and projected processing times for Express Entry in 2025:
Getting an ITA
Most highly ranked candidates can expect to get an ITA within 6-12 months after submitting their profile. Higher-ranked candidates will get invited more quickly, while lower-ranked candidates may wait longer.
Permanent Residence Processing Time
Once you submit your complete application after getting an ITA, processing times are approximately 6 months or less. Some applications could be processed faster or slower:
- Faster: Candidates with straightforward applications, all information provided, and no complex cases.
- Slower: Applications requiring more extensive processing or checks, such as complex family situations or medical conditions, require review.
Total Express Entry Time
The total time from profile submission to getting permanent residence can range quite a bit:
- Fastest: Around 6 months if you’re invited quickly and submit a straightforward application.
- Average: 12-16 months for many candidates.
- Longer: Can take >18 months or more if you have to wait a while for an ITA or if your application requires extensive processing.
Following best practices when submitting your profile and application can help speed up the process.
Source: https://www.reliablevisas.com/immigration-visa-processing-time
Settlement Funds Required for Express Entry in 2025
Unless you are applying through the Canadian Experience Class, or have a valid job offer, you’ll need to show proof you have enough settlement funds. Here are the minimum settlement funds required for EE in 2025:
| Family Size | Minimum Settlement Funds Required |
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| For each additional family member | Add $3,958 |
Source: https://immigrationnewscanada.ca/express-entry-proof-of-funds/
Proof of funds must be in the form of bank statements or official letters issued by your financial institution. Funds must be readily available to you.
The funds shown above are the minimum amount. It is wise to have access to more than the minimum when possible.
Express Entry Success Stories
Thousands of immigrants have succeeded in getting permanent residence through Express Entry. Here are examples of success stories:
Sarah, 34, Market Research Analyst
Sarah had a bachelor’s degree and worked in market research in Dubai. She took the IELTS and scored CLB 10. With her skilled work experience, education, and language scores, she ranked highly and got an ITA within 5 months. It took another 4 months to process her straightforward application; she is now a permanent resident.
Lucas, 27, Civil Engineer
After finishing his civil engineering degree, Lucas already lived in Toronto on a post-graduation work permit. He was able to use his skilled Canadian work experience to qualify through the Canadian Experience Class. He had a CLB 8 on his language test, a one-year post-grad diploma, and 2 years of work experience. After just 3 months in the pool, he got an ITA and is now working as an engineer in Toronto as a permanent resident.
Priya, 36, Software Developer
Priya had a bachelor’s in computer science and worked in Bangalore as a software developer. She scored CLB 9 on her IELTS. She also had her sister sponsor her, giving her additional points. After 9 months in the pool, she received an ITA and submitted her application. The process took about 8 months after that since her medical check required follow-up. She now lives and works near Vancouver.
These examples show how skilled candidates with firm profiles can successfully achieve permanent residence through EE.
Changes and Improvements to Express Entry in 2025
Express Entry is a dynamic system that is continuously updated and improved by the Government of Canada. Here are some recent changes and what may be coming for EE in 2025:
Recent Changes
- Improved processing standards, with 80% of applications processed within 6 months (Nov 2022)
- Launched the Rural Community Pilot and Community Immigration Pilot to attract skilled immigrants to smaller communities.
- Removed points for a job offer to reduce fraud (Dec 2024)
Potential Changes in 2025
- Introduction of occupation-specific draws or Express Entry categories tied to critical skills shortages like healthcare.
- Increased emphasis on skilled trades and mid-level experience candidates.
- Changes to language testing requirements.
- Expansion of tech pilot programs to attract global talent.
- Increased provincial involvement in selection under the provincial nominee programs.
Applicants should stay up-to-date on the latest EE news and changes as they apply. Subscribing to IRCC’s newsletter can help.
Frequently Asked Questions about Applying to Express Entry in 2025
Here are answers to some of the significant FAQs about applying to Express Entry in 2025:
How much does it cost to apply through Express Entry?
The total cost is around CAD 1,725 per adult applicant. Costs include application fees, medical exams, police certificates, language tests, credential assessments, etc. Costs are higher for applicants with family members.
What is the minimum CRS score for 2025?
The minimum CRS score is not made public before each draw. However, scores in the high 400s are typically needed based on recent trends.
How can I check the status of my Express Entry profile?
You can log in to your IRCC account and, under "view submitted applications," click on your Express Entry profile to see the status.
How long are Express Entry profiles valid?
Express Entry profiles stay active in the pool for 12 months after submission. You can re-submit your profile if you are not invited within 12 months.
How long do I have to apply after getting an ITA?
You have 60 days from the date of your ITA to submit your complete permanent residence application.
Can I work in Canada while my application is processing?
Yes, if you already have a valid work permit, you can keep working while you wait for your permanent residence application to be processed.
Outlook for Express Entry in Canada in 2025
In 2025, Canada is expected to continue leveraging Express Entry as the primary path for economic immigration. The IRCC will likely focus on:
- Aligning EE with labour market needs, welcoming immigrants who can fill key skills gaps.
- Transitioning temporary residents already working or studying in Canada into permanent residents.
- Emphasizing tech/healthcare workers and applicants with intermediate work experience.
- Improving processing speed and efficiency.
- Enhancing selection under the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Express Entry will remain the fastest and most popular way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada permanently. Candidates who can maximize their ranking and meet Canada’s labour market needs will have the best chances of success.
Key Tips for Express Entry in Canada 2025
Follow these top tips when preparing your Express Entry profile and application:
- Target improving your human capital factors like work experience, education credentials, age and language ability.
- Research which NOC codes give you the most points and correctly represent your work.
- Have an ECA done for your foreign education and training.
- Provide clear and accurate details in your Express Entry profile to avoid processing delays or refusal.
- Be prepared to provide all requested documentation – have everything scanned and certified ahead of time.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest Express Entry news and trends.
- Work with an authorized and reputable immigration representative if you need support.
The Bottom Line
Express Entry will continue to be the main economic pathway for immigration to Canada in 2025 and beyond. With a skilled profile and thorough preparation, you can maximize your chances of being invited to apply and successfully gain permanent residence.
Follow Canada’s labour market priorities, target improving your human capital, and leverage provincial nominations to stand out. With persistence and patience, your dreams of immigrating through EE can become reality.
Article Sources
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Immigrate through Express Entry – Canada.ca
Canada Express Entry Guide – canadim.com