Express Entry, step by step
From your first language test to landing in Canada, in the order that saves the most time.
1. Check which program you fit
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): 1 year of continuous skilled work in the last 10 years, CLB 7 in all skills, and 67/100 on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 1 year of skilled work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST): 2 years in a skilled trade plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
2. Book your language test early
Results take 1-2 weeks and every CLB level matters. CLB 9 in all four skills is the single biggest score jump for most people. French (TEF/TCF) at NCLC 7+ adds up to 50 points and unlocks French-language draws.
3. Order your ECA in parallel
WES is the most common for degrees. Ask your university to send sealed transcripts directly, which is often the slowest step.
4. Create your profile
Enter details exactly as they appear on your documents. Your profile lasts 12 months; you can update it any time before an invitation and IRCC recalculates your score.
5. Understand the new CRS (from 3 November 2026)
The CRS now includes a labour market integration factor worth up to 150 points: the greater of your Canadian work experience (with a bonus for high-wage occupations) or a qualifying high-wage job offer. Job offer points are back, but only for occupations paid at 1.3x, 1.5x or 2x the median wage, and no LMIA is needed.
6. While you wait
- Apply to provincial streams that match your occupation (a nomination adds 600 points).
- Watch category-based draws: healthcare, trades, transport, French and education often have lower cut-offs.
- Track cut-offs on the SpeedVisa Cutoffs page against your own score.
7. After the invitation
You have 60 days to submit. Have police certificates, reference letters and proof of funds ready before you are invited, because police certificates can take weeks.