Canadian Immigration Part 3: Express Entry - The Cheapest and Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada (Updated on Nov 21, 2025)
- Tiffany Chia
- Nov 29, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 21
Updated: Nov 21, 2025 | By: Tiffany Chia
Greetings, aspiring Canadians! Let's discuss about the Express Entry (EE): The cheapest and fastest way to immigrate to Canada.
Introduced in 2015, Express Entry (EE) is the Canadian government's swift and efficient way of managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers aiming to call Canada home. Here's your ticket to understanding and navigating this streamlined process.
Express Entry in Four Steps:
Step 1: Discover Your Eligibility
Express Entry manages three Canadian Federal immigration programs, each with distinct criteria:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
You must meet the program requirement for one of the above programs before you are eligible to apply via Express Entry. More information about the three program requirements is provided below.
Step 2: Create and submit Your Express Entry Profile
Once eligible, create your Express Entry profile, providing details about your age, education, work experience, language skills, and more. Don't forget the language test and the assessment of foreign education credentials. Each Express Entry profile is valid for 1 year.
Step 3: Score and Rank
Based on your profile, you receive a score out of 1200 points through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system considers human capital factors like skills, education, language ability, and work experience, along with other factors such as job offers and provincial nominations.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation and Apply
Regular draws invite candidates with high CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. Follow our social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Thread, X or Pinterest) for the latest draw results.
If invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application online, along with supporting documents and payment of relevant fees.
Immigration Programs Using Express Entry
Let's go deeper into the three Federal programs managed by Express Entry:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
Eligibility:
One year of skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
Minimum language level of CLB 7.
Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, degree, or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Score at least 67 points on the FSWP selection factors.
Adequate financial support.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Eligibility:
One year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years.
Minimum language level of CLB 7 or CLB 5.
Plan to live and work outside Quebec.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
Eligibility:
Two years of skilled trade work experience in the last five years.
Meet job requirements for your skilled trade.
Valid job offer or certificate of qualification.
Minimum language level of CLB 5.
Category-Based Selection Draws for Express Entry
Introduced in 2023, category-based selection draws aim to invite candidates with specific skills in high demand. Six categories include French-language proficiency, healthcare, STEM occupations, trade, transport, and agriculture. These draws complement general and program-specific draws, providing a unique chance for eligible candidates to stand out.
Category-based selection draws are a novel addition to Express Entry rounds. They target candidates with skills, training, or language proficiency in high demand in the Canadian labour market. This may change depending on Canadian labour market conditions. The six chosen categories identified by Canada in 2025 are:
1. French-language proficiency:
Minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (Canadian Language Benchmarks) in French.
2. Healthcare & Social Services Occupations:
At least six months of work experience in eligible healthcare occupations in the last three years.
3. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Occupations:
At least six months of work experience in eligible STEM occupations in the last three years.
4. Education Occupations:
At least six months of work experience in eligible Education occupations in the last three years.
5. Trades Occupations:
At least six months of work experience in eligible transport occupations in the last three years.
6. Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations:
At least six months of work experience in eligible agriculture and agri-food occupations in the last three years.
Here is the link to the list of 79 NOC Codes for the above in-demand occupations.
To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based selection draw, candidates must meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including eligibility for one of the three immigration programs it covers, and meet all of the requirements in the instructions for that round.
The instructions include the date and time of the round, the number of candidates that will get an invitation to apply, the eligibility for the category, and the minimum score required.
The minimum score is usually lower for category-based selection draws than for general and program-specific draws, as there are fewer candidates in each category.
Please click on the headings for each category for a list of the occupations for each category.
Category-based selection draws are a way for the Canadian government to attract and retain skilled workers who can contribute to the economic recovery and growth of the country. Candidates who fall under one of the chosen categories can increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
The CRS cut off score has been significantly lower for Category-based selection draws compared to general draws.
Table 1: Canadian immigration levels for Permanent Resident Targets (2026-2028)
Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
Total Permanent Resident (Planned) | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
French-Speaking admission outside Quebec | 30,267 | 31,825 | 35,175 |
Federal High Skilled (i.e. FSWP, CEC, FSTP) | 109,000 | 111,000 | 111,000 |
Express Entry offers the fastest and cheapest way to Canadian permanent residence as a skilled professional with no relations in Canada. It is a fair system since every Express Entry profile is assigned a CRS score based on clear and transparent criteria.
Express Entry does not differentiate or discriminate in terms of your nationality, ethnic background, or gender preferences.
Need professional help with Express Entry?
Are you interested in participating in future Express Entry draws but would like to get some professional advice or assistance? Please complete the following questionnaire. We will revert to you within 1 business day with whatsapp message if you are eligible to apply for Canada PR via Express Entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Express Entry
1. What is the minimum CRS score required for Express Entry in 2025?
There is no fixed minimum. The CRS cut-off fluctuates in each draw depending on IRCC’s invitation targets and the category. In 2025, general draws have averaged around 500+, while category-based draws have been as low as 400–470.
2. How often does IRCC conduct Express Entry draws?
There are usually 4-8 draws per month.
3. How long does the Express Entry process take from start to finish?
On average, 6–9 months from profile creation to PR approval — assuming your CRS score is high enough to receive the invitation to apply within 3 months, your documents are ready and your application is complete.
4. What are the main reasons Express Entry applications are refused?
Common issues include incorrect proof of work experience, incomplete documents, or language test expiry. Submitting consistent, verifiable evidence is crucial.
5. Can I update my Express Entry profile after submission?
Yes — you can update your profile anytime before receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After ITA, changes are limited to document uploads and clarifications.
6. Is a job offer required for Express Entry?
No. A valid job offer can boost your CRS score by increasing your Canadian work experience points but is not mandatory for most applicants.
7. What is the difference between Express Entry and PNP?
Express Entry is federal, while PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) is provincial. You can apply through both; a PNP nomination gives you 600 additional CRS points.
8. How much money do I need to show for proof of funds in 2025?
For a single applicant, around CAD $15,263; for a family of four, about CAD $28,362 (updated annually by IRCC).
9. Do category-based draws guarantee faster invitations?
Not necessarily, but they increase your chances if you qualify under an in-demand occupation like STEM, healthcare, or education.
10. Can I reapply if my Express Entry profile expires?
Yes. You can recreate your profile anytime. Many successful applicants received their ITA on their second or even third profile attempt.
Key Takeaways: Express Entry 2025
✅ Fastest & Most Affordable Path
Express Entry remains Canada’s quickest and lowest-cost route to Permanent Residence for skilled professionals.
✅ Transparent & Fair System
CRS scoring is points-based and objective. Everyone is ranked using the same criteria, regardless of nationality
✅ Category-Based Advantage
New category-based draws introduced in 2023 allow specialized talent (STEM, healthcare, education, trades, agri-food, French speakers) to receive targeted invitations.
✅ Score Improvement = Strategy
Boost your CRS score through language retests, higher education, job offers, or provincial nominations.
✅ Document Readiness Is Key
Missing or outdated documents can delay or derail your PR application. Stay organized and prepare in advance.
✅ In-Canada Applicants Favoured
IRCC’s 2026–2028 plan prioritizes those already working or studying in Canada, but candidates with high CRS scores are still invited in category based draws.
✅ Professional Review Saves Time & Stress
A licensed RCIC review ensures your eligibility is correct and your submission is complete before IRCC evaluates it.
Start your Express Entry journey here
Get our FREE Express Entry Quick Start Guide 2025 and discover:
✅ Simple eligibility checklist
✅ Latest CRS score ranges for 2025
✅ How to match your NOC code correctly
✅ Proof of funds requirements
✅ Your exact next steps
👉 Download Your Free Guide today!
Check out the rest of our Canadian Immigration blog series
Part 3: Express Entry: The Cheapest and Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada
(You are reading this now)
Each of these streams has its unique pathways, eligibility criteria, and requirements, offering diverse routes to your Canadian dream. Over the course of this series, we will delve into each of these programs, providing you with an overview of the programs, and practical advice to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Stay Informed: Keep up with immigration updates to understand how they might affect your application.
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About the Author
Tiffany Chia, RCIC #R512971, founder of 1to1 Immigration Inc. in Vancouver, Canada. Originally from Singapore, Tiffany moved to Canada over 10 years ago and started 1to1 Immigration in 2015 to help others do the same. She has guided hundreds of families through Express Entry, Family Sponsorship and Study Permits.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Details reflect Canada's Express Entry policies, CRS scoring rules, and category-based draw criteria current as of October 30, 2025. Draw schedules, cut-offs, fees, and processing times can change without notice—please verify on IRCC’s site.
This article is for information only and not legal advice.
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