Canada Immigration – COMPLETE OVERVIEW | Part 1
Express Entry Immigration to Canada -2026 Guide for Skilled Workers
Canada’s Express Entry system is a points-based selection process used to manage permanent residency applications for skilled workers. It evaluates applicants on human capital factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.
This guide provides a complete, technically accurate overview of the Express Entry system for applicants worldwide, including those applying from Pakistan.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online application management system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process skilled worker immigration applications under three federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria create an online Express Entry profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Canada |
| Immigration Pathway | Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST) |
| Application Type | Permanent Residency (PR) |
| Eligible Applicants | Skilled workers inside or outside Canada |
| Required Language Test | IELTS or CELPIP (English), TEF/TCF (French) |
| Education Verification | ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) |
| Application Submission | Online through IRCC Portal |
| Processing Standard | Approximately six months for PR application |
| Draw System | CRS-based selection |
Who Is Express Entry For?
Express Entry is ideal for skilled individuals who:
- Have completed post-secondary education
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience
- Can prove English or French proficiency
- Can obtain an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)
- Can score competitively on the CRS
- Want to live and work permanently in Canada
It is one of the most accessible and transparent immigration pathways for Pakistani applicants.
How Express Entry Works (Step-by-Step Overview)
Express Entry operates through a three-stage process, beginning with profile creation and ending with permanent residence approval.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Applicants must first confirm eligibility for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Eligibility depends on factors such as skilled work experience, language test results, education level, and proof of funds.
Detailed program-specific eligibility will be covered in later sections of this series.
Step 2: Calculate CRS Score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points for:
- Age
- Education
- Language test scores (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Foreign and Canadian work experience
- Spouse factors
- Provincial nomination (adds 600 points)
- Job offers or Canadian qualifications
The complete CRS points table will be provided in Part 2.
Step 3: Create Express Entry Profile
Eligible candidates create an online profile on the IRCC portal. This profile enters the Express Entry pool, where candidates are ranked by CRS score.
This step is not a PR application. It is a pre-application stage.
Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts periodic draws, inviting the highest-ranking candidates.
If your CRS score meets or exceeds the draw cut-off, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Step 5: Submit Permanent Residency (PR) Application
Once an ITA is issued, candidates have 60 days to:
- Upload all required documents
- Complete the online PR application
- Submit biometrics
- Undergo a medical examination
Step 6: PR Processing and Final Decision
IRCC reviews the full application. If approved, applicants receive:
- COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)
- A PR Visa (if applying from outside Canada)
This allows the individual to land in Canada as a permanent resident.
Processing Time
Most Express Entry PR applications are processed in approximately six months, according to IRCC.
Fees (Verified IRCC Fee Structure)
| Fee Category | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Permanent Residency Application (Principal Applicant) | CAD 1,525 |
| Spouse/Partner | CAD 1,525 |
| Dependent Child | CAD 260 per child |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 (single) or CAD 170 (family) |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | Varies by agency |
| Language Test | Varies by test and country |
Fees must be confirmed on IRCC’s official website at the time of applying.
Proof of Funds (POF) Requirement
Proof of funds is required for:
- FSW (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- FST (Federal Skilled Trades Program)
CEC applicants do not need POF.
The official POF table will be included in Part 3.
Document Checklist (Overview)
A detailed checklist will follow in Part 7.
The main documents include:
- Valid passport
- IELTS/CELPIP test results
- ECA report
- Employment reference letters
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates
- Medical exam report
- Digital photos
- Civil documents (marriage, birth, divorce papers if applicable)
Advantages of Express Entry
- Transparent, points-based system
- Fast processing time
- No job offer required for FSW
- Direct PR pathway
- Family can immigrate together
- Eligible for citizenship after meeting residency rules
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Incorrect work experience proof
- Inconsistencies between profile and PR application
- Low CRS score
- Insufficient proof of funds
- Misrepresentation
- Missing documents after ITA
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can applicants apply from Pakistan?
Yes. Express Entry accepts applicants from all countries.
Q: Is a job offer required?
No. Most FSW (Federal Skilled Worker) applicants immigrate without a job offer.
Q: What English test is accepted?
IELTS General Training or CELPIP General.
Q: What is the minimum education requirement?
At least secondary school with an ECA, but higher education improves CRS score.
Conclusion
Express Entry is Canada’s most efficient skilled worker immigration pathway. With competitive language scores, relevant education, strong work experience, and a high CRS score, applicants—including those from Pakistan—can successfully receive permanent residency.