Canada’s Express Entry visa application system is a highly popular and efficient immigration pathway for skilled workers aiming to become Permanent Residents. Designed to attract talented professionals from around the world, it uses a points-based system to assess and rank candidates based on factors like age, education, language ability, and work experience. This streamlined process is ideal for those seeking to build a new life in Canada through employment and long-term residency. In this guide, LMM Canada will provide a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the express entry process for Canada in 2025 to help you prepare and increase your chances of a successful application.
Express Entry Visa Application Process Steps for Canada
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Prepare Documents
Before creating your express entry profile, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria under one of the following three streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Key documents and requirements:
- Language test results: IELTS or CELPIP (for English) or TEF (for French)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you studied outside Canada
- Proof of work experience
- Written job offer (optional but beneficial)
- Proof of funds (unless exempt)
- Police clearance certificates
- Provincial nomination (if applicable)
Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Use the Come to Canada tool to confirm your eligibility and get a personal reference code for your express entry visa application.
Here’s how to enter the pool:
- Sign in to your IRCC secure account
- Enter personal and reference code details
- Submit your profile within 60 days
Once submitted, your profile will be scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Step 3: Improve Your CRS Score (Optional, but Important)
While waiting in the Express Entry pool, consider boosting your CRS score by:
- Getting a valid job offer
- Retaking language tests to improve scores
- Earning a provincial nomination
- Completing additional education
- Gaining more skilled work experience
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
As part of the Canada express entry visa application system, IRCC conducts regular draws and invites top-ranking candidates to apply for PR. If you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence application.
Step 5: Submit Your PR Application
After receiving an ITA:
- Pay the processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
- Upload all required documents: Passport, language results, police reports, proof of funds, photographs, etc.
- Provide biometrics (if aged 14–79) within 30 days
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
IRCC will process your application by reviewing:
- Eligibility
- Background and medical checks
- Biometric results
- Interview (if required)
Most express entry applications are processed within 6 months.
Step 7: Confirmation & Landing
If the express entry visa application has been approved:
You’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and possibly a PR visa
Land in Canada and officially become a Permanent Resident
If you’re already in Canada on a valid work permit, consider applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to maintain legal status while your PR application is finalized
Estimated Timeline:
- Profile to ITA ~1 week to several months
- ITA to application submission 60 days
- Application to PR decision ~6 months
Express Entry Fees (2025)
- Processing Fee: $950
- RPRF: $575
- Total: $1,525
- Spouse: $1,525
- Child (each): $260
- Biometrics (single): $85
- Biometrics (family): $170 (max)
Age Requirements for Express Entry Visa Application
- Minimum age: 18 years to create a profile
- Maximum points: Ages 20–29
- After 29, CRS points decrease by about 5 per year until age 45+
- Older applicants can still qualify through strong language scores, job offers, or provincial nominations
Eligible Occupation Categories (TEER)
Your work experience must be in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category.
Examples:
- TEER 0: Senior Managers, Engineering Managers
- TEER 1: Software Engineers, Accountants, Civil Engineers
- TEER 2 & 3: Skilled Trades, Truck Drivers, Early Childhood Educators, Food Service Supervisors
IRCC also conducts category-based draws targeting high-demand sectors like:
- Healthcare (e.g., Nurses, Doctors)
- Trades (e.g., Plumbers, Electricians)
- Education (e.g., Teachers)
When filling out your express entry visa application, you’ll be asked where you plan to live, this is not binding, and you can live anywhere in Canada except Quebec through Express Entry.
When Should You Apply?
There is no fixed deadline for applying. Apply as soon as:
- You meet the eligibility requirements
- You have gathered all necessary documents
- You have your ECA and language results ready
For official CRS criteria, visit the Government of Canada CRS Tool.
Our expertise in visa consulting comes from our years of experience helping applicants successfully move through every stage of the immigration journey. That is why our visa approval rate is 99%. From assessing eligibility and preparing documents to submitting a complete PR application, we provide personalized support tailored to your unique profile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to process your express entry visa application with our expert visa consultant.