Why apply for Canada Express Entry?

• Best Path to Canada Permanent Residency
• No job offer is required
• Higher chances of selection
• Quick processing time
• High success rate for applicants
• Opportunity for Canadian citizenship
• Transparent and points-based selection system
• Family members can be included in the application

Canada Express Entry is the most popular route for overseas skilled professionals to settle in Canada permanently. Canada Express Entry draws will be held more often to fulfill the workforce demands in Canada.

Canada Express Entry Draw

Canada Immigration through Express Entry is one of the most popular and trusted pathways for skilled professionals who want to settle in Canada with Permanent Residency (PR). Express Entry is an online application management system used by the Canadian government to manage PR applications for skilled workers.

The system uses a points-based ranking method, called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates are assessed based on details in their profile, such as age, education, work experience, language skills, job offer (if any), and provincial nomination.

Express Entry draws are usually held every two weeks, but the schedule may change depending on Canada’s immigration needs. During each draw, IRCC selects eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canada PR. A higher CRS score increases the chances of receiving an ITA.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

IRCC continues to conduct category-based Express Entry draws to meet Canada’s labor market requirements. Through these draws, Canada invites skilled professionals who have experience in high-demand occupations or who meet specific criteria such as language skills or work experience in priority sectors.

These category-based draws help Canada address workforce shortages and support the country’s economic growth by inviting candidates who can contribute immediately to the labor market.

Latest Express Entry Draw

• Invitation Round – 392 (Canadian Experience Class)
• Express Entry Latest Draw Date – January 21, 2026
• Number of Invitations – 6,000
• CRS score – 509

The latest Express Entry draw was held on January 21, 2026, and 6,000 ITAs were issued. The #392 Express Entry draw invited Canadian Experience Class candidates with a CRS score of 509 to apply for Canada PR.

Express Entry Draws

Draw no.	Date	Immigration program	Invitations issued
392	January 21, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	6,000
391	January 20, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	681
390	January 07, 2026	Canadian Experience Class	8,000
389	January 05, 2026	Provincial Nominee Program	574
388	December 17, 2025	French language proficiency	6,000
387	December 16, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	5,000
386	December 15, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	399
385	December 11, 2025	Healthcare and Social services occupations	1,000
384	December 10, 2025	Canadian Experience Class	6,000
383	December 08, 2025	Provincial Nominee Program	1,123

 

When is the next Express Entry Draw?

The anticipation for the next Express Entry draw is high. To stay informed about upcoming draws, please check our website regularly for updates. The typical pattern involves draws every two weeks on Wednesdays, but deviations from this pattern can occur.

Also read...

When is the Next Canada PR Draw?

Canada Immigration Through Express Entry

Canada Immigration through Express Entry is the most prominent pathway for individuals who wish to settle in the country with a PR visa. It is a points-based system that allots points based on skills, work experience, Canadian employment status, and provincial/territorial nomination.

The higher your CRS score, the greater your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Permanent Residency in Canada. Candidates who choose Express Entry to submit their Canada PR applications get higher chances of selection. The Express Entry applications are valid for 12 months and processed in 6–12 months.

Register your Expression of Interest for the Express Entry program with the help of Y-Axis, the leading and best immigration consultants in India, who guide you in every step of your Canada immigration process. Express Entry manages Canada PR applications related to the following federal economic programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Provincial Nominee Program

Express Entry is a streamlined immigration program made more transparent for potential skilled foreign workers. The key details of the program include:

• An online program that has no cap on applicants and is open throughout the year.
• The program applies only to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Traders Program, and Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program.
• You must submit an Expression of Interest and apply as an applicant for any job mentioned in TEER Category 0, 1, 2, and 3.
• Your profile will be evaluated based on points and placed in the applicant pool.
• Canadian provinces and employers will access this pool and find talent to meet their needs.
• The highest point holders are sent an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR.
• The number of ITAs issued is based on the Canada Immigration Levels Plan.

Canada plans to invite 1.1 million immigrants by 2027. Canada Express Entry immigration levels plan for 2025–27 are given below:

Canada Express Entry Immigration Levels Plan
Program	2026	2027
Express Entry	47,400	47,800

Canada Express Entry – 5 Things to Know

• Score: Latest Express Entry Draw CRS score – 509
• Cost: CAD 2300/ applicant; for couples, it is CAD 4,500.
• Approval time: 6 to 8 months.
• Length of residence: 5 years.
• Easy or not: Candidates with the highest rankings are issued ITAs.

Introduction of Category-Based Rounds of Invitations

As per the recent update released by IRCC, the current list of categories has been revised.

• French language proficiency
• Healthcare and social services occupations
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions
• Trade occupations (carpenters, plumbers, and contractors)
• Education occupations
• Agriculture and Agri-Food

CRS Score Calculator

The Canada Express Entry Program determines applications using the Comprehensive Ranking System. The CRS score calculator evaluates and gives points based on the six factors. The highest-scored candidates have greater chances to migrate to Canada with a PR Visa. The points scale has a maximum score of 1200 and evaluates you and your spouse (if any) on the following factors:

• Age
• The highest level of education
• Language skills
• Canadian work experience
• Other work experience
• Skill Transferability
• Other factors

1. Core / Human Capital Factors (Maximum 500 Points)

Age Points

Age	With Spouse	Single
17	0	0
18	90	99
19	95	105
20–29	100	110
30	95	105
31	90	99
32	85	94
33	80	88
34	75	83
35	70	77
36	65	72
37	60	66
38	55	61
39	50	55
40	45	50
41	35	39
42	25	28
43	15	17
44	5	6
45+	0	0

(Points reduce gradually after age 29)

3. Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 Points)

Education + Language / Work Experience

Combination	Points
Bachelor’s + CLB 9	25
Master’s / PhD + CLB 9	50
Foreign experience + CLB 9	50
Canadian + foreign experience	50

Education + Canadian Work Experience

Combination	Points
Degree + 1 year Canadian experience	13
Master’s / PhD + 1 year	25
Degree + 2 years	25
Master’s / PhD + 2 years	50

Foreign Work Experience + Language

Combination	Points
1–2 years + CLB 7/8	13
3+ years + CLB 7/8	25
1–2 years + CLB 9+	25
3+ years + CLB 9+	50

Foreign + Canadian Work Experience

Combination	Points
1–2 years foreign + 1 year Canadian	13
3+ years foreign + 1 year Canadian	25
1–2 years foreign + 2 years Canadian	25
3+ years foreign + 2 years Canadian	50

Certificate of Qualification + Language

Criteria	Points
Certificate + CLB 5 (one ability CLB 7)	25
Certificate + CLB 7 in all abilities	50

4. Additional CRS Points (Maximum 600 Points)

Factor	Points
Provincial Nomination (PNP)	600
Valid job offer (TEER 0,1,2,3)	50
Canadian education (1–2 years)	15
Canadian education (3+ years)	30
Sibling in Canada	15
Strong French + English	Up to 50

Benefits of the Canada Express Entry Program

• Express Entry is a transparent and points-based system. Applicants can clearly see their CRS score and understand what is needed to qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
• Candidates know the minimum CRS score required for selection in each draw. If the score is low, they can work on improving it and try again.
• Applicants can increase their CRS score by improving language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, or French), gaining more work experience, studying in Canada, or applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• Younger candidates, those with higher education, strong English or French language skills, or Canadian study or work experience usually have a better chance of scoring higher CRS points and getting selected.
• Candidates who receive a provincial nomination get an extra 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an ITA. Additional points are also given for a valid job offer in Canada or if a sibling is living in Canada as a PR or citizen.

Canada Express Entry Eligibility

The eligibility requirement for the Express Entry is 67 points out of 100. You will need to score at least 67 points under various eligibility criteria to apply for your PR visa.  The Express Entry eligibility points calculator is based on the following criteria:

• Age: You can score the maximum points if you are between 18-35 years. Those above this age will gain lesser points.
• Education: Your minimum educational qualification must be equal to the higher secondary education level in Canada. A higher level of educational qualification means more points.
• Work experience: To score the minimum points you should have at least one year of work experience. If you have more years of work experience, you will gain more points.
• Language ability: You must have at least 6 bands in your IELTS equivalent to CLB 7 to be eligible to apply and score the minimum points. Higher scores mean more points.
• Adaptability: You can score ten points on the adaptability factor if your family members or close relatives are living in Canada and will be able to support you when you move in there. You can also gain points if your spouse or legal partner is ready to migrate with you to Canada.
• Arranged employment:  A valid job offer from a Canadian employer entitles you to ten points.

Canada Express Entry Requirements

• 1-year work experience in skilled occupation, in the last 10 years.
• Minimum CLB score – 7 (in English or French).
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA).

PTE Core

PTE Core is a computer-based English test that evaluates general reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills in a single test.

Key Details

• 35 test centers are there across India
• Bookings are open and the dates for tests are available
• Fee for test: CAD $275 (Including taxes)
• Risk of Bias is decreased by combination of human expertise and AI scoring
• The test is to be attempted at a test center, and is completely computer based test
• Test results are announced in 2 days
• Validity period: Test scores are valid for 2 years from the date of test result. They must still be valid on the day the application for permanent residency is submitted
• The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) will be used to determine the language proficiency level
• The test results will be used to determine the CLB level for each ability

How to create Express Entry Profile?

Step 1: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If your education is from outside Canada, you must complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). It confirms that your qualification is equal to Canadian education standards.

Step 2: Take Language Tests

You must take an approved English or French language test.

• Minimum requirement: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each skill or equivalent)
• Test results must be less than 2 years old
• French language skills can help you earn extra CRS points

Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Create your online Express Entry profile by entering details such as age, education, work experience, and language scores.
Based on this, you will receive a CRS score, and your profile will be added to the Express Entry pool if eligible.

Step 4: Check Your CRS Score

Candidates in the pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
You must score at least 67 points under the Federal Skilled Worker eligibility criteria to stay eligible.

Step 5: Receive ITA and Apply for PR

If your CRS score meets the draw cut-off, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
After receiving ITA, you have 60 days to submit your Canada PR application.

Express Entry Programs Comparison

Eligibility Factor	Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Language Skills	CLB 7	CLB 7 (TEER 0/1) CLB 5 (TEER 2/3)	CLB 5 (speaking & listening) CLB 4 (reading & writing)
Work Experience	1 year continuous in last 10 years	1 year in Canada in last 3 years	2 years in skilled trade in last 5 years
Type of Work	TEER 0, 1, 2, 3	TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 (Canada)	Skilled trades
Job Offer	Not mandatory	Not required	Mandatory (1 year full-time)
Education	Minimum high school	Not required	Not required
Extra Points	For higher education	—	—

IRCC Processing Timelines

• ECA processing: 8 to 20 weeks (depends on authority)
• Express Entry profile validity: 12 months
• Time to submit PR application after ITA: 60 days
• PR application processing: Around 6 months
• PR card validity: 5 years

ITA Canada

IRCC holds Express Entry draws at regular intervals. Every draw has a different cut-off score. The applicants with a CRS score equal to or above the cutoff score will receive an ITA. Candidates with a long presence in the Express

What should I do after receiving ITA

Once you receive an ITA, you will have to submit a complete and correct application for which you will be given 60 days. If you fail to do so within 60 days, then your invitation will become null and void. So, you should make the best use of this time to submit an accurate application.

Submit your Canada PR application

After receiving the ITA, candidates need to know under which Express Entry program (FSWP, FSTP, PNP, or CEC) they have been selected to apply for the Canada PR visa. Candidates will receive the checklist of requirements specific to the program they have applied for. A general checklist of requirements is given below:

• English language test results
• Civil status such as your birth certificate
• Proof of your education achievements
• Proof of your work experience
• Medical Certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Proof of Funds
• Photos

Express Entry fees

Express Entry fees include both government charges and third-party costs that applicants must pay at different stages of the Canada PR process. While creating an Express Entry profile is free, fees apply for language tests, credential assessments, biometrics, and PR application processing after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Fee Type	Approximate Cost (CAD)
Language tests (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF)	300–450
ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)	200–300
Biometrics	85 per person (170 for family)
Permanent Residence fees (processing + RPRF)	1,525 per adult
Dependent child	260 per child
Medical exam	275–450 per person
Police certificate	100+ per country

Proof of Funds for Express Entry

Proof of Funds shows that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. This requirement applies to most Express Entry applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs (unless you already have a valid job offer or Canadian experience). The amounts below are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are updated yearly.

Number of family members	Minimum funds required (CAD)
1	$15,263
2	$19,001
3	$23,360
4	$28,362
5	$32,168
6	$36,280
7	$40,392
Each additional family member (more than 7)	$4,112

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You with Canada Express Entry?

Y-Axis, the world’s leading overseas immigration consultancy, offers end-to-end support for Canada Express Entry based on your profile and career goals. Our expert consultants guide you at every stage of your Canada PR journey.

Our Canada Express Entry services include:

• Free Express Entry eligibility check using the Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Personalized guidance for Canada Express Entry and PR pathways
• Language coaching for IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core
• Free career counseling to plan your move to Canada
• Complete Canada PR visa assistance, from profile creation to visa filing
• Job search support to help you find suitable jobs in Canada