Express Entry is used to manage applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program,
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and
• he Canadian Experience Class.
  
  

Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry system through their Provincial Nominee Programs to meet local labour market needs.

How the Express Entry system work:

• Potential candidates will complete an online Express Entry profile. This is a secure form that they will use to provide information about their:
  
  • skills,
  • work experience,
  • language ability,
  • education, and
  • other details that will help us assess them.
• Those who meet the criteria of one of the federal immigration programs listed above will be accepted into a pool of candidates.
• Candidates will be ranked against others in the pool using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System. Points are awarded using the information in their profile.
• Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will be issued an invitation to apply. Candidates will be awarded points for:
  
  • a job offer, and/or
  •  a nomination from a province or territory, and/or
  • skills and experience factors.
• A candidate can get additional points for:
  
  • qualifying education in Canada
  • a valid job offer or
  • a nomination by a province or territory
• Candidates can stay in the pool for up to 12 months. If they do not get an invitation to apply for permanent residence within 12 months of submitting an Express Entry profile, they may submit a new profile. If they still meet the criteria, they can re-enter the pool. This will prevent backlogs and ensure quick processing times.