Express Entry (EE), introduced in 2015 by IRCC, is used to manage applications for certain federal immigration programs including CEC and FSW. Express Entry is not a PR category.
Express Entry Profile
If the potential candidates meet the minimum requirements of one the programs assessed under Express Entry (CEC and FSW), they create an online Express Entry profile, and will be accepted in a pool of qualified candidates. Candidates will be ranked against others in the pool using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates in the pool will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
To create an EE profile, you need to have a valid language test score that meets the program requirements. In addition, if you have a foreign degree, diploma or certificate that you want to be considered for EE and receive CRS points, you need to get an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your foreign credential is valid and equal to a Canadian one.
Candidates can stay in the pool for a period of 12 months. If they do not receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR within 12 months of submitting an EE profile, they may create a new profile. If they still meet the criteria of the programs processed under EE, they can re-enter the pool.
Processing Time
There is no official time frame for receiving an ITA after submitting an EE profile and entering the pool. Candidates have to update their profile to reflect any changes in their status such as work experience, education credentials, language ability, and family composition. Higher language test scores and education credentials as well as more years of work experience may increase CRS score and the chances of receiving an ITA faster. We encourage candidates to be patient while waiting to receive an ITA.
According to IRCC, most applicants who receive ITA under the Express Entry system will see their electronic permanent residence applications processed within six months or less.
Please visit Express Entry Q and A to learn more about EE system.