Express Entry: requirements, categories and the French advantage.

How Express Entry works

1. Profile: you create an online profile; if it meets a program's requirements, it enters the pool of candidates.
2. Score: your profile is ranked with the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
3. Rounds of invitations: IRCC invites the highest-ranked candidates, either in general rounds or within a specific category.
4. Application: after an invitation, you have only 60 days to submit your permanent residence application. After that, the invitation expires and your profile is removed from the pool.

The three programs

Canadian Experience Class

• At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of paid work experience in Canada within the last 3 years, in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation
• English or French: CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0 and 1 occupations, CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2 and 3
• No education requirement
• Self-employment and experience gained as a full-time student don't count

Federal Skilled Worker Program

• At least 1 year of continuous experience within the last 10 years in your primary occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3)
• English or French: CLB/NCLC 7
• At least secondary education

Federal Skilled Trades Program

• At least 2 years of experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
• English or French: level 5 for speaking and listening, level 4 for reading and writing
• A valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory

Category-based selection

In addition to general rounds, IRCC invites candidates in categories set to meet economic goals. The categories in effect in 2026:

• French-language proficiency: at least NCLC 7 in all 4 skills
• Healthcare and social services occupations
• Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations
• Trade occupations
• Education occupations
• Transport occupations
• Physicians, senior managers and researchers with Canadian work experience
• Skilled military recruits

For the occupation categories, you generally need at least 12 months of full-time experience in an eligible occupation within the last 3 years.

Proof of funds

Candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program must prove they have enough money to settle. They're exempt if they're authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. Canadian Experience Class candidates don't need to provide this proof. The amounts are updated every year.

What if you want to live in Québec?

Express Entry is for people who plan to settle outside Québec, since Québec selects its own skilled workers. To settle in Québec, the pathway goes through Québec selection, including the PSTQ. Experience gained in Québec can still count for Express Entry, if you can show you don't plan to settle there.

What we do for you

• Check which program and categories your profile is actually eligible for
• Identify the levers that raise your score, starting with the language test
• Build a profile consistent with the evidence you'll provide after the invitation
• Prepare the permanent residence application within the 60-day deadline

Frequently asked questions

I live in Montréal. Can I use Express Entry?

Only if you plan to settle in another province. If your plan is to stay in Québec, the normal pathway is Québec selection. Choosing the wrong program can cost you months.

What happens if I miss the 60-day deadline?

The invitation expires and your profile is removed from the pool. You then have to create a new profile and meet the requirements again. Better to prepare your documents before you're even invited.

Official sources: IRCC, "Express Entry", "Eligibility for Express Entry programs", "Canadian Experience Class", "Category-based selection", "Proof of funds" and "Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry" (canada.ca, modified June 22, 2026). Consulted September 14, 2026.