The Express Entry system is an online management system for skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residence. It is Canada’s flagship economic immigration program, processing the majority of skilled worker applications under three main immigration programs.

Express Entry Programs

Skilled foreign workers must fall into one of the following programs (or streams) to apply under the Express Entry system:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Portions of Certain Provincial Nominee Programs

Category-Based Selection (Updated 2026)

Since 2023, the Express Entry system has evolved to include “category-based selection rounds.” This means that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can now specifically target and invite candidates who have the exact skills and experience that Canada’s economy needs most. As of February 18, 2026, IRCC has announced significant updates to these categories as part of its International Talent Attraction Strategy.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements

As of 2026, all occupational category candidates must have a minimum of one year of work experience (up from six months previously) in an eligible occupation. This experience must have been gained within the past three years, and depending on the category, can be obtained in Canada or abroad.

For complete details on each category, including eligible occupations, refer to Sobirovs’ comprehensive guide to Express Entry categories and eligible occupations or IRCC’s official category-based selection page.

Current Express Entry Categories (2026)

1. Physicians with Canadian Work Experience: Foreign medical doctors with at least 12 months of work experience in Canada. This new category (added December 2025) addresses healthcare shortages. The first draw occurred February 19, 2026.
2. Health Care and Social Services Occupations: Healthcare professionals including nurses, dentists, pharmacists, nurses practitioners, psychologists, and other healthcare workers. This category continues to be a priority and the first draw occurred on February 20, 2026.
3. Skilled Trades: Hands-on trades workers such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders, and construction workers.
4. Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experienc: Senior managers (NOC codes 00012-00015) in various sectors including construction, transportation, health, education, and business services. Candidates must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience. The first draw under this category occurred on March 5, 2026. Learn more about this category, including specific NOC requirements and strategy, in Sobirovs’ detailed analysis of the Senior Managers category
5. Researchers with Canadian Work Experience: Highly educated individuals including scientific researchers, academic researchers, and industrial research professionals, particularly those aligned with STEM disciplines. Candidates must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience.
6. Transport Occupations: Transport sector professionals including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors, automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers. Work experience can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
7. French-Language Proficiency: Candidates with strong French language skills. This category supports Canada’s commitment to strengthening Francophone minority communities outside Quebec.
8. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Occupations: Engineers, computer programmers, data scientists, and other STEM professionals. (Note: While renewed for 2026, this category has not had regular selection draws.)
9. Education Occupations: Primary/secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, and instructors of persons with disabilities.
10. Skilled Military Recruits: Highly skilled foreign nationals recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in key roles as Commissioned officers, Specialized members and Operations members of the CAF. Candidates must meet additional CAF recruitment requirements.

Retired Category: The Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations category has been retired as of 2026. Candidates who previously qualified under this category will need to pursue alternative pathways.

Quebec Residents

Note that the province of Quebec does not use Express Entry. Quebec manages its own separate skilled worker and business immigration programs under the Canada-Quebec Accord. Potential applicants should check Quebec’s immigration programs and rules.

French Language Bonus

As of 2020, French-speaking and bilingual candidates receive additional points towards their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system to help increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

• French-speaking candidates: 25 points | Bilingual candidates: 50 points

How Express Entry Works

Step 1: Create an Online Express Entry Profile

In creating their online Express Entry profile, candidates will:

• Express their interest in coming to Canada as a skilled foreign worker
• Provide Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education and other relevant details

Language and Education Requirements

Before creating an Express Entry profile with IRCC, the candidate must take an approved language test in English or French (such as IELTS, TOEFL, TCF, or DELF). If the person was educated outside of Canada, they may also need to have their education assessed against Canadian standards through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Job Bank Registration

If the candidate does not already have a Canadian job offer or a nomination from a province or territory, they must register with the Government of Canada’s Job Bank. Job Bank is an online search tool that assists in matching jobs and workers in Canada based on the individual’s skills, knowledge and experience.

Express Entry profiles are valid for 12 months. During that time, the candidate must update their profile if circumstances change, such as their level of education, language test results, or work experience.

The Express Entry Pool

Candidates who meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs available through the Express Entry system are placed in a pool of pre-screened candidates known as the Express Entry Pool.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

All candidates in the Express Entry pool are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to determine their place in the pool. Scores are calculated based on factors known to contribute to economic success, including:

• Language ability in English and/or French
• Educational qualifications
• Work experience
• Age
• Arranged employment in Canada (job offer)
• Provincial or territorial nomination

Selection from the Pool

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting candidates to apply for permanent residence. In category-based selection rounds, IRCC targets candidates in specific occupations or with specific language abilities. Candidates with the highest CRS scores within the category being targeted (or among all candidates in general draws) are invited to apply.

Important Note: Filling out an online Express Entry profile does not guarantee that the candidate will qualify for permanent residence. If the candidate is invited to apply for permanent residence, all information provided in the Express Entry profile will be verified at that time.

Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Selected candidates will be invited to submit an electronic application for permanent residence. Candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if they:

• Have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada (subject to Labour Market Impact Assessment requirements)
• Have been nominated by a province or territory, or
• Are among the top ranked candidates in the pool based on their skills and experience and category eligibility

IRCC processes most complete permanent residence applications within six months or less from the date they are received. For current application fees, visit IRCC’s official fees page.

Candidates in the Express Entry pool who do not receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence after 12 months of uploading their profile can resubmit their profile and re-enter the pool if they still meet the eligibility criteria.

Help for Employers

For more information on the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and how employers can hire temporary foreign workers, visit IRCC’s official LMIA page.

Additional Resources

For more information on the Express Entry system, language and education assessments, and the Comprehensive Ranking System criteria, visit the IRCC’s Express Entry main page.

Note: A criminal record will delay, and can even prevent you from getting your immigration status. To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

Get Legal Help

For personalized guidance on your Canadian immigration options and Express Entry strategy, contact our preferred immigration lawyer, Sobirovs Law Firm at 1-416-895-3026 or wecare@sobirovs.com. The Sobirovs team supports entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals who want to build their future in Canada through clear, structured, and strategic pathways.

								
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