World's most points-based-friendly skilled-immigration system. Direct PR (not a temporary visa) for high-CRS-score candidates. 6-12 month process from invitation to landing.
Official name: Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker / Canadian Experience Class / Federal Skilled Trades
Not legal or immigration advice
This page summarizes publicly available information from official immigration authorities. Visa rules change frequently and individual circumstances matter. Verify with the relevant consulate, embassy, or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
$4,500–$12,000
90–240 days
60 months
Yes
Express Entry is Canada's flagship economic immigration system, managing three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Candidates create a profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score (0-1,200) based on age, education, language, work experience, Canadian connection, and arranged employment, and enter a pool. IRCC issues invitations to apply (ITAs) in regular draws — the cutoff CRS score has historically ranged from 350 (category-based, 2024) to 540+ (general). Selected candidates submit a full application within 60 days; PR is granted in ~6 months. The 2023 'category-based' draws (healthcare, STEM, French-speakers, trades) opened additional pathways with lower CRS thresholds. Unlike most countries' work permits, Express Entry grants permanent residence directly — no employer dependency, and citizenship eligibility after 3 of 5 years physical presence in Canada.
Government fee
$1,100
Lawyer / agent
$2,500–$7,000
All-in (incl. medical, translation, travel)
$4,500–$12,000
Minimum income/savings: ~$0/year. No minimum income — but settlement funds CAD 14,690 single + CAD 4,000 per dependent must be shown unless under CEC.
Initial visa
60 months
Path to residency
Direct on arrival
Path to citizenship
3 years
PR holders are Canadian tax residents on worldwide income from the day they 'establish significant residential ties' (typically arrival + Canadian address + driver's license + healthcare). Federal income tax 15-33% + provincial 5-21%. Combined top marginal ~53% in Ontario / BC / Quebec, ~48% in Alberta, ~50% in others. TFSA, RRSP, FHSA tax-advantaged accounts available from PR Day 1. See /tax/calculator/ca for province-specific 2026 estimates.
Triggering threshold: more than 183 days physical presence.