Express Entry Immigration Lawyer

Are you a skilled worker looking to expand your horizons in another country? Are you interested in relocating to Canada by yourself and or with your family? The Government of Canada recognizes the positive impact that skilled workers can bring to the Canadian economy and, thus, has implemented numerous economic programs for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency. A widely popular pathway for Canadian permanent residency is through the online Express Entry system (EE), which offers faster processing times. Applicants under EE can expect their permanent resident applications to be processed in six months or less.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled foreign workers. It operates on a points-based model known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.

Once a candidate creates a profile and enters the Express Entry pool, they are ranked against others. The highest-scoring candidates are periodically invited to apply for permanent residency through rounds of invitations known as Express Entry draws. The system is designed to prioritize applicants who are most likely to succeed economically in Canada, and it offers one of the fastest paths to immigration—with most complete applications processed within six months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

Foreign nationals in or outside Canada with skilled work experience can directly apply for Canadian permanent residency through EE, and to have their dependent family members included. The EE system offers three Federal economic programs; :

Federal Skilled Trades,
Canadian Experience Class,
and Federal Skilled Worker.

All three have different eligibility requirements.

Express Entry Step-by-Step Process

After the individual reviews the requirements for each of the programs under Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program) and determines their eligibility for one or more of them, there are two main steps to acquiring Canadian permanent residency under the Express Entry system. These steps involve creating a complete Express Entry profile and, if selected, submitting a permanent residence application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

This process is governed by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates candidates based on factors like education, work experience, language ability, job offers, and provincial nomination. A well-prepared Express Entry application increases your chance of success, especially given the competitiveness of current CRS scores and the volume of skilled workers applying through the system.

To qualify for the Express Entry pool, you must have valid language test results, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your studies were completed outside Canada, and documentation of your work experience and other eligibility factors. If you are including a spouse or common-law partner, their language proficiency, education, and Canadian ties can also affect your overall CRS score.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new system of category-based selection draws under the Express Entry system. This approach allows the Canadian government to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) not just to those with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores overall, but to individuals who possess specific skills, work experience, or language abilities aligned with Canada’s labour market priorities.

These categories are designed to target skilled workers who can fill gaps in key sectors and help support Canada’s economic growth.

To be eligible under a category-based draw, candidates must still meet the minimum requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and have a valid Express Entry profile in the pool. If you meet the criteria for a specific category, IRCC may prioritize your profile, even if your overall CRS score is lower than the cutoff in a general draw.

This system provides a more tailored pathway for foreign workers, especially those already working in Canada under a work permit, or those with experience in critical sectors. For example, a nurse or software engineer might receive an ITA under their occupational category, even if they are below the CRS cutoff for a general draw. Similarly, Francophone candidates are being actively invited to boost French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.

Step One: EE Profile

The foreign national must submit a profile to be considered a candidate in the EE pool. Candidates will be ranked based on the points awarded through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A maximum of 1,200 points can be given. Points are awarded based on skills, education, language, work experience, and other factors. IRCC does not allow for multiple EE profiles at the same time. EE profiles can either be found to be ineligible or expired, resulting in the removal of the applicant from the EE pool. Expired language tests and educational assessments can be reasons for an ineligible profile. EE profiles are only valid for 1 year, thus, if a permanent residence application under EE is not submitted before this deadline, a new profile has to be submitted.

Step Two: Invitation To Apply

IRCC typically holds an EE draw every two weeks, in which they invite top candidates who meet the minimum cut-off scores for each draw to apply for permanent residency. Candidates who have been invited, have 60 days to submit their permanent residence application.

What is the Minimum CRS Score for Express Entry?

Many people mistakenly think that there is a fixed minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to enter the Express Entry pool, but that is not the case. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must first meet the minimum requirements of one of the three federal immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

At a minimum, candidates need:

At least one year of continuous skilled work experience in a National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (for FSWP and CEC)
Valid language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French) meeting at least CLB 7 for FSWP and CEC
Proof of education (and an Educational Credential Assessment if completed outside Canada)
Sufficient settlement funds (for most FSWP candidates unless they have a valid job offer or are already working in Canada)

Meeting these criteria makes you eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, but receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence is another matter.

Current Competitive CRS Scores

Once in the pool, candidates are ranked against each other based on the CRS, which can award up to 1,200 points. Recent general Express Entry draws have seen minimum CRS scores in the 520s, making it difficult to be invited without additional points from factors like:

A provincial nomination (worth 600 points)
Post-secondary education in Canada
Canadian work experience
High language proficiency scores (CLB 9 or above)
A sibling that is a permanent residence or Canadian Citizen

For example, as of mid-2025, the lowest cut-off for a general draw was 524, while category-based draws—for healthcare workers or French-speaking candidates—have seen scores as low as the 350-450 range.

While there is no single "minimum CRS score" to be eligible for Express Entry, competitive scores for general draws now sit in the low to mid-520s. That means if your score is lower, you should look at ways to boost it—such as retaking your language test, pursuing education or work in Canada, or applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Common Express Entry Mistakes to Avoid

While the Express Entry system is designed to be fast and efficient, many applicants make avoidable mistakes that can lead to refusals or serious delays. Below are some of the most common issues we see as immigration lawyers:

Submitting Police Certificates from the Wrong Jurisdiction

IRCC requires police certificates from each country (and in some cases, each state or region) where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18. A common error is submitting only a federal clearance (e.g., FBI for the U.S.) when IRCC also requires a state-level certificate. If these documents are missing or incorrect, your application may be rejected.

Employment Letters Missing Key Information

An employment reference letter must include detailed information: your job title, salary, dates of employment, full list of duties, and number of hours worked per week. Many applicants submit letters that do not mention duties or include vague job descriptions, which prevents IRCC from confirming that the work experience meets the definition of a skilled occupation under the NOC system. This is critical even if you are on a valid closed work permit in Canada.

Accepting an ITA Too Early

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before you actually meet the minimum eligibility (e.g., before completing a required full year of skilled work), you may be drawn into the pool in error by the system algorithm. IRCC will still process your application—and likely refuse it. For example, if your 12th month of experience concludes on July 15 but you receive an ITA on July 10, you should not accept it. Instead, decline and wait until you fully meet the requirement.

Inconsistent or Incorrect Marital Status

It is crucial to update your marital status and include your spouse or common-law partner in the profile, especially if you marry or start cohabiting after creating your Express Entry profile but before submitting the PR application. Failing to declare this can lead to ineligibility, misrepresentation findings, or a refusal to sponsor that person later. If your partner is accompanying you, their education, work experience, and language scores must be accurately entered and backed up by documentation.

Outdated Language Test or ECA

Your language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports must be valid at the time of submitting your Express Entry application. Both are only valid for two years. If they expire before submission, your profile may be removed from the pool or your application may be rejected for missing mandatory documents.

Missing Dependent Information or Incomplete Family Details

Omitting dependent children, especially non-accompanying ones, is a serious mistake. All dependents must be declared—even if they will not travel to Canada. Failure to do so can prevent future family sponsorship and may trigger findings of misrepresentation.

How Can an Immigration Lawyer Help with Express Entry?

The Express Entry system may seem straightforward, but there are many legal and strategic decisions that can make or break your application. Experienced AKM Law immigration lawyers ensure that your case is strong, complete, and aligned with IRCC’s requirements—especially if you are applying with a partner, dependents, or have a complex work history.

At AKM Law, we help with:

Assessing Eligibility Across All Programs

We evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program. If you are not eligible yet, we can advise you on the fastest path to becoming eligible, such as gaining a year of skilled work in Canada or improving your language test results.

Maximizing Your CRS Score

AKM Law immigration lawyers guide you on how to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score—through education, language test upgrades, or securing a valid job offer with the proper LMIA support. We also assess your chances for a provincial nomination, which can add 600 points to your score.

Preparing Accurate and Complete Documentation

Errors in employment reference letters, police clearances, or your Express Entry profile can lead to delays or refusals. Our lawyers ensure your documents meet all IRCC guidelines and address common issues before they escalate.

Navigating Complex Profiles

If you are on a closed work permit, applying with a common-law partner, or unsure about your eligibility due to recent changes in your work experience or marital status, we can help. We regularly assist with procedural fairness responses, updates to family composition, and clarifications when IRCC has concerns.

Supporting You from Profile to PR

From submitting your Express Entry profile, to responding to an Invitation to Apply, to completing your permanent residence application, our team is with you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you avoid pitfalls, strengthen your case, and move forward with confidence.

Working with AKM Law immigration lawyers means having a legal team that understands the system, keeps up with policy changes, and puts your success first. If you are ready to move to Canada, we are ready to help