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Express Entry: Step-by-Step Guide

The 10-step guide to acquiring permanent residence

Home > Work in Canada > Permanent Residency > Express Entry: The Ultimate Guide > Express Entry: Step-by-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide will let you know all you need to do and understand to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry. Click on each step to find the necessary actions you will need to take.

If you can estimate your language and credential levels, you can check first if you could be eligible to Express Entry, go to the 4th step.

Step 1. Finding your NOC (National Occupational Classification)

To be eligible, you need to first check that you work experience, as defined by the NOC system, is eligible for Express Entry.

Go to step 1.

Step 2. Getting your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

You need to get your foreign educational credential assessed by one of IRCC's approved third parties.

Go to step 2.

Step 3. Taking your English and/or French language tests

For all the three Express Entry programs, you need to take English and/or French test(s) and score a number of points to be eligible.

Go to Step 3.

Step 4. Checking your eligibility to Express Entry

Under Express Entry, there are eligibility requirements for each of the three economic immigration programs. You need to make sure you are eligible to at least one of the three programs.

Go to Step 4.

Step 5. Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

You need next to understand how to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is the one you will be ranked with in the Express Entry pool.

Go to Step 5.

Step 6. Getting into the Express Entry Pool

After taking your language exam(s), and getting your ECA (if your credential is not Canadian), you need to verify your eligibility through the Come to Canada Tool and then create your Express Entry profile to get into the pool of applicants.

Go to step 6.

Step 7. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you have enough CRS points, you will get an Invitation to Apply. You will have 60 days to fill additional forms and submit your supporting documents.

Go to step 7.

Step 8. Your document checklist: Tips and Advice

After receiving you Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will need to upload the requested supporting documents. Get ahead and make sure you will not have a problem gathering them.

Go to step 8.

Step 9. From Ackownlgedgment of Receipt (AoR) to Passeport Request (PPR)

After submitting your documents, learn about the process of approval of your application and the different updates that will let you have an idea on where you application is at.

Go to step 9.

Step 10. Preparing your landing in Canada

Check out our before landing and living pages, to learn all about Canada, its biggest cities, its healthcare and education systems, what things to do first when arriving in Canada, etc.