What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada's primary immigration management system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Launched in 2015, it uses a points-based ranking system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to select candidates based on their skills, education, language ability, and work experience.
Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
For skilled workers with foreign work experience. No job offer required.
- Minimum 1 year continuous skilled work experience
- Language: CLB 7 minimum (IELTS 6.0 in all bands)
- Education: Post-secondary with ECA (WES evaluation)
- Must score 67/100 on FSW selection factors
For those already working in Canada with Canadian work experience.
- 1+ year skilled work experience in Canada (last 3 years)
- Lower language requirements than FSW
- No education requirement
- Must have gained experience with valid work permit
For skilled tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, welders, etc.)
- 2+ years work experience in skilled trade
- Valid job offer OR certificate of qualification
- Meet job requirements for that trade
📊 CRS Score: How It Works
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores candidates out of 1,200 points. Your score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool. Higher-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) during regular draws.
CRS Score Breakdown
| Category | Maximum Points (Single) | Maximum Points (Married) |
|---|---|---|
| Core/Human Capital | 500 | 460 |
| — Age | 110 | 100 |
| — Education | 150 | 140 |
| — First Language | 136 | 128 |
| — Second Language | 24 | 22 |
| — Canadian Experience | 80 | 70 |
| Spouse Factors | — | 40 |
| Skill Transferability | 100 | 100 |
| Additional Points | 600 | 600 |
| TOTAL MAXIMUM | 1,200 | 1,200 |
Additional Points (Game Changers)
| Factor | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nomination (PNP) | +600 | Virtually guarantees ITA! |
| Job offer (NOC TEER 0) | +200 | Senior management |
| Job offer (other TEER) | +50 | Requires LMIA |
| Canadian education (3+ years) | +30 | Post-secondary |
| Canadian education (1-2 years) | +15 | Post-secondary |
| French proficiency (NCLC 7+) | +25-50 | With/without English |
| Sibling in Canada (citizen/PR) | +15 | Must be adult sibling |
📋 Step-by-Step Express Entry Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm you qualify for FSW, CEC, or FST. Use the official Come to Canada tool.
Step 2: Take IELTS (2-3 Months)
IELTS General Training is required. Target scores for competitive CRS:
- Listening: 8.0+ (CLB 9)
- Reading: 7.0+
- Writing: 7.0+
- Speaking: 7.5+
📖 Read: Complete IELTS Preparation Guide →
Step 3: Get WES Credential Evaluation (1-2 Months)
World Education Services (WES) evaluates your foreign education credentials:
- Create WES account at wes.org/ca
- Request transcripts from Nigerian university
- Pay $300 CAD for evaluation
- Receive ECA report in 4-8 weeks
Step 4: Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your online profile with IELTS scores, WES report, and work experience. You'll receive your CRS score immediately.
Step 5: Receive ITA and Apply
If your score meets the cutoff during a draw, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply. You have 60 days to submit your complete PR application.
💰 Express Entry Costs
| Expense | Cost (CAD) | Cost (NGN @ ₦1,100) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Registration | $350 | ₦385,000 |
| WES Credential Evaluation | $300 | ₦330,000 |
| Express Entry Application | $850 | ₦935,000 |
| Right of Permanent Residence | $515 | ₦566,500 |
| Biometrics | $85 | ₦93,500 |
| Medical Examination | $250 | ₦275,000 |
| Police Certificate | $50 | ₦55,000 |
| TOTAL (Single Applicant) | $2,400 | ₦2,640,000 |
🔗 Official Resources
IRCC Official Links
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No! The Federal Skilled Worker program doesn't require a job offer. You can apply based on your education, work experience, language skills, and age alone. A job offer adds 50-200 CRS points but is optional.
CRS cutoffs vary by draw. Recent general draws: 470-520 points. Category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, trades, French): 400-450 points. PNP draws: 750+ (includes 600-point bonus).
Typical timeline is 8-14 months: IELTS prep (2-3 months), WES evaluation (1-2 months), profile creation and ITA wait (2-6 months), PR processing after ITA (2-6 months).
Yes! Your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children under 22 can be included in your PR application at no additional application fee.
📥 Get Free Express Entry Checklist
Complete document checklist, timeline tracker, and CRS calculator in one download.
Download Free →