What is the Express Entry Draw System? 2025 Guide to Canadian PR and Immigration

Has your interest in Canadian PR made you wonder what the Express Entry draw system is? Are you wondering what more you can do to get a one-way ticket to Canada? Don’t worry; we have covered it all in this blog. We provide insights into the Express Entry system, Express Entry draws, eligibility criteria, and application process.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) launched the Express Entry Draw System in 2015 to fill the gaps in the labor market. It refers to the selection process by the Government of Canada to invite the top-ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool to apply for Permanent Residency. The system smoothens the immigration process for skilled workers.

If being a Canadian is on your wishlist, delve into this article for a comprehensive guide on the system guiding Permanent Residence (PR): Express Entry System.

What is an Express Entry System?

Express Entry System is an online application process run by the Canadian government for skilled workers who wish to move to Canada and apply for Permanent Residence (PR). 

This system looks after three immigration Programs: 

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – This program allows skilled professionals with foreign work experience and no connection to Canada to apply for Canadian PR.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – The FST Program uses the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score to rank interested candidates against one another to sanction them a Canadian PR.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – People with recent Canadian work experience can choose this route. CEC draw helps such candidates obtain a Canadian PR.

To begin with, the online process of the Express Entry System, you are first required to make a profile. The candidates must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three federal immigration programs.

Eligibility Criteria for the Express Entry System

The eligibility requirements for the three programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

• Work Experience: Applicants for this program must have at least 1 year of experience as skilled workers in the last 10 years. The experience should account for 1 year but can be continuous, full-time, or equivalent part-time. The work experience must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 jobs.

• Language: Minimum level of CLB7/NCLC7 in French for first official language and minimum level of CLB5 or NCLC5 for second official language.

• Education: If you have completed your education in Canada, you must have a certificate, degree, or diploma. However, if you are a foreign student, you must get an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) for immigration purposes.

• Proof of Funds: An FSW Applicant must show enough savings to support a good lifestyle in Canada (unless you have a valid job from an employer or are currently working in Canada).

2. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

As per the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Skilled tradespeople must be in the construction, transportation, manufacturing, industrial, and agriculture industries.

• Work Experience: An FST applicant must have 2 years’ work experience, i.e., 3120 hours in skilled trades within the past 5 years. You can make use of continuous, full-time, or part-time work to complete the required hours.

• Language: You must have a minimum of CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and  CLB 4 for reading and writing. This language requirement is for both French and English.

• Proof of Funds: You must show that you have sufficient funds to help you and your family sustain a fulfilling livelihood in Canada.

• Job Offer/Certification: To be eligible for this program, you must submit either a job offer from a Canadian employer for a total period of at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in the particular skilled trade by the Canadian authorities.

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Work Experience: Applicants must have at least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0,1,2 or 3) in Canada in the last 3 years.

• Language: Under this program, it requires CLB7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs. For NOC TEER 2 or 3, CLB5 is mandatory.

What is the Express Entry Draw System?

An Express Entry Draw system refers to the system of issuing a round of invitations by the Canadian government every two weeks. Each round consists of profiles from the Express Entry pool that clear the CRS cutoff. Such candidates are now eligible to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence status after receiving an ITA, i.e.,  Invitation to Apply. The CRS latest draw took place on April 14, 2025, for the Provincial Nominee Program, with a minimum CRS score of 764. 

There are three different types of draws:

1. All-Program Draws:

This round of invitations includes all three express entry programs: Federal Skilled Workers (FSW), Federal Skilled Traders (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw. CRS scores form their basis regardless of program-specific requirements.

2. Program-Specific Draws:

In the Express Entry Draw System, this program specifically focuses on applicants for a particular express entry program such as PNP.

3. Category-Based Draws:

These draws target the applicants who belong to certain categories and are eligible for an express entry program. Some of these categories are French language proficiency, healthcare, and STEM occupations. 

How to apply for the Express Entry System?

To apply for the Express Entry system, you need to go through the following steps:

Step 1: Check for Eligibility

The first step in the process is to check which express program and category you belong to. Your eligibility in the Express Entry system will depend on one of the three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Step 2: Language Proficiency Test:

You need to take the recommended language proficiency exam (English or French) to qualify as an eligible candidate. These exams are IELTS, TEF, or TCF. As per different programs, you will have to clear the exams with a minimum of CLB5 or CLB7. 

Kochiva is one of the leading online learning platforms offering comprehensive French proficiency exams like TEF and TCF. Their student-centric and interactive approach makes learning a thrilling experience. The French language level required for Canada PR is the B2 level of French as per CEFR, which equates to CLB 7.

Step 3: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is a certification given to you after assessing your education credentials from outside India. This approval ensures the equivalency of your degree or diploma to Canadian standards.

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile:

Further, you need to create an Express Entry profile on IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). The creation of your profile will convert to an Expression of Interest (EOI). This profile will consist of all your necessary details, including age, work experience, language proficiency, language, and more.

Step 5: Receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

Now, the Canadian government will review your application and give you a CRS score against other applicants. The CRS score depends on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and others. 

Step 6: Look Out for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

After every two weeks, the Canadian government issues draws from the Express Entry pool, and candidates with the highest CRS scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residence. On receiving an ITA, you will have to submit your complete application.

Step 7: Permanent Residence Application

After receiving an ITA, submit your complete application for permanent residency (PR). Along with the application, you need to attach certain documents and pay some fees. 

After completing these steps, you need to await final approval of your application and the grant of your Canadian PR (Permanent Residency). This will be a Medical Examination and Police Verification.

Understanding the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System)

CRS is a point-based system that assigns scores to applicants under Canada’s Express Entry System. In Canada, the higher the CSR, the closer you are to being qualified under Express Entry Draws. The recent Express Entry draw history has witnessed a higher CRS score cutoff.

The following factors affect the CRS score:

• Age
• Level of education
• Language proficiency (English and/or French)
• Canadian work experience
• Foreign work experience
• Arranged employment in Canada
• Provincial nomination (if applicable)
• Additional factors, such as having a sibling in Canada or having completed a Canadian educational program

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)  is the second most preferred option for immigration after Express Entry. This is a Canadian immigration program that allows provinces or territories to nominate candidates for Canadian PR. It is applicable to all provinces except Quebec and Nunavut. Even after a candidate gets provincial approval under the PNP, they still require federal approval. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misrepresenting information

Do not attempt to submit any false, misleading, or incomplete information. IRCC express entry draw system deals with such matters very seriously. If caught, it can lead to immediate refusal of your application and also ban you from applying to Canadian immigration for up to 5 years. Check everything multiple times and upload only verifiable documents to avoid making this error.

• Missing deadlines

IRCC has very strict deadlines for the completion and submission of the application. If you fail to adhere to these deadlines, you will have to re-enter the express entry pool. To avoid making this mistake, prepare the required documents before you get an ITA and set reminders for all deadlines.

• Ignoring NOC codes

IRCC reviews whether your selected NOC code matches your work duties and not only your job title. If it doesn’t match, your work experience gets rejected. It can result in immediate refusal or CRS drop. To avoid this, use the NOC search tool on the official site. Compare the work duties and no titles to ensure accuracy. 

• Language test expiry

Your language proficiency tests like TEF, TCF, IELTS, or CELPIP  must be valid throughout your application process. If it expires before or during the application process, it fails to meet the eligibility requirements. To avoid this commonly made mistake, keep track of the expiry date of your language test and consider retaking the test if you’re approaching the expiration date. 

Conclusion

To summarise, the Express Entry draw system is your permanent ticket to Canada. IRCC initiated this system to promote and simplify the immigration process. Any aspiring candidate can now fill out an online application and complete a set of formalities, and based on that, IRCC awards you a certain CRS score.

This CRS score decides the fate of their PR (Permanent Residency). The Express Entry, i.e., EE history, shows IRCC’s focus on specific categories, including French language proficiency, provincial nominations, and Canadian work experience. Keeping the recent updates in mind, one thing you can do to widen your scope for Canadian PR is to be proficient in French.

Kochiva’s French language course specializes in training beginners. Our C-level certified trainers tutor for all French language levels as per CEFR. For PR in Canada, you require CLB7 in French, which is equal to the B2 level as per CEFR. Kochiva provides an intensive and immersive learning environment to help students learn rapidly and smoothly.

For More: https://kochiva.com/language-course/learn-french-language-online/

Get in touch with Kochiva today:   

Email – info@kochiva.com   

Phone – +91 9872334466   

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1- Can I apply for Express Entry without work experience?

The eligibility criteria of the Express Entry Draw System require you to have at least 1 year of work experience to apply under any of the three programs. You require at least 1 year of experience to qualify as an eligible candidate.

Q2- Can I apply for PR without Express Entry?

Yes, you can apply for Canada PR without Express Entry through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). PNP allows provinces to nominate candidates who contribute to life in that locality. The society sees them as contributing members.

Q3- How many hours do I need for Express Entry? 

As per the eligibility requirements, every candidate must have at least 1 year of work experience. Working full-time for one year or completing 1560 hours part-time can help achieve this.

Q4- Is there an interview for Express Entry?

The Canada PR application process requires no personal interview (PI). However, IRCC has the authority to request an interview in certain situations.

Q4- What is the IELTS score required for Express Entry? 

To qualify for the Express Entry program, you must have a minimum IELTS band score of 6.0. This is equal to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 7.

Q5- How much is the Express Entry fee?

The application Express Entry fee approximately ranges from INR 1,10,000 to INR 1,90,000 for adults. This is inclusive of application costs, medical examination, and police verification costs.