Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program
Express Entry is IRCC's online system for managing permanent residence applications under three federal economic programs. Eligible candidates submit a profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and enter a pool; IRCC periodically invites the highest-ranked candidates, sometimes in category-based rounds. Only invited candidates can apply for permanent residence.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Money
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Working in your field Members
Whether you need a licence or registration to work in your field here
Who it’s for
Skilled workers abroad or in Canada with qualifying skilled work experience and approved language test results who plan to live outside Quebec (Quebec selects its own skilled workers).
Eligibility
Language (FSW)FSW only
Show an approved test result of CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities in your first official language.
Language level (FSW)
- First language
- CLB/NCLC 7
- Second languageonly counts at this level
- CLB/NCLC 5+
Official wording
Approved test showing CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities in the first official language; a second official language only counts at CLB/NCLC 5+.
Language (CEC)CEC only
Show CLB/NCLC 7 or 5 in all four abilities, depending on the TEER level of your Canadian experience.
Language level (CEC)
- TEER 0 or 1
- CLB/NCLC 7
- TEER 2 or 3
- CLB/NCLC 5
What these codes mean (4)
- TEER 0
- Management occupations
- TEER 1
- Usually require a university degree
- TEER 2
- Usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or are supervisory occupations
- TEER 3
- Usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Official wording
CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities if experience is TEER 0 or 1; CLB/NCLC 5 if TEER 2 or 3.
Language (FST)FST only
Show CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing.
Language level (FST)
- Speaking, listening
- CLB/NCLC 5
- Reading, writing
- CLB/NCLC 4
Official wording
CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening; CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementApproved tests and validity
- Document checklistPassport or travel document
- FeesPrincipal applicant: processing fee + right of permanent residence fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 10 more requirements
- 12 documents
- 6 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Canada
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
- Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class
- Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Express Entry: Language test results
- Express Entry: Educational credential assessment
- Express Entry: Proof of funds
- Express Entry: Documents
- How Express Entry works
- Express Entry: Submit a profile
- Express Entry: Rounds of invitations
- Express Entry: Apply for permanent residence
- IRCC fee list
- Check processing times
- 2026 consultations on Express Entry reforms (report)
Other routes to Canada
- Visit & tourismSuper visa for parents and grandparents
- StudyStudy permit
- Work permitsInternational Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- Permanent residenceProvincial Nominee Program
- FamilySponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner
- Status in-countryRestoration of temporary resident status
