Express Entry is Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) online application management system for certain economic immigration programs. Many prospective immigrants have questions about how Express Entry works, what the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is, and how candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
This FAQ provides an overview of Express Entry and the CRS using information published by IRCC.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system that IRCC uses to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Some provinces and territories also nominate candidates through Express Entry-aligned streams of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Individuals who are eligible for at least one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry and who submit a complete profile are placed in the Express Entry pool. Eligible candidates in the pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
What Is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system that IRCC uses to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. A candidate’s CRS score does not determine whether they are eligible for an Express Entry program. Instead, it is used to rank eligible candidates for Express Entry invitation rounds.
The CRS awards points based on several factors, including:
- Core human capital factors, such as age, education, official language proficiency, and Canadian work experience
- Spouse or common-law partner factors, where applicable
- Skill transferability factors
- Additional factors identified by IRCC, such as a provincial nomination
IRCC publishes the complete CRS criteria and points allocation on its website. As of March 25, 2025, qualifying job offers no longer receive CRS points under the Comprehensive Ranking System.
How Are Invitations to Apply Issued?
IRCC conducts Express Entry invitation rounds throughout the year. After each round, IRCC publishes information including the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued, the minimum CRS score required, and the tie-breaking rule used for that round.
Invitation rounds may include:
- General rounds
- Program-specific rounds
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rounds
- Category-based selection rounds
Category-based selection rounds invite candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for categories established by the Minister. Current categories include candidates with French-language proficiency and candidates with eligible work experience or qualifications in occupations or professions identified by IRCC.
The minimum CRS score required to receive an Invitation to Apply varies from one invitation round to another. Receiving a particular CRS score does not guarantee that a candidate will receive an invitation in a future round.
Can a CRS Score Change?
A candidate’s CRS score may change if they update their Express Entry profile with new information that affects their score. Depending on the circumstances, this may include improved language test results, additional education, more qualifying work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination.
Candidates are responsible for ensuring that the information included in their Express Entry profile is complete and accurate. If they receive an Invitation to Apply, they must provide supporting documentation for the information claimed in their profile.
Conclusion
Express Entry is IRCC’s online application management system for several of Canada’s economic immigration programs. The Comprehensive Ranking System is used to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool, while invitation rounds determine which candidates receive Invitations to Apply for permanent residence.
Understanding how Express Entry and the CRS work can help prospective applicants better understand Canada’s economic immigration process and how candidates are selected for permanent residence.
If you have questions about Express Entry, CRS scores, or your Canadian immigration options, the team at Jain Immigration Law can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Contact Jain Immigration Law
Jain Immigration Law assists individuals, families, and employers with a wide range of Canadian immigration matters, including Express Entry applications, Provincial Nominee Program applications, work permits, study permits, family sponsorships, and permanent residence applications.
To schedule a consultation, contact our team:
Jain Immigration Law
Phone: +1 (416) 548-5533
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com