Express Entry Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under Express Entry, applicants must generally:

• Be eligible under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC

• Complete an approved language test (IELTS/CELPIP for English or TEF/TCF for French)

• Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education

• Demonstrate skilled work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation

• Meet proof of funds requirements (unless exempt under CEC or with a valid job offer)

Eligibility alone does not guarantee an invitation — CRS score competitiveness is critical

How the Express Entry System Works

Submit Your Express Entry Profile
Eligible candidates enter the pool and are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular draws, inviting the highest-ranking candidates.

Submit Your PR Application
Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

Processing & Decision
IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months, though delays can occur.

⚠️ Express Entry is highly competitive. A strong CRS score and error-free application are essential.

Improve your CRS Score & Invitation Chances

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) determines who receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence under Express Entry. While some candidates are invited quickly, many strong applicants remain in the pool because their CRS score is not competitive in general draws.

At Ayodele Law, we don’t just calculate your CRS score — we help you strategically improve it based on current IRCC draw trends and your long-term immigration goals.

We regularly advise clients on practical ways to strengthen their CRS profile, including:

• Retaking language tests to reach CLB 9 or higher, which can unlock significant point increases

• Leveraging spousal factors, including education, work experience, or language ability

• Gaining additional Canadian work experience or post-secondary education

• Identifying eligibility for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can add 600 CRS points

• Assessing whether a job offer or LMIA-supported role is realistic and worthwhile

Because CRS cut-off scores change frequently, timing and strategy matter. A well-planned profile update can be the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving an ITA in the next draw.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws (Targeted Invitations)

In recent years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based Express Entry draws, allowing invitations to be issued based on specific labour market priorities — not just overall CRS rank. These targeted draws are designed to address shortages in key sectors and can benefit candidates whose CRS scores may be lower than general draw cut-offs.

Current category-based selections may target candidates with:

• Experience in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, or agriculture

• Strong French-language proficiency

• Canadian work experience in priority occupations

To qualify for a category-based draw, you must still meet the eligibility requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs — FSWP, CEC, or FSTP — and have a valid profile in the Express Entry pool.

For many applicants, category-based draws create a more realistic pathway to permanent residence, particularly for those already working in Canada or with experience in in-demand occupations. We help clients assess whether their background aligns with current or anticipated category draws and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Understanding CRS Scores & Draw Thresholds

There is no fixed minimum CRS score to enter the Express Entry pool. Eligibility depends on meeting the criteria of one of the federal programs — not your CRS score itself.

However, once in the pool, candidates are ranked against one another. In recent general draws, CRS cut-offs have been highly competitive, often landing in the low-to-mid 520s. By contrast, category-based draws have sometimes issued invitations with CRS scores in the 350–450 range, depending on the category.

This means that if your CRS score is below recent general draw thresholds, you may still have viable options — but only with proper planning.

We help clients interpret draw trends, avoid unrealistic expectations, and focus on concrete ways to improve their invitation chances rather than relying on guesswork.

Common Express Entry Mistakes We Help Clients Avoid

Even strong candidates can face refusals due to preventable errors. Some of the most common issues we see include:

• Employment reference letters that do not match NOC requirements

• Police certificates submitted from the wrong jurisdiction

• Accepting an ITA before meeting eligibility requirements

• Failing to update marital status or family composition

• Submitting applications with expired language tests or ECAs

Because Express Entry is both technical and unforgiving, early legal review can prevent mistakes that lead to refusals, delays, or findings of misrepresentation. If you’re looking for an Express Entry immigration lawyer near you because you’re worried about a refusal, misrepresentation risk, or a tight deadline, early legal review can make a measurable difference.