A newly originated system where skilled workers are awarded points based on their qualifications, experience, age and several other factors to apply for a Permanent Residency in Canada in 6 months. On submission of an online profile by the interested candidate, it is ascertained by the federal government if the candidate is eligible for the program or not. 

Eligible candidates are accepted into the Express Entry pool and are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a points-based system to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS score is derived based on a candidate’s age, education, work experience, language skills, as well as other factors. Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool and provides them with an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. 

There are three programs to apply under Express Entry:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

Criteria

1. Must meet minimum FSW, FST or CEC

2. Education credential assessment mandatory for FSW

3. Job offer is not important, though add points.

4. Can be nominated by province (not Quebec) and can apply for PNP and EE at the same time.

5. Valid NOC 0, A, B work permit holders can apply under EE if there is an LMIA.

6. Quebec work experience counts, but the applicant cannot intend to live in Quebec.

7. Dual intent is allowed if TFW wishes to apply for PR through EE.

8. EE profile is valid for 12 months

9. There are no fees to create an EE profile but if Invitation (ITA) is received, then you must submit a profile within 60 days and need to pay fees.

10. PCC is only valid for 6 months for the current country of residence.

11. PCC from the past country of residence must be from after the last time the candidate resided there.

12. PCC must be from places where the applicant has lived for 6 months or more in a row in the last 10 years or since the age of 18.