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Canada· Plan residence

Express Entry

How it works and how to prepare

IRCC · Government of Canada · Sources checked 14 Nov 2026
01 / What it is and who it is for

Express Entry · Canada

Express Entry manages permanent-residence applications for skilled workers through the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. It is neither a visitor visa nor a work permit.

Creating a profile does not grant residence. After an invitation, IRCC requires full evidence for the relevant programme.

What to check before applying

First compare the three programs’ requirements. A profile enters a candidate pool, and the CRS score is used in selection. After an invitation, the candidate submits the full application for assessment. An ECA assesses a foreign educational credential when required by the program.

Route forms and references

  • ECA · Educational credential assessment
02 / Documents to organise

Documents to organise

Prepare these documents and confirm your personalized checklist with the official source. Conditional items apply only when required for your case.

  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Identity document used for international travel.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Apply or renew with your country of nationality’s issuing authority or consulate. Check the required validity and pages to submit.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Evidence of the language level accepted for the category.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Check accepted tests, certificates or exemptions. If needed, book with a recognized provider and verify test type, minimum scores and result validity before paying.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Diploma, academic transcript and any required qualification recognition.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Request the diploma and transcript from your institution. If assessment or recognition is required, use the body designated by the immigration or professional authority; this is separate from translation.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Evidence of work performed and any required professional authorization.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Request employer references and professional-body documents where applicable. Compare with the official checklist: duties, dates, hours and pay may be needed.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗

Depending on your case and the official checklist

  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Evidence of the financial resources required for the route.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    First check which evidence is accepted. Obtain statements or documents from the financial institution or funding provider, observing required amounts, periods and ownership.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Criminal-record certificate from the competent authority of each requested country.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Use the official country instructions to find the issuing authority. Confirm required countries and residence periods, validity, translation and any legalization.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Health assessment or certificate required for certain applications.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Check whether and when an exam is needed. Book with an accepted practitioner or clinic; some routes require panel physicians. Retain the evidence specified in the instructions.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Birth, marriage, parentage or name-change records as requested.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Request them from the registry that recorded the event. Check required version, recency, matching names and translation or authentication requirements.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
  • What it is and how to get it

    What it is

    Translations and authentication required for documents issued in another language or country.

    How to obtain it and what to check

    Check the accepted translator type before hiring. If an apostille or legalization is required, consult the issuing country’s competent authority. Translation and apostille are different procedures.

    Read this route’s official instructions ↗
03 / Your preparation, step by step

How to proceed

  1. Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.

  2. Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.

  3. After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.

04 / Fees, processing and validity

Fees, processing and validity

Check the authority’s current fee schedule before paying. Separate the application fee from translation, examination, insurance and optional service costs. Processing may depend on location, category and requests for further evidence. Validity is stated in the decision or issued document.

Check official requirements ↗
05 / Official sources

Official sources

IRCC · Government of Canada

Check fees, minimum income, document validity and timing with the route source. Confirm translations and legalisation with the responsible consulate. Visa, entry, residence and permission to work are different steps; approval is not guaranteed.

Information for lawful migration. PassyGo does not issue visas or replace individual advice from a qualified professional.

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