Express Entry decisions depend on far more than a CRS estimate. Program eligibility, NOC selection, work history, language results, education, family information, settlement funds and supporting documents must remain accurate and consistent from the first profile through the permanent residence application. Hesam Kazemi Immigration Inc. provides structured professional support at every agreed stage of that process.
Express Entry is the federal electronic system used to receive, rank and manage applications from skilled workers. It is not a visa and it is not a single immigration program. A person must first qualify under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program before entering the pool.
An eligible candidate submits a profile containing information about age, education, official-language ability, Canadian and foreign work experience, family composition and other ranking factors. The system assigns a Comprehensive Ranking System score and places the profile in the pool.
Invitation rounds may target the highest-ranked candidates generally, candidates under a specific program, or candidates who meet a defined category. Only after receiving an Invitation to Apply can a candidate submit the electronic application for permanent residence.
The permanent residence application must prove the information used to obtain the invitation. A CRS score that cannot be supported by documents can create an eligibility problem, a refusal risk or a misrepresentation concern.
Meeting the minimum requirements allows a profile to enter the pool. Receiving an invitation depends on the applicable round, the candidate's CRS score and any program or category requirements in effect at that time.
Each program has its own rules. A candidate may qualify for more than one, but work experience, language levels, education, job-offer requirements and settlement funds are assessed differently.
Designed for eligible skilled workers with qualifying work experience gained in Canada while authorized to work.
The candidate generally needs at least 12 months or 1,560 hours of eligible paid Canadian work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 during the three years before applying.
Required language level depends on the occupation's TEER category. Education and a job offer are not minimum requirements, and CEC applicants do not normally need settlement funds.
Designed for eligible skilled workers with qualifying Canadian or foreign work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
The candidate generally needs at least one continuous year or 1,560 hours in the same primary NOC within the previous ten years, minimum CLB or NCLC 7, and at least secondary education.
After meeting the minimum requirements, the candidate must also obtain at least 67 out of 100 points under the separate Federal Skilled Worker selection grid.
Designed for eligible workers in specified skilled-trade NOC groups who meet the program's work and qualification requirements.
The candidate generally needs two years or 3,120 hours of eligible trade experience in the previous five years and must satisfy the applicable language thresholds.
A qualifying job offer for at least one year or a Canadian certificate of qualification in the trade is required. There is no minimum education requirement.
| Requirement | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker | Federal Skilled Trades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work experience | 1 year in Canada during the last 3 years; TEER 0–3; authorized and paid work. | 1 continuous year during the last 10 years in the primary NOC; TEER 0–3; Canadian or foreign work. | 2 years during the last 5 years in an eligible skilled-trade group. |
| Minimum language | CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0–1; CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2–3. | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities for the first official language. | CLB/NCLC 5 speaking and listening; 4 reading and writing. |
| Education | No minimum requirement; education may increase CRS. | At least secondary education; foreign education requires an ECA. | No minimum requirement; education may increase CRS. |
| Job offer | Not required for eligibility. | Not required for minimum eligibility, though it may affect selection factors or current CRS rules. | Required unless the candidate holds a Canadian certificate of qualification in the trade. |
| Settlement funds | Normally not required. | Generally required unless the candidate is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid job offer. | Generally required unless the candidate is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid job offer. |
| Additional program test | No separate 67-point grid. | Must reach at least 67/100 under the FSW selection factors before CRS ranking. | Must meet trade, job-offer or certificate requirements. |
The CRS ranks eligible profiles. It is separate from the 67-point Federal Skilled Worker selection grid and can change when personal circumstances or government scoring rules change.
Age, education, first and second official-language ability and qualifying Canadian work experience.
When applicable, the accompanying spouse's education, language ability and Canadian work experience.
Combinations involving education, language, foreign work, Canadian work and a trade certificate can generate additional points.
Factors may include a provincial nomination, Canadian education, French-language ability and an eligible sibling in Canada.
The new Labour Market Integration factor changes how Canadian work experience and qualifying job offers contribute to CRS points. A profile receives the higher applicable result from Canadian work experience or a qualifying job offer, rather than receiving both.
Being in the pool does not mean that an invitation will be issued. Each round has its own type, number of invitations, minimum score and tie-breaking information.
Category eligibility does not replace program eligibility. A candidate must still qualify under at least one Express Entry program and remain competitive among candidates eligible for that round.
Top-ranking candidates who are eligible under one of the three Express Entry programs may be considered.
Only candidates eligible under the program named in the round are ranked and considered for invitations.
Candidates must satisfy the category requirements and are then ranked by CRS among the eligible category candidates.
When candidates share the lowest invited score, the profile submission date and time identified in the round instructions may determine who receives an invitation.
An Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points, but the candidate must satisfy both the provincial requirements and an eligible federal Express Entry program.
Choose a category to review its core requirement and, where applicable, the current occupation list. Category eligibility adds another filter to an invitation round; it does not by itself make a profile eligible for Express Entry.
A category for candidates with strong French ability. You still need to qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs and meet the instructions for the invitation round.
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained within the past three years. The experience does not need to be continuous, but it must be in one listed occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 | 1 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 | 1 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 | 1 |
| Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
| Optometrists | 31111 | 1 |
| Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31112 | 1 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
| Dietitians and nutritionists | 31121 | 1 |
| Psychologists | 31200 | 1 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
| Occupational therapists | 31203 | 1 |
| Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 | 1 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 | 1 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 | 1 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 | 1 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | 2 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 | 2 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 | 2 |
| Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 | 2 |
| Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 | 2 |
| Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 | 2 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 | 2 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 | 2 |
| Medical sonographers | 32122 | 2 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 32124 | 2 |
| Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 | 2 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 | 2 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 | 3 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 | 3 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 | 3 |
| Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
| Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 | 1 |
| Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained within the past three years in one listed STEM occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and science managers | 20011 | 0 |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 | 1 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 | 1 |
| Mechanical engineers | 21301 | 1 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 | 1 |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 | 1 |
| Geological engineers | 21331 | 1 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 | 2 |
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 22301 | 2 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 | 2 |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 | 3 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained within the past three years in one listed trade occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Construction estimators | 22303 | 2 |
| Construction managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 | 0 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 | 2 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 | 2 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 | 2 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Plumbers | 72300 | 2 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 | 2 |
| Carpenters | 72310 | 2 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 | 2 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 | 2 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 | 2 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | 2 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 | 2 |
| Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 | 3 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained within the past three years in one listed education occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary school teachers | 41220 | 1 |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Early childhood educators and assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 | 3 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained within the past three years in one listed transport occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors | 72404 | 2 |
| Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors | 72600 | 2 |
| Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors | 22313 | 2 |
| Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers | 72410 | 2 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained in Canada within the past three years in one listed physician occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 | 1 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 | 1 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained in Canada within the past three years in one listed senior-management occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services | 00012 | 0 |
| Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations | 00013 | 0 |
| Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services | 00014 | 0 |
| Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities | 00015 | 0 |
At least 12 months of eligible full-time work experience, or an equal amount of part-time experience, gained in Canada within the past three years in one listed research occupation.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| University professors and lecturers | 41200 | 1 |
| Post-secondary teaching and research assistants | 41201 | 1 |
A narrowly defined category for eligible Foreign Skilled Military Applicants with qualifying foreign military service and an arranged-employment offer from the Canadian Armed Forces.
| Eligible occupation | 2021 NOC | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces | 40042 | 0 |
| Specialized members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 42102 | 2 |
| Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces | 43204 | 3 |
Criteria reviewed against current IRCC category-based selection information on October 29, 2026. The instructions published for a specific invitation round control if requirements change.
Proof of funds is generally required under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Canadian Experience Class applicants do not need it. An FSW or FST applicant may also be exempt when authorized to work in Canada and holding a valid job offer.
| Family members | Minimum funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional family member | +$4,112 |
Include yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and your spouse or partner’s dependent children, including specified family members who are not accompanying you.
You must have legal access to the money when you apply and when a permanent resident visa is issued. Equity in real property and borrowed money do not qualify.
Letters should identify the institution and account holder and show account numbers, opening dates, current balances, six-month average balances and outstanding debts.
Settlement-fund amounts are reviewed annually. Confirm the current amount before profile updates and before submitting a permanent residence application.
Express Entry work involves more than entering information into a profile. Your eligibility, ranking factors, work history, documents and explanations need to remain consistent from the initial profile through the permanent residence application.
Review your immigration history, work experience, education, language results, family composition and potential Express Entry pathways.
Assess occupational classification, duties, dates and supporting evidence rather than relying only on job titles.
Prepare the information used to create the profile and identify documents that may be required if an invitation is issued.
Confirm that the information supporting the invitation remains accurate and that the candidate continues to meet the relevant requirements.
Prepare forms, supporting documents and explanations for the electronic application within the deadline shown in the invitation.
Assist with applicable requests, updates and communications through the final decision, within the agreed retainer scope.
The profile contains declarations and document numbers. After an invitation, the permanent residence application must prove those declarations. Preparing early reduces deadline pressure and reveals inconsistencies before submission.
An Invitation to Apply is valid for 60 days. The information that generated the invitation must be rechecked before accepting and submitting the application.
Confirm the invited program, CRS score, category if applicable, document validity and whether any change has occurred since profile submission.
Enter complete personal, family, address, travel, education and employment history and reconcile it with the Express Entry profile.
Provide the personalized checklist documents, compliant translations and clear explanations for unusual facts, gaps or unavailable records.
Complete a final consistency review, pay the applicable government and biometric fees and submit before the invitation expires.
Processing can involve several separate assessments. Timing and document requests vary by file.
The application, forms, fees and required documents are checked. An incomplete application can be rejected.
Applicants who require biometrics receive instructions and must comply within the deadline in the letter.
The officer assesses whether the applicant met the invited program requirements and supported the profile claims.
Medical, criminality, security and other admissibility requirements are reviewed for the applicant and family members.
IRCC may request documents, clarification, updated information, an interview or a response to identified concerns.
If approved, the applicant completes the confirmation steps for permanent residence. A refusal or rejection requires a separate review of the reasons and available options.
The application is assessed against the evidence, not only the score displayed in the profile. These issues can affect eligibility, completeness, points or admissibility.
A matching job title is not enough. The lead statement and most main duties must be supported by the actual work performed.
Reference letters that omit duties, hours, salary, dates or employer information may not prove the claimed experience.
Language results must be less than two years old and an ECA less than five years old at the required stages.
Differences between past visa applications, the Express Entry profile and the eAPR require review and accurate explanation.
Large recent deposits, borrowed funds or documents missing required account information can create settlement-fund concerns.
Marriage, divorce, a child, a new passport, changed employment, expired documents or a withdrawn nomination may require an update.
If corrected information reduces the score below the round cut-off, the invitation and application strategy must be reassessed before submission.
Applicants remain responsible for their application. Material inaccuracies can lead to refusal, inadmissibility and a multi-year bar.
Express Entry outcomes depend on the program, the invitation round, current scoring rules and the evidence available for each claim.
No. It is the electronic system that manages applications under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Eligibility determines whether you can enter the pool under at least one program. CRS points rank eligible profiles for invitations. The Federal Skilled Worker 67-point grid is also separate from CRS.
CEC and FSW do not require a job offer as a basic minimum in every case. FST requires either a qualifying job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification. Job offers may also affect program eligibility or CRS under the rules in effect at the time.
Potentially. Foreign experience can support FSW eligibility and may contribute to CRS skill-transferability points. The work must meet the applicable NOC, timing, continuity and evidence requirements.
The answer depends on the program. Certain experience is excluded under CEC, while qualifying paid student work may count under FSW if it meets all requirements. Self-employment and trade experience require program-specific review.
Approved language-test results must be less than two years old, and an Educational Credential Assessment must be less than five years old when the profile and permanent residence application are submitted.
The corrected score should be recalculated. If it falls below the score required for the invitation round, submitting the application may create a refusal risk. The invitation should be reviewed before proceeding.
Possible factors include stronger language results, French, additional education, eligible Canadian experience, spouse factors, a provincial nomination and other points available under the current rules. The best option depends on the profile.
Yes, if you qualify under an Express Entry program. Candidates in Canada and abroad can enter the pool, but program eligibility and document requirements still apply.
FSW and FST candidates generally need settlement funds unless an applicable exemption is met. CEC applicants normally do not. Family size includes specified family members even when they are not accompanying the applicant.
Eligible family members may be included. All family members must be declared correctly, and accompanying or non-accompanying status can affect forms, documents, CRS and admissibility examinations.
The invitation is valid for 60 days. The forms, documents, translations, medical confirmation, police certificates and explanations should be prepared and reviewed before the deadline.
No. Depending on the retainer, Hesam Kazemi Immigration Inc. can assist with assessment, NOC and CRS review, profile preparation, invitation review, document strategy, eAPR submission and post-submission requests through the final decision.
Contact Hesam Kazemi Immigration Inc. if you need professional assistance with eligibility, an existing profile, an invitation or a permanent residence application.