Express Entry Canada
At IPJ Immigration Solutions, our dedicated team brings over 20 years of experience guiding skilled professionals and families through the Express Entry process toward permanent residency in Canada. With personalized support and a deep understanding of Canadian immigration law, we help make your dream of building a life in Canada a reality.
Your Trusted Partner for Express Entry in Canada
Express Entry is IRCC’s fast-track system for economic immigration. It manages the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs to select skilled people for permanent residency in Canada. It is known for faster processing for many applicants. It can also help you build a long-term future in Canada, including a possible path to citizenship.
You do not always need a job offer to enter Express Entry. But a provincial nomination (PNP) or a valid job offer can increase your CRS score. Most applicants need strong language results and at least 1 year of skilled work experience.
At IPJ Immigration, our women-owned RCIC team has guided thousands over 20 years. We mix Express Entry essentials with tailored advice and spot risks early to help reduce delays and refusals. From profile creation to ITA submission, we turn complex rules into simple steps, so you feel confident and clear. Our hands-on approach focuses on your real story, not just forms.
Who Can Apply for Express Entry?
Skilled workers with education, experience, and language skills can enter the Express Entry pool under IRPA. There are no country quotas, so the system is designed to be fair.
You might qualify with 1 year full-time skilled work (NOC TEER 0-3), valid language results (English or French), and an ECA for foreign education when required. Options include FSW for applicants outside Canada, CEC for applicants with Canadian work experience, or FST for skilled trades.
A PNP nomination or a valid job offer can boost CRS points. Our team checks your fit quickly. We also review whether you may match category-based draws, depending on your background and work field.
Pathways to Express Entry
Express Entry streams focus on economic classes; PNPs integrate for provincial boosts.
Program | Who It Serves | Processing Time | Job Offer Required |
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | Skilled workers abroad | 7 months | No, adds CRS points |
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | In-Canada graduates/workers | 7 months | No |
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | Trades professionals | 7 months | Sometimes |
Provincial Nominee (PNP) | Province-tied candidates | 6-18 months | Sometimes |
Category-Based Draws | French speakers, healthcare, trades | 7 months | No |
Express Entry: The Fastest Road to PR
IRCC’s online hub for FSW, CEC, and FST economic streams.
Create a free profile on the IRCC website. Answer questions about age, education, work experience, and language skills (IELTS/CELPIP for English, TEF for French). The system calculates your CRS score up to 1,200 points, including age, education, 1 year skilled experience, and CLB 7 proficiency.
Enter the pool. Bi-weekly draws invite top scorers; 2026 cutoffs around 510, but category-based (healthcare/French) drop to 400s (e.g., Feb 6 draw at 400, 8,500 ITAs).
Received an ITA? Submit within 60 days via Permanent Residence Portal using IMM 0008 form. Include ECA from WES/ICAS, proof of funds, medical exam, police certificates, and biometrics.
No job offer? 50% receive PR without one. A valid offer or PNP adds 50-600 points. Processing: 80% complete in 7 months.
Express Entry Eligibility Requirements
Fundamentals verified through background checks.
- Language: CLB 7 minimum (IELTS 6.0 listening/reading, 6.5 speaking/writing). Higher scores increase CRS points.
- Education: Canadian equivalent via ECA ($200-$300 from WES).
- Work Experience: 1 year full-time in NOC TEER 0-3. Verify on IRCC list.
- Funds: Show settlement money. Without sponsor, $15,200 single in 2026; increases with family.
- Other: Clean police record, medical exam ($200-$500), age under 45 for max points.
For families, include spouses (open work during processing) and dependents under 22. Common issue: CRS calculation errors cause 30% refusals we resolve with templates.
The Express Entry Application Process
Online via PR Portal. Expect 7 months total, biometrics in 30 days. Track with file number.
- Select/Verify: Use IRCC tools. Build profile; enter pool.
- Gather Documents: Passports, birth/marriage certificates, reference letters, ECA, language results, proof of funds with 3-6 month bank statements.
- Submit: Upload to portal. Pay $950 processing per adult, $575 RPRF.
- Biometrics/Medical: Book at visa office or VAC; arrive early.
- Verification: IRCC security checks, verifies work/education over 2-4 months.
- Decision: If approved, receive COPR. In Canada: Virtual landing. Outside: Port of entry.
- Landing/PR Card: Officer confirms status. Card mails in 4-6 weeks.
Updates every 4 weeks via email. Delays from incomplete docs cause 40% refusals. We reduce anxiety through weekly calls.
Costs and Fees for Express Entry
Total for one: $2,800-$3,500 CAD.
IRCC Fees
- $950 processing per principal
- $950 spouse
- $260 child
- $575 RPRF per adult
- $85 biometrics per person ($170 family)
Additional Costs
- Medical: $200-$500
- IELTS/CELPIP: $280-$350
- ECA: $200-$300
- Police: $0-$100 (free in Canada)
Proof of Funds (2026 minimums)
- $15,200 single
- $17,800 couple
- $21,900 family of 3
Maintain funds, don’t spend. Family sponsorship waives.
Two Ways to Work With Us – Same Commitment, Different Support Levels
Every immigration journey is unique. Some prefer to be hands-on, while others need a team to manage everything.
We offer two options to match your desired level of support. Whether you want to handle parts of your application or leave it all to us, you’ll receive clear guidance and a dedicated legal team committed to your success.
Full Representation
This is our all-inclusive service, where we handle every detail of your immigration journey. From submitting your application to preparing all documentation and managing communication with the IRCC, we take full responsibility to ensure your process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Professional Audit
For those who prefer to manage their own application, this package provides expert guidance and a detailed review of your work. We provide a comprehensive strategy, a custom checklist for your documents, and a final legal audit to ensure your application is complete and error-free before submission.
How We Charge: Clear, Fair, and Transparent
We keep our pricing simple and predictable. You always know what you’re paying for, and there are no hidden fees or surprises.
What Our Clients Say
Every application represents someone’s hopes, dreams, and future. Here are just a few of the people we’ve been honored to help.
Trusted Immigration Guidance Backed by 20+ Years of Experience
We guide our clients with clear, steady expertise. For more than 20 years, our team has supported individuals and families through every stage of the Canadian immigration process — from temporary residence to permanent residence, citizenship, and complex cases that require careful strategy.
Experienced in Both Simple and Complex Cases
From straightforward applications to misrepresentation, inadmissibility, and procedural fairness letters, we bring over 20 years of experience to every situation — whether you need full representation or a guided review before submitting.
Warm, Human Support for Every Client
We take the time to understand your story, your goals, and your concerns. You’re never treated like a file number — you’re a person, and your journey matters.
ESL‑Friendly Communication
We explain every step in clear, simple language. No jargon. No confusion. Just steady, accessible guidance that supports both full‑service clients and those completing their own applications.
Thorough, Organized Application Preparation
Every form, document, and submission is reviewed with care to reduce delays and strengthen your application — including detailed reviews for clients who want expert feedback before submitting on their own.
Transparent, Predictable Process
You always know what stage you’re in, what comes next, and what we’re doing on your behalf. No surprises, no uncertainty
Clear, Steady Guidance You Can Trust
Immigration can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re preparing your application on your own. We provide calm, organized support so you always know what to expect and how to move forward.
A Women‑Led, Family‑Run Firm
Our approach is grounded in empathy, integrity, and genuine care — values that shape every interaction and every application we support.
A Lawyer and Immigration Consultants Working Together
Your application benefits from a team that combines legal insight with regulated Canadian immigration consulting. Our professionals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, and we maintain active memberships with CILA and CAPIC to stay current with evolving policies and best practices. This collaborative approach strengthens your strategy, reduces errors, and ensures your case is reviewed from multiple professional perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single “minimum CRS score” because the score changes in each draw. Some draws have higher CRS cutoffs, and some category-based draws may have lower cutoffs. The best way is to calculate your CRS score and then plan how to improve it.
Many Express Entry applications are processed within months after you submit a full application. The timeline depends on your documents, background checks, and how complete your file is. Clean and complete documents usually reduce delays.
For English, accepted tests include IELTS and CELPIP. For French, accepted tests include TEF and TCF. Strong language scores can increase CRS points and improve your chances.
Many FSW applicants must show settlement funds. The amount depends on family size and can change. You usually show bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months. If proof of funds is required, you must keep the money available.
You may apply for an extension before expiry. Applying early helps you maintain your legal work status.
How Would You Like to Get Started?
You can reach us in the way that feels most comfortable for you. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can book a consultation. If you’re still deciding between Guided Application Review and Full Care Representation, you can complete a short questionnaire and receive a personalized recommendation within 24 hours.
Book a Consultation
Free 15‑Minute Discovery Call
A short conversation to understand your situation and help you choose between Full Care Representation and Guided Application Review.
Paid 45‑Minute Consultation
A focused session for specific needs such as strategy, refusals, restoring status, or detailed immigration questions.
Clear, practical guidance tailored to your case.
Start With a Guided Questionnaire
Complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your comfort level, your timeline, and the complexity of your situation. A licensed consultant will review your answers and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, personalized recommendation.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive clear, honest guidance from a team that cares about your future.
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