Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular pathways for skilled workers to become permanent residents. While the system is designed to be efficient, many applicants find the processing stages confusing and are unsure what happens after each step.
This blog provides a detailed breakdown of all Express Entry application processing stages, from profile creation to receiving your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Express Entry is an online immigration management system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are also aligned with Express Entry.
Before creating an Express Entry profile, candidates must determine if they are eligible for at least one Express Entry program.
Work experience (skilled, full-time or equivalent)
Language proficiency (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
Education (with ECA for foreign credentials)
Age
Proof of funds (for FSWP and FSTP)
Intent to reside outside Quebec
🔹 If you do not meet the minimum criteria, you cannot enter the Express Entry pool.
Once eligible, candidates create an online Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
Personal details
Education history
Language test results
Work experience
National Occupational Classification (NOC) code
Spouse details (if applicable)
Job offer or provincial nomination (if any)
The profile is valid for 12 months
Candidates can update information anytime
After profile submission, candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Core human capital factors (age, education, language, work experience)
Spouse factors (if applicable)
Skill transferability
Additional points, such as:
Provincial nomination (600 points)
Valid job offer
Canadian education
French language proficiency
Sibling in Canada
🔹 The higher the CRS score, the better the chances of receiving an invitation.
Eligible candidates enter the Express Entry pool, where they compete with others based on CRS scores.
IRCC conducts regular draws
Draws may be:
General
Program-specific
Category-based (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades)
Only top-ranking candidates receive invitations
Candidates with CRS scores above the cut-off receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
You have 60 days to submit a complete PR application
Failure to apply within 60 days results in ITA expiration
🔹 Receiving an ITA does not guarantee PR—it allows you to apply.
This is one of the most critical stages in Express Entry processing.
Passport
Language test results
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Work experience letters
Police clearance certificates
Medical examination results
Proof of funds
Digital photos
Marriage or birth certificates (if applicable)
Application processing fee
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
Biometrics fee
🔹 Any missing or incorrect document can lead to refusal.
After submitting the e-APR, IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
IRCC has officially received your application
The 6-month standard processing timeline generally starts from this date
Applicants receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
Fingerprints
Photograph
🔹 Biometrics must be submitted at an approved VAC within the given timeframe.
IRCC reviews medical results submitted by a panel physician.
Passed
Further medical tests requested
Medical inadmissibility (rare)
🔹 Medicals ensure applicants do not pose a public health risk or excessive demand on healthcare.
This stage includes multiple security and compliance checks:
Criminality check
Security screening
Information sharing with partner countries
Employment verification
🔹 This stage may take the longest and is often the least transparent.
IRCC officers verify:
Claimed work experience
Education credentials
Proof of funds
Program-specific requirements
Incorrect NOC code
Incomplete reference letters
Misrepresentation
Once all checks are complete, IRCC makes a final decision.
Approval
Refusal (with reasons provided)
If approved, applicants receive a Passport Request (PPR) or instructions for virtual landing.
Successful applicants receive:
COPR document
Permanent Resident visa (if applicable)
This marks the completion of the Express Entry process.
The final step is officially becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident.
At a Canadian port of entry
Virtual landing (inside Canada)
After landing:
PR card is mailed
You gain access to healthcare, work rights, and social benefits
Standard processing time: Up to 6 months
May vary due to:
Application complexity
Background checks
Document verification
IRCC workload
The Express Entry process is structured, transparent, and efficient—but attention to detail is critical at every stage. A strong profile, accurate documentation, and timely submission can significantly improve your chances of success.
Whether you’re at the profile creation stage or waiting for final approval, understanding each processing step helps reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes.
