Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) — Canada

You start by creating an Express Entry profile and indicating which program applies to you:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Other pathways, such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), are available outside Express Entry in some cases.

If you get an invitation to apply, you must submit a complete application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step-by-Step Application Submission

1. Complete the Generic Application Form for Canada (Form IMM 0008) online.

2. Answer every question unless instructed otherwise.

Validate the form and generate the 2D barcode pages.

Print all pages and place the barcode page(s) on top.

Sign and date the form before submission.

If the barcode pages are missing or unreadable, IRCC will return your application.

IRCC will also return unsigned or incomplete forms.

Required Forms and Information

You must provide:

• Your current occupation
• Details for all dependants included in the application

Updates on any change in dependant status are required.

Keep your contact information current.

If your medical exam expires during processing, you may need to do another one.

Processing Time

Processing times can change. IRCC updates these estimates regularly.

You submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after you receive an invitation through Express Entry.

This applies to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams managed in the system.

IRCC requires specific forms, including Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669.

Complete them electronically to reduce errors and avoid processing delays.

Permanent Residence Fees

You need to ensure your contact information is accurate.

Missing or incorrect details can slow things down.

If you later apply for a work permit, the standard fee is CA$155 per person.

Different programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) may have separate processes outside Express Entry.

Processing Times

Processing time starts the day IRCC gets your complete application.

It ends when IRCC makes a decision on your permanent residence file.

IRCC calculates timelines based on current application volumes.

If you apply from outside Canada or the United States, mailing time may add 3 to 4 months.

Check IRCC for the most recent processing times.

Some Express Entry permanent residence files need extra review.

IRCC treats these as non-routine cases if officers must conduct more assessments before making a decision.

You may face added scrutiny if your situation raises concerns about eligibility or admissibility.

This applies across programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program, and streams connected to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Applications linked to regional programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) can also become complex if officers need further verification.

Keep your contact details current throughout processing.

IRCC relies on accurate information to request documents, schedule steps, or issue decisions.

Be careful when completing required forms such as Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669.

Incomplete or inconsistent information can lead to further review.

Your application may be considered complex if:

• You have past or pending criminal matters
• You raise potential security concerns

You may be inadmissible under Canadian law.

Failure to update IRCC with new contact information can also complicate things.

IRCC assesses each case individually under Express Entry rules and admissibility standards.

Permanent residence through Express Entry means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved your application under an eligible program.

You receive status based on the stream you qualified for—such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program, or a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Some applicants may also transition from regional pathways like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

Your approval reflects that IRCC accepted your qualifications, including:

• Skilled work experience in eligible NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (for CEC)
• Proof of work experience and, if required, skilled trade qualifications

Education documentation and a complete personal history are also required.

IRCC reviews this information through forms such as:

Keep your contact details and supporting documents accurate.

Missing documents, outdated information, or eligibility concerns can make your file non-routine and delay a decision.

After you submit your permanent residence application, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while IRCC processes your file, if you meet the requirements.

Permanent residence confirms that you met the program criteria under which you applied and that IRCC accepted your work experience, skills, and background as declared in your Express Entry profile.

Errors in your Express Entry application often lead to delays or returned files. IRCC expects you to answer every required question and submit complete forms.

One of the most common problems involves missing or incorrect forms.

You must submit a completed Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) with validated barcodes. If the barcode pages are missing, IRCC may not process your file.

You should also review forms such as Form IMM 5669 and any economic class details for accuracy. Even small inconsistencies can slow review.

Before you submit your Express Entry application:

• Double-check every field for accuracy
• Confirm you answered all required questions
• Ensure all mandatory documents are included
• Verify your phone number, email, and mailing address