Express Entry Processing Time and PR Application Process
Express Entry is a system for eligible skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. The application process begins with creating an eligible profile and entering the pool, where candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply can then submit a permanent residence application to IRCC. From profile creation to the final decision, applicants must meet specific requirements and deadlines, keep their information accurate and respond to any requests from IRCC. Express Entry processing time begins only after IRCC receives a complete permanent residence application, not while the candidate is waiting in the pool or for an invitation.
Express Entry Application Process
The Express Entry application process starts by confirming eligibility under at least one of the three federal programs managed through the system: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The process generally follows these steps:
- Confirm eligibility — determine whether the applicant meets the requirements of at least one Express Entry program.
- Prepare your Express Entry profile — complete an approved language test, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment where required, prepare Express Entry proof of funds where applicable, and gather the information needed about education, work experience and other eligibility factors.
- Create and submit an Express Entry profile — provide the information IRCC uses to assess eligibility and calculate the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A profile must be completed and submitted within 60 days after it is started. Applicants can estimate their score before submitting a profile using an Express Entry CRS Calculator.
- Enter the Express Entry pool — eligible candidates receive a CRS score and are ranked against other candidates in the pool.
- Keep the profile updated — changes that may affect eligibility or CRS points should be reported while the profile remains active.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply — candidates who meet the requirements of Express Entry draws and rank high enough may receive an ITA for permanent residence. Some rounds may also target candidates through Express Entry category-based selection. Entering the pool does not guarantee an invitation.
- Submit the permanent residence application — after receiving an ITA, the applicant has 60 days to complete the electronic permanent residence application, upload the required Express Entry documents and pay the applicable fees.
As of November 3, 2026, IRCC applies revised CRS and job-offer rules under Express Entry. Candidates relying on a job offer should make sure the job-offer information in their Express Entry profile is complete and accurate so that their eligibility and CRS score can be assessed correctly.
An Express Entry profile remains valid for up to 12 months. If the candidate does not receive an invitation before it expires, a new profile must be submitted to be considered in future rounds.
What Happens After You Submit an Express Entry Application
After a complete permanent residence application is submitted, IRCC begins to process your application by reviewing the application and supporting evidence to confirm that the applicant still meets the requirements of the program and is admissible to Canada.
IRCC may review:
- whether the application is complete and the required fees have been paid;
- whether the applicant meets the requirements of the Express Entry program under which they were invited;
- work experience, education, language results and other information used to establish eligibility;
- medical examination results;
- police certificates;
- criminality, security and other background checks; and
- the eligibility and admissibility of accompanying family members.
Applicants within the applicable age range generally need to provide biometrics for each permanent residence application. After IRCC issues the biometrics instruction letter, applicants normally have 30 days to provide their fingerprints and a photograph.
During processing, IRCC may request additional documents or information, ask for updated details, arrange an interview or provide instructions for another required step. Applicants should monitor their IRCC account and respond within the deadlines provided.
Important changes should also be reported while the application is being processed, including changes to contact information, family composition, employment, education or other details that may affect the application.
If a work permit is approaching expiry while permanent residence is being processed, the applicant may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit if the applicable requirements are met.
Once processing is complete, IRCC sends the final decision through the applicant’s account. Approved applicants must complete the permanent residence confirmation process before becoming permanent residents.
Express Entry Processing Time
IRCC has a 6-month service standard for most complete Express Entry permanent residence applications. This is a performance target, not a guaranteed processing time for an individual application, and actual processing times may be shorter or longer depending on the program and application circumstances.
Applicants should check IRCC’s official processing-time tool for the latest estimate for their specific application type, as processing times can change based on application volumes, processing capacity, and other factors.
Express Entry processing time begins when IRCC receives a complete permanent residence application after an Invitation to Apply. It does not include the time spent:
- creating an Express Entry profile;
- waiting in the Express Entry pool;
- waiting for an Invitation to Apply; or
- preparing the permanent residence application before submission.
The processing time includes the time required to provide biometrics.
Actual processing times can differ between Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program.
Processing time may also be affected by the completeness and complexity of the application, the number of applications IRCC is processing, and whether additional verification or documents are required.
Express Entry Processing Delays and Application Status
Some Express Entry applications take longer than the published processing time because IRCC needs additional time to complete verification or resolve issues in the application.
Processing may take longer if:
- information or supporting documents need further verification;
- additional documents are required;
- criminality, security or other background checks take longer to complete;
- family circumstances are unclear or require additional review;
- an interview is required;
- the applicant takes longer to respond to an IRCC request; or
- the application is otherwise complex.
Background and security checks can extend processing time, and the time required depends on the circumstances of the individual application and the checks IRCC needs to complete.
Applicants can monitor the status of their application through their IRCC account and should review any messages or requests carefully. IRCC may use the account to request additional documents, provide instructions, update the application status or communicate the final decision.
Applicants should also keep important information up to date while the application is being processed, including contact details, family composition and other changes that may affect the application.
If an application takes longer than the published processing time, this does not by itself mean that it will be refused. Applicants should continue monitoring their account and respond promptly to any request from IRCC.
