Express Entry overview

REVIEWED STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Responsibilities, outputs and checkpoints

1. 01
   RESPONSIBLEApplicant

   Confirm the starting conditions

   Compare the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program using their current official requirements.

   Expected output

   A dated note of the starting conditions and dependencies.

   Checkpoint

   The current official source supports starting this procedure with the recorded facts.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry · www.canada.ca
2. 02
   RESPONSIBLEApplicant

   Confirm the next requirement

   Complete an approved language test and, when required, obtain an educational credential assessment before creating a profile.

   Expected output

   The applicable requirement or procedural choice is recorded.

   Checkpoint

   The current official source supports the recorded requirement or procedural branch.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry: Documents · www.canada.ca
3. 03
   RESPONSIBLEApplicant

   Prepare the required facts and evidence

   Gather passport, work-history, education, language, funds, provincial nomination and job-offer facts; do not estimate dates or duties.

   Expected output

   The factual inputs, access and dependency records for the next action are ready.

   Checkpoint

   The next action can be completed without estimated, invented or missing material facts.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry: Documents · www.canada.ca
4. 04
   RESPONSIBLEApplicant

   Complete the current preparation action

   Use the official CRS tool for planning, then create and submit your own Express Entry profile if the system says you meet a managed program’s requirements.

   Expected output

   The saved or assembled factual result named by the current instructions.

   Checkpoint

   The result has been reviewed against the current official page or checklist control.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry · www.canada.ca
5. 05
   RESPONSIBLEApplicant

   Review facts and current conditions

   Keep the profile accurate while it is in the pool and update changes. Entering the pool does not guarantee an invitation.

   Expected output

   A current, reviewed record or application state.

   Checkpoint

   Facts, dates, fees, deadlines and changing conditions in this action have been rechecked.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry · www.canada.ca
6. 06
   RESPONSIBLECanada

   Act through the official channel

   If invited, read the invitation and personalized checklist, gather police certificates, medical evidence and proof for every claimed point before the deadline.

   Expected output

   The official action, message, invitation, payment or confirmation is retained.

   Checkpoint

   The responsible person or authority completed this action through the named official channel.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry: Documents · www.canada.ca
7. 07
   RESPONSIBLEApplicant

   Submit or respond to the official action

   Complete the permanent-residence application in your own account, upload evidence, pay IRCC directly and review all answers before submitting.

   Expected output

   A dated submission, response, request or decision record.

   Checkpoint

   Every applicable request, deadline and status message has been handled in the official channel.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry · www.canada.ca
8. 08
   RESPONSIBLECanada

   Complete the outcome handoff

   Complete biometrics or additional requests by the date in the message and monitor the application through the final decision and landing instructions.

   Expected output

   The decision record and next-stage instructions are organized.

   Checkpoint

   The responsible person has confirmed the decision conditions and the next official action.

   Official source reviewed · 2026-07-12Immigrate through Express Entry · www.canada.ca