How Long Does It Take to Get Permanent Residence Through Express Entry?
The time required to obtain Permanent Residence (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system varies and can range from a few months to several years.
There is no fixed or universal timeline because the process depends on individual factors such as the applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, the Express Entry program they qualify for, and the documents they submit.
Main Stages of the Express Entry Process
1. Meeting the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Express Entry includes three main programs:
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Eligibility time mainly depends on required work experience:
| Program | Minimum Work Experience |
|---|---|
| CEC | 1 year Canadian work experience |
| FSWP | 1 year full-time work experience |
| FSTP | 2 years full-time work experience in the skilled trade |
Note: Some applicants may need extra time to meet other basic criteria.
2. Time Spent in the Candidate Pool
After meeting the minimum requirements, the applicant submits their Expression of Interest (EOI) and enters the Express Entry pool.
Waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) can be the longest part of the process, depending on:
-
CRS competitiveness
-
Number of applicants
-
Draw patterns
During this period, candidates can improve their CRS score by upgrading:
-
Education
-
Language skills
-
Work experience
Profiles are valid for one year and must be resubmitted if they expire.
3. Preparing and Submitting the PR Application
Once an ITA is received, applicants have 60 days to submit their full PR application.
Most applicants require time to gather:
-
Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
-
Police Clearance Certificates
-
Work and education documents
This stage may take several weeks.
4. IRCC Processing Time
Once the complete application is submitted, IRCC begins processing.
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Official IRCC processing time: typically 6 months for most programs
-
IRCC service standard: 80–86% of applications processed within the target window
| Program | Service Standard | IRCC Adherence |
|---|---|---|
| CEC | 180 days | 85% |
| FSWP | 180 days | 86% |
| FSTP | 180 days | N/A |
Actual processing times may vary based on application volume and individual circumstances.
Summary
The total time to receive PR through Express Entry depends on:
-
Time needed to meet minimum requirements
-
Length of time spent in the candidate pool
-
Time required to prepare and submit documents
-
IRCC’s processing time
From profile submission to PR approval, the full journey can take several months to several years, although IRCC aims to finalize most complete applications within 6 months.
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