Canada Express Entry: Step-by-Step Guide to PR in 6 Months

So, you want to move to Canada through Express Entry, but you’re not sure if you qualify? You’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from eligibility to documents, CRS scores, and insider tips to maximize your chances of getting PR fast.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s fastest and most popular immigration system for skilled workers. It processes applications for three major programs:

✅ Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – For professionals with work experience outside Canada.

✅ Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – For trade workers like electricians, plumbers, and welders.

✅ Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For those with skilled work experience in Canada.

💡 Pro Tip: Most applicants qualify under Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) since these have the highest intake.

Express Entry Eligibility Criteria

To enter the Express Entry pool, you must meet the minimum requirements based on the program you’re applying for.

1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program – For Skilled Professionals Outside Canada

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is designed for professionals who have work experience outside Canada and want to immigrate based on their skills. It is the most competitive program in Express Entry because it relies heavily on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous full-time skilled work experience (or part-time equivalent) in the last 10 years.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 (IELTS: 6.0 per skill) in English or French.
• Education: A secondary school diploma (but higher education = more CRS points). Education must be assessed by an approved body (ECA – Educational Credential Assessment).
• Proof of Funds: Must show enough financial resources to support yourself (unless you have a job offer in Canada).
• Pass the 67-Point Grid: You need at least 67 points out of 100 based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.

✅ Who Should Apply?

• Professionals & skilled workers with strong language skills.
• People with high education levels (Master’s/PhD earn more CRS points).
• Applicants with a CRS score of 470+ or those willing to improve their score.
• Those who can secure a provincial nomination (PNP) for an extra 600 points.

Best for: Professionals in fields like IT, finance, healthcare, engineering, and management.

✅ How to Improve Your FSW Score?

• Retake IELTS/TEF for a higher language score.
• Get a provincial nomination (PNP) to boost CRS by 600 points.
• Secure a Canadian job offer for up to 200 extra points.
• Complete a short postgraduate diploma to increase education points.

Processing Time: 6 months (after ITA is received and application is submitted).

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For Those With Work Experience in Canada

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the best option for applicants who have already worked in Canada and want to transition to permanent residency. It has lower CRS cutoffs and faster processing times than FSW.

✅ Eligibility Requirements:

• Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years (NOC 0, A, or B jobs).
• Language Proficiency:
  • CLB 7 for NOC 0 & A jobs (IELTS 6.0 per skill).
  • CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
• No Proof of Funds Needed: If applying under Canadian Experience Class (CEC), settlement funds are not required.
• Must Have Legal Work Status: The work experience must have been gained while holding a valid work permit.

✅ Who Should Apply?

• International graduates who have gained work experience through a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Temporary foreign workers who have worked for at least 12 months in Canada.
• Workers in high-demand industries like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
• People with lower CRS scores (CEC often has lower cutoffs than FSW).

Best for: International students, temporary workers, and those with recent Canadian work experience.

✅ How to Improve Your CEC Score?

• Improve IELTS/TEF scores—this gives a big boost to CRS.
• Gain more Canadian work experience (higher experience = more points).
• Apply for a Provincial Nomination (PNP) to increase CRS by 600 points.
• If married, apply with the highest-scoring spouse.

Processing Time: 6 months (after ITA is received and application is submitted).

Pro Tip: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) does not require proof of settlement funds, making it an easier pathway than FSW.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Explained

Once you’re in the Express Entry pool, you’ll be ranked using the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). Your CRS score determines whether you get invited (ITA) for PR.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the backbone of Canada’s Express Entry system, determining which candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The CRS assigns a score out of 1,200 points, evaluating factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability to rank applicants in the Express Entry pool. Younger applicants score higher in the age category, while strong English or French language proficiency (CLB 9 and above) can significantly boost a candidate’s CRS points. Higher education, especially a Master’s or PhD, contributes to a stronger ranking, and Canadian work experience is heavily favored over foreign experience.

Candidates with spousal support can gain extra points if their partner has strong educational credentials or language abilities. However, the biggest score booster is securing a Provincial Nomination (PNP), which adds 600 points, essentially guaranteeing an ITA. Similarly, a valid job offer in a skilled occupation can add 50 to 200 points, depending on the position. French language proficiency, even at an intermediate level, can provide up to 50 additional points, while having a sibling in Canada adds 15 points.

Since Express Entry draws have varying cutoff scores, candidates often seek ways to improve their CRS—such as retaking IELTS/TEF, gaining more work experience, applying for a PNP, or securing a job offer in Canada—to increase their chances of receiving an ITA.

CRS Score Breakdown

🔹 Human Capital Factors (Max: 500 points) – Age, education, work experience, language skills.

🔹 Spouse/Common-Law Partner (Max: 40 points) – If applicable, their education and language skills add points.

🔹 Skills Transferability (Max: 100 points) – High education + strong IELTS = extra points.

🔹 Bonus Points (Max: 600 points) –

• PNP Nomination: 600 points
• Job Offer: 50-200 points
• French Skills: Up to 50 points
• Siblings in Canada: 15 points

 Pro Tip: The easiest way to boost your CRS score is through a PNP nomination (+600 points) or a high IELTS score.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in Canada: How to Stay and Work While Waiting for PR

So, you got your Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency—congrats! But what if your work permit is expiring while your PR application is still in process? That’s where the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) comes in—a lifesaver for skilled workers and applicants already in Canada. It lets you keep working legally while waiting for your PR decision, ensuring you don’t have to leave Canada or lose your job.

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special open work permit designed for Express Entry and other permanent residency applicants. It allows eligible applicants to continue working in Canada while waiting for their PR application to be processed. Since it’s “open,” it is not tied to a specific employer, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada while waiting for a final PR decision.

💡 Why is this important? Without a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), many PR applicants with expiring work permits would have to leave Canada or switch to a restricted work permit, which requires a job-specific LMIA. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) keeps you employed and in Canada without extra hassle.

Who is Eligible for a BOWP?

To apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet the following conditions:

✅ You have already applied for permanent residence under one of these programs:

• Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (only if nominated under Express Entry)
• Home Child-Care Provider or Home Support Worker Program
• Agri-Food Pilot

✅ You have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC confirming that your PR application is complete.

✅ You are currently in Canada and have valid status on a work permit.

✅ Your current work permit is expiring within four months or has already expired, but you applied to extend your status before it expired (maintained status)

Who Can’t Apply?

• Spouses of PR applicants—they must apply for a separate work permit under spousal sponsorship rules.
• Applicants who applied for PR from outside Canada— Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is for inland applicants only.
• PNP applicants who applied through non-Express Entry streams—They must apply for a closed employer-specific work permit.

When & How to Apply for a BOWP After ITA?

Once you receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply), you must submit your complete PR application to IRCC first. After submitting, IRCC will issue an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), confirming that your application is in processing. Only after receiving the AOR can you apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a BOWP:

1. Wait for Your AOR: After submitting your PR application, IRCC will send you a confirmation that your application is complete (this usually takes a few weeks).
2. Go to IRCC’s Online Portal & Apply for a Work Permit Extension: Select “Bridging Open Work Permit” as the reason for applying.
3. Upload Required Documents:

• AOR letter from IRCC
• Passport & existing work permit
• Proof of employment (if applicable)
• Medical exam (if required)

4. Pay the Fees:

• Work permit fee: $155 CAD
• Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
• Total: $255 CAD

5. Submit & Wait for Approval: IRCC typically processes BOWPs in 3-4 months, but processing times may vary.

Can You Keep Working While Waiting for a BOWP? If you apply before your current work permit expires, you get maintained status, meaning you can keep working under the same conditions until a decision is made.

How Long is a BOWP Valid?

A BOWP is usually valid for 12 months, giving IRCC enough time to process your PR application. If your PR decision is made before the 12 months are up, your BOWP expires once you receive PR (since you’ll no longer need a work permit).

What Happens if My PR Application is Rejected?

If your PR application is refused while holding a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), your work permit is no longer valid, and you must:

• Stop working immediately.
• Apply for a new work permit (if eligible).
• Restore your status within 90 days or leave Canada.

Pro Tip: If your PR application is rejected, you may still be able to reapply with corrections. In the meantime, look into spousal work permits, LMIA-based work permits, or PNP options to maintain your status.

BOWP vs. Other Work Permits: What’s the Difference?

Why Choose a BOWP? Unlike closed work permits (LMIA-based), BOWPs give you job flexibility and don’t require employer sponsorship.

Why a BOWP is a Game-Changer for Express Entry Applicants

Applying for PR through Express Entry is great, but long processing times can create uncertainty for workers whose permits are about to expire. The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is the best solution to stay and work in Canada without restrictions while waiting for PR.

🔹 No job offer needed—total freedom to work anywhere.
🔹 No employer restrictions—switch jobs whenever you want.
🔹 Maintained status—keeps you working even if your permit expires.
🔹 Helps avoid LMIA process—no need for employer sponsorship.

If you’re planning to apply for PR but worried about running out of status, the BOWP is your best option to ensure you stay in Canada without interruptions.

 Final Tip: Always apply for a BOWP as soon as you receive your AOR to avoid unnecessary gaps in work authorization.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for a BOWP?

✅ If your PR application is in process and your work permit is expiring soon, a BOWP is the best way to stay in Canada legally.
✅ It’s an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer while waiting for PR.
✅ It eliminates the need for an LMIA or job-specific work permit, giving you flexibility in your employment.

Need help with your Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) or PR application? Consider working with an immigration expert to avoid delays and maximize your chances of approval. Consider calling us today!

Final Thoughts: Is Express Entry Right for You?

If you’re a skilled worker with high education, strong language skills, and work experience, Express Entry is your best pathway to PR. A high CRS score = faster PR. If your score is low, consider a PNP nomination, a job offer, or higher IELTS scores.  Processing times are faster than most immigration programs, making it one of the easiest ways to become a Canadian permanent resident.

Need Help?  Not sure if you qualify? Book a consultation today!