🇨🇦 Canada Express Entry
Also known as: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Express Entry permanent residence
Last verified: September 6, 2026
What is the Canada Express Entry?
Points-based permanent residency for skilled workers — no job offer required. Candidates enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked by CRS score (age, education, language, experience). Requires proof of funds of CAD 15,263 (single applicant, 2026) and total federal fees of CAD 1,525 including the Right of PR fee.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
Canada Express Entry requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $1,100–$1,110 |
| Processing time | 24–40 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | $11,000–$11,100 |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Depends on nationality |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians, Mexicans, Nigerians, Filipinos, and Americans.
Canada Express Entry cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $1,110 | 26–32 weeks | — | $11,100 |
| 🇲🇽 Mexicans | $1,100 | 24–40 weeks | — | $11,000 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigerians | $1,110 | 26–32 weeks | — | $11,100 |
| 🇵🇭 Filipinos | $1,110 | 26–32 weeks | — | $11,100 |
| 🇺🇸 Americans | $1,100 | 24–40 weeks | — | $11,000 |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Canada Express Entry
- Take an approved language test (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Create Express Entry profile & enter the pool
- Receive ITA & submit e-APR with documents
- Police clearance certificate (PCC)
- Immigration medical exam (panel physician)
- Land in Canada & activate PR
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Express Entry right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every Canada visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Canada Express Entry?
- The requirements we have on record are: savings of about $11,000–$11,100. No job offer is needed. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians, Mexicans, Nigerians, Filipinos, and Americans; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Canada Express Entry cost?
- The government fee is about $1,110 for Indians, Nigerians, and Filipinos and $1,100 for Mexicans and Americans (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Canada Express Entry processing time?
- Typical processing takes 26–32 weeks for Indians, Nigerians, and Filipinos and 24–40 weeks for Mexicans and Americans after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- How much savings do I need for the Canada Express Entry?
- Plan for savings of about $11,100 for Indians, Nigerians, and Filipinos and $11,000 for Mexicans and Americans (USD equivalent).
- Do I need a job offer for the Canada Express Entry?
- No. The Canada Express Entry does not require a job offer from an employer in Canada.
- Can family members join on the Canada Express Entry?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Canada Express Entry lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the Federal Skilled Worker Program the same as the Canada Express Entry?
- Yes. Federal Skilled Worker Program and Express Entry permanent residence are other names people use for the Canada Express Entry.
Canada Express Entry guides by nationality
Other Canada visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: canada.ca. This guide is general information, not legal advice.