Express Entry Canada: How Long to Get PR in 2025?

How Long Does It Take to Get Canadian Permanent Residence Through Express Entry?

• Processing your Express Entry application can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on various factors.
• The timeline includes four major phases: eligibility, the candidate pool, application submission, and final processing.
• Program eligibility varies depending on the stream—CEC, FSWP, or FSTP—with different work experience and language requirements.
• Time spent in the Express Entry pool depends largely on your CRS score and the type of draw.
• Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete application.
• IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months, though timelines can vary.

Introduction

If you’re considering making Canada your permanent home through Express Entry, you’re probably wondering: how long is this going to take? It’s a great question—and the honest answer is, it depends. The journey to permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry involves multiple steps, and each one comes with its own timeline.

Whether you’re applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), a variety of factors such as your work experience, education, language skills, and CRS score will shape your path.

Let’s walk through each stage of the Express Entry process so you know what to expect and how to plan your journey to Canada efficiently.

Phase 1: Meeting Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Before you can even enter the Express Entry pool, you’ll need to qualify under one of the three main programs. Each program has its own basic requirements, especially when it comes to work experience and language proficiency.

It can take at least 1–2 years to accumulate the required experience, particularly if you’re starting from scratch. Keep in mind, you’ll also need to meet other criteria like language test scores, education credentials, and sometimes a job offer or trade certification.

Need help checking your eligibility? Try our MPNP points calculator if you’re considering provincial nomination through Manitoba.

Phase 2: Time in the Express Entry Pool

Once you’ve met the minimum requirements, you can create and submit your Express Entry profile. This puts you into a pool of candidates ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

How long you remain in this pool depends on your CRS score and the type of Express Entry draws happening at the time. Draws can be based on specific programs or target categories such as healthcare, trades, or French-language ability.

Here’s a quick snapshot of some recent draw trends in 2025:

If your CRS score is lower than the current cut-offs, don’t be discouraged. Many candidates use this time to improve their score by gaining additional work experience, retaking language tests, or securing a provincial nomination.

Tip: Consider applying to a PNP like Manitoba’s MPNP to significantly boost your CRS score and improve your chances of getting an ITA.

Phase 3: Submitting Your Application

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the clock starts ticking—you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.

In theory, you could submit it quickly if you already have all your documents ready. But in reality, gathering everything—especially police certificates and medical exams—can take several weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of the documents you’ll need:

• Identity & Travel: Valid passport and digital photos
• Language Results: Valid test scores
• Education: Canadian credentials or an ECA for foreign education
• Work Experience: Employer letters, pay stubs, contracts
• Police Certificates: For all countries lived in for 6+ months
• Medical Exam: From an IRCC-approved panel physician

Depending on your case, you may also need documents like job offers, proof of settlement funds, or a provincial nomination certificate.

Need help preparing a strong application? You can always consult with a licensed immigration expert to guide you through the process.

Phase 4: IRCC Processing Time

Once you’ve submitted your application, the final step is to wait while IRCC processes it. This stage can test your patience, but it’s important to understand how the timelines work.

IRCC uses two main timing measures:

• Processing Times: Reflect how long recent applications took to finalize
• Service Standards: The goal IRCC aims for under normal conditions

For Express Entry programs, the service standard is six months. Here’s how IRCC has been doing recently:

*Note: FSTP timelines may vary if your application involves extra steps like provincial certification.

Final Thoughts

From eligibility to final decision, the Express Entry process can range anywhere from 6 months to several years depending on your specific profile. The good news? You can take meaningful steps at each phase to speed things up—whether it’s boosting your CRS score, gathering documents ahead of time, or applying to a provincial program like the Manitoba PNP.

Ready to take the next step? Check your Express Entry eligibility and start your journey toward Canadian permanent residence today!

Have questions about your Express Entry profile or need help with your application? Contact our team for expert guidance, and let’s make your Canadian immigration dream a reality.