Express Entry glossary

Express Entry

The online system IRCC uses to manage permanent residence applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates create a profile, enter a pool, and are ranked by their CRS score. IRCC periodically holds rounds of invitations and invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply.

CRS — Comprehensive Ranking System

The points-based formula IRCC uses to score and rank every candidate in the Express Entry pool. The maximum score is 1,200, split into core points (up to 600) awarded for factors such as age, language skills, education, and work experience, and additional points (up to 600) for a provincial nomination, a sibling in Canada, French-language ability, or Canadian post-secondary study. Candidates compete against each other; your CRS rank, not a fixed passing score, determines whether you receive an invitation.

ITA — Invitation to Apply

A formal invitation from IRCC to submit a permanent residence application, issued during a round of invitations (draw). ITAs go to the highest-ranked candidates in the pool at the time of the draw. An ITA is valid for 60 days; you must complete and submit your full application within that window or the invitation expires.

AOR — Acknowledgement of Receipt

A confirmation from IRCC that your permanent residence application has been received and is complete enough to begin processing. Your AOR includes your unique application number, which you use to track your application. Receiving an AOR is the official start of your application's processing clock.

e-APR — Electronic Application for Permanent Residence

The online permanent residence application you submit through your IRCC portal account after receiving an ITA. The e-APR gathers your personal details, work and travel history, family information, and uploaded supporting documents. You must submit it and pay the processing fees within the 60-day ITA window.

ECA — Educational Credential Assessment

A formal evaluation by a designated Canadian organization confirming that a foreign educational credential (degree, diploma, or certificate) is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one. An ECA is generally required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program if your education was completed outside Canada. The assessment must be from an organization designated by IRCC and must be less than five years old when you use it in your application.

NOC — National Occupational Classification

Canada's system for classifying jobs and occupations. Each occupation is assigned a code and a TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) category. Express Entry programs require work experience in eligible TEER categories: for example, the CEC requires TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 experience, while the FST requires experience in specific NOC Major Groups in the skilled trades. You use the NOC to identify your occupation and confirm it meets your program's requirements.

Biometrics

Fingerprints and a photo collected at a designated Service Canada or Visa Application Centre location, required for most permanent residence applicants between the ages of 14 and 79. After you submit your e-APR, IRCC sends a biometrics instruction letter; you have 30 days from the date of that letter to give your biometrics. IRCC shares your fingerprint data with the RCMP as part of the background check process.

Medical exam

A health examination conducted by a panel physician designated by IRCC, required for all permanent residence applicants. As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants must complete an upfront medical exam after receiving an Invitation to Apply and before submitting their e-APR. Results are valid for 12 months. The exam checks that you meet Canadian public health requirements and assesses whether you might place excessive demand on health or social services.

Eligibility

In Express Entry, eligibility has two meanings. The first is program eligibility: meeting the minimum requirements for at least one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, FST, or CEC) in order to enter the pool. The second is application-stage eligibility: during processing, an IRCC officer reviews your application to confirm you still meet the program requirements and that neither you nor your accompanying family members are inadmissible to Canada.

Background check

A security and criminal history review IRCC performs as part of assessing your admissibility to Canada. It includes checking your biometric fingerprints against RCMP criminal records and may include checks with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and international partners. Background checks are conducted for you and all accompanying family members included in your application.

PPR — Passport Request

A message from IRCC asking you to submit your valid passport (or passport pages) so that a permanent resident visa or travel document can be issued. Receiving a PPR means IRCC has approved your application in principle; it is a strong signal that you are near the end of processing. You must have a valid regular passport to receive a PR visa.

COPR and eCOPR — Confirmation of Permanent Residence

The official document (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) IRCC issues when your permanent residence application is approved. It confirms your status as a permanent resident and is required to complete your landing at a Canadian port of entry. If you are already in Canada, you use the IRCC PR Confirmation Portal to confirm your presence and receive an electronic COPR (eCOPR) uploaded to your portal account. At the border, a CBSA officer signs and dates your COPR to complete the landing process.

FSW — Federal Skilled Worker Program

One of the three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry. The FSW is designed for skilled foreign workers with at least one year of continuous paid full-time skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in a single occupation, language ability at CLB 7 or higher, and, if educated outside Canada, a valid ECA. FSW candidates are also assessed on a separate six-factor selection grid covering language, education, work experience, age, job offer, and adaptability.

FST — Federal Skilled Trades Program

One of the three Express Entry programs, designed for workers with experience in skilled trades such as industrial, electrical, and construction trades, maintenance and equipment operation, supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, and processing occupations. FST applicants need at least two years of full-time work experience in a qualifying NOC Major Group (72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93, with certain exclusions) within the five years before applying, along with a qualifying language score and either a valid job offer or a provincial or territorial certificate of qualification. Note that some sub-major groups (such as 726 and 932) are excluded, so check the current IRCC list to confirm your specific occupation qualifies.

CEC — Canadian Experience Class

One of the three Express Entry programs, designed for people who have gained skilled work experience inside Canada. CEC applicants need at least one year of paid, full-time skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in Canada within the three years before applying, along with meeting the required language levels for their NOC TEER category. The CEC rewards people who have already adapted to living and working in Canada.

PNP — Provincial Nominee Program

A set of immigration programs run by Canada's provinces and territories that allows them to nominate individuals whose skills, education, and work experience meet local labour market needs. Many provinces have aligned streams that operate through Express Entry: if a province nominates you through an Express Entry-linked stream, IRCC adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA at the next draw. You must still meet the requirements of an underlying Express Entry program to use the Express Entry-aligned PNP path.

ADR — Additional Document Request

A message from IRCC during application processing asking you to provide more information or upload additional documents. An ADR is not a refusal; it means an officer needs further evidence to make a decision. Common reasons include requests to clarify employment history, provide updated identity documents, or submit additional proof of funds. You must respond to an ADR within the deadline stated in the message.