The stages, step by step
| Stage | What happens | How long |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Profile | You submit your Express Entry profile | Valid for 12 months |
| 2. Waiting in the pool | IRCC invites top-ranked candidates in rounds | Depends on your CRS score and the draws |
| 3. Invitation (ITA) | You have 60 days to apply | 60 days maximum |
| 4. Processing | Completeness check, biometrics, medical, eligibility and security checks | See IRCC's live processing times |
| 5. Approval | You get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence |
Where to check the current processing time
IRCC publishes live processing times in its processing times tool. Choose "Economic immigration", then your program. The time shown is how long it took to process most applications recently, and it changes often.
To estimate how long you'll wait in the pool, compare your score with recent cut-offs on our Express Entry draws page.
What slows Express Entry files down
- Incomplete documents, such as reference letters missing hours or duties
- Police certificates that take a long time from some countries
- Medical exams that need follow-up
- Security or background checks, which can take longer for some applicants
- Changes you don't report, like a new child, marriage or job
- Requests for more information or a procedural fairness letter
Use our document checklist to avoid the first three.
Working while you wait
If you're in Canada and your work permit is about to expire, you may be able to get a Bridging Open Work Permit once your application passes the completeness check. If you apply to extend before your permit expires, you may also keep working under maintained status.