Maple News reports that the time it takes to obtain permanent residency (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system can vary significantly, depending on a candidate’s individual profile, eligibility, and ranking within the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
There is no single timeline that applies to everyone. The path to PR under Express Entry typically involves four main stages: meeting minimum eligibility criteria, entering the Express Entry pool, receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and waiting for final application processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step one involves satisfying the eligibility requirements for one of the three federal immigration programs under Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This step alone could take months or years, depending on how long it takes candidates to accumulate qualifying work experience.
For example, to qualify under CEC, candidates need at least one year of skilled, paid work experience in Canada. FSWP requires one year of continuous skilled work experience, which can be acquired inside or outside of Canada, while FSTP applicants must have two years of full-time experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. Additional requirements—such as language test scores, education assessments, and proof of settlement funds—can also impact how long it takes to submit a profile.
Once a candidate meets minimum eligibility and submits a profile, they enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked using the CRS. The time spent in the pool can vary greatly. High-scoring candidates may receive an ITA in the next draw, while others may wait months depending on the scoring thresholds, category-based draws, and federal or provincial nomination programs.
Upon receiving an ITA, applicants have 60 days to submit a complete PR application. After submission, IRCC’s standard processing time is six months, but this can be longer due to case complexity, incomplete documentation, or delays in security and background checks.
Many newcomers overlook the total time it takes to prepare for Express Entry before even entering the pool—language testing, educational credential assessments, gathering documents, and obtaining Canadian work experience can all introduce delays.
In summary, while IRCC promotes a six-month processing timeline post-application, the entire journey—from preparing eligibility documents to receiving permanent residence—can easily span 12 to 24 months, or longer for more complex situations. Maple News recommends that candidates begin planning early and stay updated on draw patterns and policy changes to streamline their path to Canadian permanent residency.