What is Express Entry, and how do I apply through this system?
The Express Entry platform is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for economic immigration. Since 2015, it has become the main gateway to permanent resident (PR) status, and in 2025, it gained even more importance due to the reduction of provincial program quotas and the introduction of category-based selections for in-demand occupations. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the principles of Express Entry, the current requirements for 2025, and practical steps for residents or future residents of Calgary to apply.
Overview of the Express Entry system
Express Entry (EE) manages three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The candidate ranking algorithm is based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards a maximum of 1,200 points for human capital, transferable skills, and additional factors (provincial nomination, job offer, etc.).
Category and targeted selections for 2025
In 2025, IRCC will conduct separate rounds of invitations (ITA) for candidates with work experience in five sectors (healthcare, trades, education, STEM, agriculture) and for French-speaking applicants. This is critical for Calgary, as Alberta actively uses these categories in its own AAIP selective selections.
Why Calgary and AAIP
Calgary is Alberta's industrial, energy, and technology hub. The province implements the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), which consists of 8 streams, including the Alberta Express Entry Stream. An AAIP nomination gives +600 CRS points and virtually guarantees an ITA.
Latest AAIP-2025 selection indicators
| Date | Stream | Minimum CRS | Invitations | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 2025 | Health Care (EE) | 62 | 36 | Doctors, RNs, physiotherapists |
| July 8, 2025 | Aviation (EE) | 53 | 20 | Technicians and pilots |
| July 11, 2025 | Opportunity Stream | 72 | 269 | Any NOC 0-5 |
| July 16, 2025 | Law Enforcement | 49 | <10 | Police |
CRS — components and limits
| Factor | Max. points without spouse | Max. points with spouse | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 110 | 100 | CRS table |
| Education | 150 | 140 | CRS |
| Official language | 160 | 150 | CRS |
| Canadian experience | 80 | 70 | CRS |
| Spouse factors | — | 40 | CRS |
| Transfer of skills | 100 | 100 | CRS |
| Provincial nomination | 600 | 600 | CRS |
| Job offer (NOC 00) | 200 | 200 | CRS |
| Job offer (NOC 0-3) | 50 | 50 | CRS |
Step-by-step: how to apply through Express Entry in Calgary
Eligibility check
-
NOC class and experience: NOC TEER 0-3 experience is required, with a minimum of 1 year full-time or 1,560 hours total.
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Language: minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in all modules) for FSWP; CLB 5-6 for FSTP; CLB 5-7 for CEC depending on TEER.
-
Education: for FSWP — not lower than Canadian secondary; foreign diplomas require ECA from WES/ICES/ICAS, etc. (CAD 240-300).
-
Finances: see table below (updated 07.07.2025).
Preliminary documents
-
IELTS/CELPIP/TEF language certificate (CAD 300-400)
-
ECA (CAD 240-300)
-
Foreign passport (minimum 6 months before expiry)
-
Calgary residents: confirm your address for correspondence with AAIP
Creating an EE profile
- Go to GCKey or Sign-In Partner and select “Express Entry”
- Complete the online application form; Job Bank — optional since 2017
- Upload language and ECA results, enter information about your experience, family, and finances
- Get your CRS score and enter the pool
Improving your CRS
- Obtain an AAIP nomination (+600)
- Submit a Job offer NOC 00 (+200) or NOC 0-3 (+50)
- Improve your French to CLB-7+, which gives +50 points
- Add a Canadian diploma (+30)
- Recalculate ECA for PhD/MA if you originally had a bachelor's degree
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
When CRS > cut-off in the relevant round, IRCC sends an ITA via the online account. The deadline is 60 days to submit a complete PR application.
Complete application after ITA
| Document category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Identification | Passport, birth certificates of children |
| Experience | Letters of recommendation, pay stubs, T4 or NOA |
| Education | ECA report, diplomas, supplements |
| Finances | Bank statement showing average balance for 6 months |
| Medical examination | Panel Physician certificate |
| Police certificates | From all countries of residence for 6+ months after the age of 18 |
Biometrics and medical examination
The applicant receives a BIL (Biometrics Instruction Letter) immediately after payment (CAD 85 for one person / 170 for a family). Medical examination — at a clinic approved by IRCC; valid for 12 months.
Processing and COPR
The average processing time for an EE application is 6 months. For AAIP-Nominated profiles, the timeframe is the same, as the provincial check has already been completed.
Financial requirements 2025
Official IRCC fees
| Category | Fee CAD | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | 950 | DAAD table |
| RPRF — right to PR | 575 | IRCC E-Pay |
| Spouse | 1,525 | IRCC |
| Child (<22 years old) | 260 | IRCC |
| Biometrics | 85 / 170 | DAAD |
Minimum funds in the account (updated on 07.07.2025)
| Number of family members | Amount in CAD | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15,263 | IRCC update |
| 2 | 19,001 | IRCC |
| 3 | 23,360 | IRCC |
| 4 | 28,362 | IRCC |
| 5 | 32,168 | IRCC |
| 6 | 36,280 | IRCC |
| 7 | 40,392 | Business Today |
| Additional person | +4,112 | Business Today |
No finances are required if you are applying under the CEC or have a valid job offer.
Total budget for a single applicant
| Item | CAD estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS/CELPIP | 300-350 | Artyz |
| ECA | 240-300 | Artyz |
| Medical examination | 250-350 | DAAD |
| IRCC Processing + RPRF | 1,525 | IRCC |
| Biometrics | 85 | DAAD |
| Settlement Funds | 15,263 | IRCC |
| Total | ~17,400 | Summary |
Process timeline
| Stage | Average duration | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Test preparation and ECA | 1-3 months | Depends on test dates/delivery |
| Profile-to-ITA | 1 week – 12 months+ | From CRS and category |
| ITA-to-submission | 60 days | Fixed IRCC deadline |
| PR processing (ITA-COPR) | ≤6 months | Standard service |
| Departure to Calgary | 1-6 months | Tickets, accommodation |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Incorrect NOC code → experience rejected. Correct according to NOC 2021
- Expired language test results (>2 years) → automatic rejection
- Insufficient average bank balance → profile deleted after July 28, 2025
- Incomplete reference letters → delay/refusal
Life after obtaining PR in Calgary
- Apply for a SIN at Service Canada
- Register with AHCIP — 3-month waiting period
- Open a bank account (Scotiabank, TD, RBC)
- Confirm your address for your PR Card
- Comply with the 730-day physical presence rule within 5 years
Express Entry vs. other options
| Criteria | Express Entry | AAIP Opportunity | Spousal Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points/Queue | CRS, selection | EOI ranking | No points |
| Time | 6 months | 6–18 months | 10–36 months |
| Financial proof | Yes | Yes | Sponsor commitment |
| Job Offer | Not required | Usually yes | N/A |
| Calgary influence | AAIP option | Maximum | N/A |
Conclusions
Express Entry is the fastest and most flexible path to PR for skilled workers, and Calgary offers an additional “springboard” in the form of AAIP nomination. Compliance with current financial requirements, strategic CRS improvement, and a well-prepared application package guarantee high chances of success. Keep in mind the annual IRCC updates (quotas, settlement funds, category selections) and plan a budget of at least CAD 17,000 per applicant. With the right preparation, the journey from your first IELTS test to your arrival in Calgary can take less than 12 months, after which you will enjoy Alberta's stable economy, moderate taxes, and one of the highest standards of living in Canada.