2026-04-03 · 5 min read
How Long Does the Express Entry Process Actually Take?
One of the most common questions we hear is: how long does Express Entry take from start to finish? The official answer is 6 months from ITA to decision, but the full journey is longer than that. Here is a realistic timeline.
The Full Express Entry Timeline
Step 1: Preparation (1-3 months)
Before you can even create your Express Entry profile, you need:
- Language test: Book and take IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF. Results take 2-4 weeks.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Apply through WES or another designated organization. Takes 4-8 weeks.
- Reference letters: Collect detailed employment reference letters from current and previous employers.
Tip: Start your language test and ECA at the same time to save weeks.
Step 2: Profile Creation (1 day)
Once you have your test results and ECA, creating your Express Entry profile on IRCC's website takes about an hour. You will enter your personal details, education, work experience, and language scores. The system calculates your CRS score automatically.
Step 3: Waiting for an ITA (2 weeks - 12 months)
This is the most variable part. If your CRS score is above the recent draw cutoff, you could receive an Invitation to Apply in the very next draw (held every 2 weeks). If your score is below the cutoff, you may wait months while working to improve your score.
Your profile stays in the pool for 12 months. If you do not receive an ITA in that time, you can resubmit.
Step 4: Submit Your Application (60 days)
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence application. This includes:
- Police clearance certificates from every country you lived in
- Immigration Medical Exam (from a designated panel physician)
- Proof of funds
- All supporting documents (passport, ECA, language test, reference letters)
- Application fees ($850 processing + $500 RPRF per adult)
Tip: Start your police checks and medical exam before you receive the ITA so you are ready to submit quickly.
Step 5: Processing (6 months)
IRCC aims to process 80% of Express Entry applications within 6 months of receiving a complete application. During this time, they verify your documents, run background checks, and may request additional information.
Step 6: Confirmation of PR (COPR) and Landing
Once approved, you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence. You then have a deadline to enter Canada and complete your landing. Your PR card arrives by mail after landing.
Total Realistic Timeline
- Best case (high CRS, everything ready): 8-10 months
- Typical case: 12-14 months
- If score improvement needed: 14-18+ months
Common Causes of Delays
- Incomplete documents at submission. Missing a police certificate or medical exam result can add months. This is the #1 reason applications get delayed.
- Waiting to start prep work. Do not wait for your ITA to start gathering documents. Get your police checks, medical, and proof of funds ready in advance.
- Errors in the application. Incorrect dates, mismatched information, or incomplete work history descriptions trigger requests for additional documents.
- Background check delays. If you have lived in multiple countries, security screening can take longer. There is not much you can do about this, but having clean police certificates ready helps.
- Not using the full 60 days wisely. Some applicants rush and make mistakes. Others procrastinate and scramble at the deadline. Plan ahead.
How to Speed Things Up
The biggest time saver is preparation. Start your language test, ECA, and police checks as early as possible. If you are preparing your own application, consider our Application Review service to catch errors before you submit. A single mistake can add months to your timeline.
Not sure if your score is competitive? Check your CRS score for free and find out where you stand today.
Need help with your application?
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