How long does the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) take?

End to end, the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) typically takes 6 to 12 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 11 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down FSW applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the FSW?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇨🇦 Canada · FSW

Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry): Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 6–12 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

6–12 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a FSW application

1
Take a Language Test
≈ 30 days
Book and complete an approved English or French language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP General for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. You need CLB 7 in all four abilities.
2
Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
≈ 60 days
If your highest education credential is from outside Canada, obtain an ECA from a designated organization (WES, ICAS, IQAS, etc.) to confirm it is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
3
Create an Express Entry Profile
≈ 7 days
Submit your Express Entry profile online through the IRCC portal. You will enter details on language scores, education, work history, and any job offer. If you meet all minimums, you will be placed in the pool with a CRS score.
4
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
≈ 180 days
Wait for IRCC to hold an Express Entry draw. If your CRS score is at or above the cut-off, you will receive an ITA via your IRCC online account. Monitor your profile and keep it updated.
5
Submit Permanent Residence Application
≈ 60 days
Within 60 days of receiving your ITA, submit a complete PR application online (e-APR) including all supporting documents, biometrics, and pay the fees. IRCC targets a 6-month processing time.
Form: e-APR

See also: full requirements and what the FSW costs.

Are you eligible for the FSW?

Answer a few questions and get scored against this pathway — and the other 46 we track across the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Free, no credit card.

Check my eligibility — free

Free eligibility check

Could the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) work for you?

Get your personalized eligibility report for the US, Canada, UK, and Australia — scored against today's actual rules. No credit card needed.

We only email you about your report and major rule changes. Unsubscribe anytime.

The 5 stages of a FSW application

Take a Language Test

≈ 30 days

Book and complete an approved English or French language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP General for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. You need CLB 7 in all four abilities.

Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

≈ 60 days

If your highest education credential is from outside Canada, obtain an ECA from a designated organization (WES, ICAS, IQAS, etc.) to confirm it is equivalent to a Canadian credential.

Create an Express Entry Profile

≈ 7 days

Submit your Express Entry profile online through the IRCC portal. You will enter details on language scores, education, work history, and any job offer. If you meet all minimums, you will be placed in the pool with a CRS score.

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

≈ 180 days

Wait for IRCC to hold an Express Entry draw. If your CRS score is at or above the cut-off, you will receive an ITA via your IRCC online account. Monitor your profile and keep it updated.

Submit Permanent Residence Application

≈ 60 days

Within 60 days of receiving your ITA, submit a complete PR application online (e-APR) including all supporting documents, biometrics, and pay the fees. IRCC targets a 6-month processing time.

Form: e-APR