Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check your eligibility

Express EntryEnter the poolStep 6 of 12

BlockedProfile valid 12 months · RequiredYou are here

6. Enter the pool

Once your profile is accepted, you're ranked against everyone else in the pool.

Waiting on: Create your online profile

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 6 of 12 · RequiredClose

Enter the pool

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepHow Express Entry works: the poolcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

Once your profile is accepted, you're ranked against everyone else in the pool. IRCC runs draws and invites the top candidates, sometimes in a general draw, sometimes in a category draw for French-language ability or healthcare occupations.

Why it's required: This is the waiting room. Nobody asks anything of you here, but you can keep raising your score while you wait.

You waitWeeks to 12 monthsDepends entirely on your score and the draws.

While waitingYou can improveRetake the language test, add work months, seek a nomination.

Before this step

BlockedCreate your online profile

Finishing this unlocks: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)