Already in Canada on a work or study permit? Let's make your stay permanent.
If you have Canadian work experience, you may already qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry. Litmus Immigration's RCIC will assess your eligibility, build your CRS profile strategically, and guide you every step of the way — before your status runs out.
Do you qualify for Express Entry from inside Canada?
If you're already living and working in Canada on a temporary permit, check these four requirements:
How does Express Entry work?
Express Entry is the federal government's online system for managing permanent residence applications from skilled workers. If you're already living and working in Canada on a temporary permit, it's likely your fastest route to permanent residence — especially through the Canadian Experience Class.
Express Entry streams — which one applies to you?
Express Entry manages applications under three federal programs plus the Provincial Nominee Program. If you're currently in Canada on a temporary permit, the Canadian Experience Class is almost certainly your primary pathway.
Designed specifically for people already living and working in Canada on a temporary permit. No overseas work history required. No job offer required. If you have a year of skilled work experience in Canada, this is your stream.
For skilled workers whose primary experience is outside Canada, or who want to combine foreign and Canadian experience for a higher CRS score.
For electricians, plumbers, welders, pipefitters, heavy equipment operators, and other licensed tradespeople with 2+ years of experience.
Provinces nominate Express Entry candidates who meet their labour market needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points — virtually guaranteeing an ITA at the next draw.
Many applicants qualify for more than one stream — and combining streams can significantly raise your CRS score. Our RCIC will assess all options in a single consultation.
Book a consultation →What is your CRS score — and why does it matter?
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines when — and whether — you receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. The higher your score, the sooner you'll be invited. Understanding your score is the single most important step before entering the Express Entry pool.
IRCC provides an official CRS score calculator. However — many applicants calculate their score incorrectly because they misidentify their NOC code, enter the wrong language scores, or miss points they're entitled to (such as spouse scores or Canadian education points).
A CRS score on its own doesn't tell you the full picture. What matters is whether your score is competitive for your stream, how recent draw cut-offs compare, and — most importantly — whether there are legal ways to improve your score before you enter the pool. Our RCIC reviews this in a single 30-minute consultation.
Category-based draws — the future of Express Entry
Since 2023, IRCC has been holding category-based selection draws — targeted rounds that invite Express Entry candidates with specific skills, occupations, or language abilities, regardless of their overall CRS score. This is a major shift in how Express Entry works.
Category-based draws have historically had lower CRS cut-offs than all-programs draws — meaning candidates who might not be competitive in a general draw can receive an ITA through a targeted category draw. If your occupation falls into one of these categories, this changes your strategy significantly.
This category targets candidates with strong French language skills, regardless of their occupation. Canada actively recruits French-speaking immigrants to support its Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Canada has a critical shortage of healthcare workers. This category targets internationally trained and Canadian-experienced healthcare professionals across a wide range of NOC codes.
Canada's tech and engineering sectors face significant talent shortages. This category targets skilled STEM professionals — particularly those in software, data, engineering, and scientific research.
Canada's construction and infrastructure boom has created massive demand for skilled tradespeople. This category is particularly relevant for workers in Alberta's energy, construction, and industrial sectors.
Canada's supply chain and transportation network relies heavily on skilled workers. This category targets truck drivers, pilots, transit operators, and related transport occupations.
Canada's food production and processing sector faces persistent labour shortages. This category targets agricultural workers and food processing employees — including some TEER 4 occupations not usually eligible for Express Entry.
Category eligibility is determined by your specific NOC code — not just your job title. Many workers qualify for a category draw without realising it. Our RCIC will review your occupation, confirm your NOC code, and assess whether you qualify for one or more category draws — which could get you an ITA significantly faster.
Why Express Entry works well for people already in Canada
Express Entry wasn't designed exclusively for overseas applicants. Candidates already living and working in Canada often have a significant advantage — here's why:
Don't wait until your permit is about to expire
Building a strong Express Entry profile takes time — language tests, document gathering, NOC code confirmation, and CRS optimisation. Most applicants need 3–6 months of preparation before they're ready to enter the pool.
If your work permit or PGWP is expiring, you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while your PR application is in progress — allowing you to keep working legally in Canada while IRCC processes your file. Our RCIC will assess your timeline and make sure no deadline is missed.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you have a straightforward case or a complicated situation — an unusual work history, a gap in status, or a file with issues — Litmus Immigration handles it. Start with whichever option works best for you.
