Canada Express Entry
Complete Guide to Earning Permanent Residency Through the Points-Based Immigration System
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship online immigration system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It operates as a competitive ranking model where candidates are scored through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on key factors such as age, education, language ability, work experience, job offers, and more.
Those with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. Express Entry is widely recognized as the fastest and most efficient pathway to immigrate to Canada.
Programs Under the Express Entry System
To become eligible for the Express Entry pool, candidates must first qualify for one of the following three federal immigration programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
At least 1 year of skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
Minimum CLB 7 in English or French
Minimum score of 67 out of 100 on the FSW selection grid
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
At least 1 year of full-time Canadian skilled work experience
Language proficiency suitable for the job level (e.g., CLB 7 for NOC 0/A, CLB 5 for NOC B)
3. Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
At least 2 years of full-time experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
Either:
A valid Canadian job offer OR
A Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian province/territory
Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) via Express Entry
If a province nominates you under an enhanced PNP stream, you:
Must first qualify for one of the three federal programs above
Receive 600 additional CRS points
Are virtually guaranteed an ITA
How Express Entry Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Create an Online Express Entry Profile
Open an account on the official Canadian government portal
Enter your details: age, education, work history, language scores, etc.
The system determines your eligibility and places you in the Express Entry pool if you qualify
Step 2: Receive a CRS Score and Wait in the Pool
Your profile is assigned a CRS score out of 1200
Draws happen regularly (every 2 weeks on average)
If your score is among the highest or matches a category being targeted, you may receive an ITA
Step 3: Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application
Step 4: Application Review and Background Check
IRCC will check your eligibility, verify your documents, and conduct background checks (criminality, security, medical, etc.)
Step 5: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If approved, you’ll receive a COPR letter and instructions to finalize your visa
Processing Time: 6–9 months
Application Cost:
| Applicant Type | Application Fee | Permanent Residence Fee | Biometrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | $950 CAD | $575 CAD | $85 CAD |
| Spouse | $950 CAD | $575 CAD | – |
| Child | $260 CAD | N/A | – |
| Family biometrics total: $170 CAD |
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Points Breakdown
The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and rank Express Entry candidates. The maximum total score is 1,200 points.
| Points Factor | Maximum Points for Single Applicants | Maximum Points for Married Applicants |
|---|---|---|
|
Human and Skill Factors (Age, Language, Education, and Work Experience)
|
500 |
460 |
|
Human and Skill Factors of Spouse of Applicant |
– |
40 |
|
Transferability Factors
|
100 |
100 |
|
Other Factors like Provincial Nomination or Job Offer
|
600 |
600 |
|
Total Points |
1,200 |
1,200 |
Age Points
| Age | Principal Applicant Married Maximum Points: 110 | Principal Applicant Single Maximum Points: 110 |
|---|---|---|
| 17 or less | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | 90 | 99 |
| 19 | 95 | 105 |
| 20-29 | 100 | 110 |
| 30 | 95 | 105 |
| 31 | 90 | 99 |
| 32 | 85 | 94 |
| 33 | 80 | 88 |
| 34 | 75 | 83 |
| 35 | 70 | 77 |
| 36 | 65 | 72 |
| 37 | 60 | 66 |
| 38 | 55 | 61 |
| 39 | 50 | 55 |
| 40 | 45 | 50 |
| 41 | 35 | 39 |
| 42 | 25 | 28 |
| 43 | 15 | 17 |
| 44 | 5 | 6 |
| 45 or more | 0 | 0 |
Education Points
| Education Level | Married Applicant Maximum 140 points for the primary applicant and 10 points for the spouse | Single Applicant Maximum points: 150 |
|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Primary applicant: 28 points and Spouse: 2 points | 30 |
| One-Year Program After High School | Primary applicant: 84 points and Spouse: 6 points | 90 |
| Two-Year Program After High School | Primary applicant: 91 points and Spouse: 7 points | 98 |
| Bachelor's Degree or a Three-Year Program or More After High School | Primary applicant: 112 points and Spouse: 8 points | 120 |
| Two or More Educational Qualifications After High School at least one of which must be from a program that is at least three years long | Primary applicant: 119 points and Spouse: 9 points | 128 |
| Master’s Degree or Specialized Internship Program | Primary applicant: 126 points and Spouse: 10 points | 135 |
| Doctorate | Primary applicant: 140 points and Spouse: 10 points | 150 |
Language Proficiency
First Foreign Language Skill (English or French)
| CLB Level | Married Applicant:Maximum 128 points for the primary applicant and 20 points for the spouse | Single Applicant:Maximum points: 136 |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 4 | For each skill: Primary applicant: 6 points and Spouse: 0 points | 6 |
| CLB 5 | For each skill:Primary applicant: 6 points and Spouse: 1 point | 6 |
| CLB 6 | For each skill:Primary applicant: 8 points and Spouse: 1 point | 9 |
| CLB 7 | For each skill:Primary applicant: 16 points and Spouse: 3 points | 17 |
| CLB 8 | For each skill:Primary applicant: 22 points and Spouse: 3 points | 23 |
| CLB 9 | For each skill:Primary applicant: 29 points and Spouse: 5 points | 31 |
| CLB 10 and above | For each skill:Primary applicant: 32 points and Spouse: 5 points | 34 |
Second Foreign Language Skill (English or French)
| CLB Level | Married Applicant Maximum Points: 22 | Single Applicant Maximum Points: 24 |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 point for each skill | 1 point for each skill |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 points for each skill | 3 points for each skill |
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 points for each skill | 6 points for each skill |
The foreign language proficiency certificate for the main applicant and their spouse counts for points. The second foreign language certificate only counts for the main applicant.
Each test has its own scoring system that can be converted to CLB levels. To convert the scores of different language certificates to CLB, the scores of each skill must be checked. According to the tables provided below, you can calculate your score.
Accepted language tests:
English language
CELPIP General test score (CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program). Note that the CELPIP General-LS test is not accepted.
IELTS General test score (IELTS: International English Language Testing System)
PTE Core test score
French language
TEF Canada certificate (TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français)
TCF Canada certificate (TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français)
Note that TOEFL and Duolingo certificates are not accepted for the Express Entry program.
Example: Pejman has an IELTS General certificate with a score of 6 in all skills. Therefore, he was able to score 64 points. His spouse, Farzaneh, has scores of 7 in all skills and 8 in Listening on the IELTS General test. Farzaneh was also able to score 20 points. The first language score for Pejman and Farzaneh’s application is equivalent to 84.
Canadian Work Experience
| Canadian work experience | Married applicant:A maximum of 70 points for the main applicant and 10 points for the spouse | Single applicant:Maximum points: 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Less than a year | 0 | 0 |
| 1 year | Main applicant: 35 points and Spouse: 5 points | 40 |
| 2 years | Main applicant: 46 points and Spouse: 7 points | 53 |
| 3 years | Main applicant: 56 points and Spouse: 8 points | 64 |
| 4 years | Main applicant: 63 points and Spouse: 9 points | 72 |
| 5 years or more | Main applicant: 70 points and Spouse: 10 points | 80 |
This work experience must be full-time and at least 30 hours a week. Additionally, work while studying in Canada cannot be counted as work experience.
Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 Points)
In this section, if the applicant has some of the previously mentioned factors together, they can receive a maximum of 100 points. There are 5 combinations in this scoring system, with 50 points assigned for each combination. Even if you earn more than 100 points in these combinations, the maximum that will be awarded is still 100 points.
In this area, no points are given for the spouse of the applicant.
Combination of education and language level
Anyone with a language level higher than CLB 7 will receive extra points based on their educational qualifications according to the table below.
| Qualification | CLB 7 or CLB 8 in all language skills | CLB 9 or higher in all language skills |
|---|---|---|
| One-year or more post-diploma course | 13 | 25 |
| Two post-diploma qualifications one of which is for a program of at least three years | 25 | 50 |
| Master's degree or professional internship | 25 | 50 |
| Doctorate | 25 | 50 |
Example: Ehsan has a doctorate in international law. He has also scored 7 in all skills and 8 in Listening on the General IELTS test. Therefore, 50 points will be added to his application.
Combination of education and Canadian work experience
If the applicant has Canadian work experience, they will receive extra points based on their educational qualifications.
| Qualification | 1 year of Canadian work experience | 2 years of Canadian work experience or more |
|---|---|---|
| One-year or more post-diploma course | 13 | 25 |
| Two post-diploma qualifications one of which is for a program of at least three years | 25 | 50 |
| Master's degree or professional internship | 25 | 50 |
| Doctorate | 25 | 50 |
Language proficiency and foreign work experience
If an applicant has a language level higher than CLB 7, they receive additional points based on the amount of foreign work experience they have.
| Work experience | CLB 7 and above in all language skills | CLB 9 and above in all language skills |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 years or more of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
Example: Mahsa has 3 years of experience as an administrative expert in a trading company in Iran. She has achieved a general IELTS score of 6.5 in all skills and 7.5 in Listening. This adds 25 points to her application.
Combination of Canadian and foreign work experience
Someone with both Canadian work experience and foreign work experience will receive additional points based on that experience.
| 1 year of Canadian work experience | 2 years of Canadian work experience or more | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 years or more of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
Combination of vocational education and language proficiency
If an applicant has a language skill level higher than CLB 5 and a valid vocational certificate, they receive additional points.
| Vocational certificate | CLB 5 and above in all language skills | CLB 7 and above in all language skills |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational certificate | 25 | 50 |
Additional CRS Points (Maximum 600 Points)
| Additional Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nomination | 600 |
| Sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada | 15 |
| French language proficiency (CLB 7+ in all abilities) + English CLB 4 or none | 25 |
| French (CLB 7+) + English (CLB 5+ in all abilities) | 50 |
| One or two years of post-secondary education in Canada | 15 |
| Three or more years of post-secondary education in Canada | 30 |
Those applying with their spouse receive fewer points compared to those who are single. However, the points deducted for being married can be compensated by the points that the spouse earns. For example, if the spouse has a language certificate or education, this point deduction will be offset.
For individuals who are about to get married, the main applicant can create an Express Entry profile and then get married after receiving the invitation and submitting the documents, adding their spouse to the application. In this case, there will be no deduction from the application score. However, the processing of the application may take a bit longer.
Required Documents for Express Entry
To immigrate through Express Entry, you need to submit the following documents to obtain your Express Entry visa. All required documents for this program must be uploaded online in the system, and paper copies are not necessary.
Note that if the documents are in a language other than English or French, they must be translated, and along with the translation, a certificate or authorization from the translator and a certified copy of the original document must also be submitted.
Express Entry Financial Proof
The amount of financial proof for Express Entry varies depending on the number of family members. This letter should be on bank letterhead and include the account number, account holder’s name, account opening date, a list of all debts and account installments, current balance, average balance over the last 6 months, and also the bank’s contact information.
For applicants of the Canadian Experience Class and those with a job offer, there is no need to provide the specified amount of financial proof. Instead, financial stability can be proven with bank statements, employment letters, and pay slips.
| Number of Family Members | Financial Proof Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14690 |
| 2 | $18288 |
| 3 | $22483 |
| 4 | $27297 |
| 5 | $30690 |
| 6 | $34917 |
| 7 | $38875 |
| For each additional person | $3958 |
Language Test
The language test approved by the immigration department is required for the principal applicant and spouse (if points have been scored through the spouse’s language score).
Identification Documents
The main applicant’s and spouse’s and children’s passports, marriage or divorce certificate, or death certificate of one of the spouses (if the main applicant is married, divorced, or one of the spouses has passed away). Also, if you have a child, their birth certificate must be provided. Additionally, a recent photo of all family members must be submitted.
If you have received points through a relative in Canada, you must also provide documents proving your familial relationship with them, documents proving the relative’s citizenship or permanent residency, and proof of the relative’s residency in Canada.
Educational Credentials
The educational degree and transcripts of the applicant and their spouse (if they have studied outside Canada) along with an educational credential assessment certificate.
Criminal Record Certificate
A criminal record certificate for the applicant, their spouse, and children over 18 years old. This certificate must be obtained from every country where you have lived for more than 6 months.
The criminal record certificate is one of the most important documents for the immigration office. Be sure to obtain this letter from the relevant authority. For Iranians inside Iran, this certificate should be obtained from the Sana system or from the police+10 centers.
Many individuals’ applications have been rejected at this stage due to failure to submit the original criminal record certificate or other necessary conditions.
Medical Examination Documents
The applicant, their spouse, and children must undergo medical examinations known as Medical Exams. These exams check whether you or your family have any contagious diseases or conditions that could incur heavy costs for Canada’s healthcare system. These tests are valid for one year.
Employment Documents
A work experience letter for the applicant and their spouse. This work experience letter should include the job title, name, address and phone number of the workplace, number of hours worked, annual salary, and also a summary of duties performed at that company. If you have a job offer letter from a Canadian employer, you must upload that as well.
For the Canadian Experience Class program, you should also provide the NOA letter, T4 tax slips, and pay stubs from your work in Canada.
Targeted Express Entry Admissions (Category-Based Selection)
Canada has introduced a new system under the Express Entry pathway to meet specific economic and labor market needs. This is known as Category-Based Selection, where applicants from the Express Entry pool can be selected based on specific work experience or language skills in high-demand sectors.
What Is Category-Based Selection?
Category-based selection is a method where candidates in the Express Entry pool are invited to apply for permanent residence based on criteria defined by the Immigration Minister. These criteria are designed to fulfill Canada’s current economic and labor demands.
Candidates may be selected based on:
Proficiency in a specific official language (French or English)
Work experience in a specific occupation
Educational background
⚠️ To be eligible, candidates must first meet the minimum requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
Step-by-Step: How Category-Based Selection Works
Create an Express Entry Profile
Applicants must first create an online profile through their IRCC secure account.
Enter the Express Entry Pool
If eligible for one of the three programs, the applicant is placed in the Express Entry pool.
Check Your CRS Score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) automatically assigns a score based on the applicant’s profile.
Candidate Selection by Category
IRCC identifies candidates in the pool who qualify for a specific category.
Ranking Candidates
Candidates are ranked by CRS score among others eligible in that category.
Rounds of Invitations
In category-based rounds, the top-ranking candidates in the chosen category are invited to apply.
Apply for Permanent Residency
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates have 60 days to submit their full application.
IRCC Makes a Final Decision
The decision is based on program eligibility, the accuracy of information, admissibility, and category criteria.
Current Express Entry Categories for 2024
Here are the six categories currently targeted by Canada’s Express Entry system:
French-Language Proficiency
Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations
Trade Occupations
Transport Occupations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Education Occupations
Each category has its own eligibility criteria and occupational lists.
Eligibility Details for Each Express Entry Category
1.French-Language Proficiency
Requirements:
Minimum score of CLB 7 in all four skills on an approved French language test (NCLC 7).
Must meet one of the Express Entry program eligibility requirements.
2. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
Requirements:
At least 6 months of continuous, full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the past 3 years.
Work experience must be in one of the listed healthcare occupations in Canada or abroad.
Eligible Occupations:
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians | 32104 | 2 |
Audiologists and speech language pathologists | 31112 | 1 |
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 | 2 |
Chiropractors | 31201 | 1 |
Dental hygienists and dental therapists | 32111 | 2 |
Dentists | 31110 | 1 |
Dieticians and nutritionists | 31121 | 1 |
General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | 1 |
Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | 2 |
Massage therapists | 32201 | 2 |
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 | 3 |
Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 | 2 |
Medical radiation technologists | 32121 | 2 |
Medical sonographers | 32122 | 2 |
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 | 3 |
Nurse practitioners | 31302 | 1 |
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors | 31300 | 1 |
Occupational therapists | 31203 | 1 |
Optometrists | 31111 | 1 |
Other medical technologists and technicians | 32129 | 2 |
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 | 1 |
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment | 32109 | 2 |
Paramedical occupations | 32102 | 2 |
Pharmacists | 31120 | 1 |
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 | 3 |
Pharmacy technicians | 32124 | 2 |
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 | 1 |
Physiotherapists | 31202 | 1 |
Psychologists | 31200 | 1 |
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 | 1 |
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 | 2 |
Social and community service workers | 42201 | 2 |
Social workers | 41300 | 1 |
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 | 1 |
Specialists in surgery | 31101 | 1 |
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 | 1 |
Veterinarians | 31103 | 1 |
3. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Occupations
Requirements:
At least 6 months of full-time work experience in the past 3 years in one of the eligible STEM occupations.
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
Architecture and science managers | 20011 | 0 |
Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 | 2 |
Civil Engineers | 21300 | 1 |
Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 | 1 |
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 | 2 |
Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 | 1 |
Geological Engineers | 21331 | 1 |
Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 | 1 |
Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 | 3 |
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 22301 | 2 |
Mechanical Engineers | 21301 | 1 |
4. Trade Occupations
Requirements:
At least 6 months of continuous work experience in the past 3 years in one of the eligible trades.
- in a single occupation listed in the table below
- in Canada or abroad
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
Cabinetmakers | 72311 | 2 |
Carpenters | 72310 | 2 |
Concrete finishers | 73100 | 3 |
Construction estimators | 22303 | 2 |
Construction managers | 70010 | 0 |
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 | 2 |
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 | 2 |
Cooks | 63200 | 3 |
Electrical mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 | 2 |
Floor covering installers | 73113 | 3 |
Gas fitters | 72302 | 2 |
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 | 2 |
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
Home building and renovation managers | 70011 | 0 |
Industrial electricians | 72201 | 2 |
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | 2 |
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
Plumbers | 72300 | 2 |
Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
Sheet metal workers | 72102 | 2 |
Water well drillers | 72501 | 2 |
Welders and related machine operators | 72106 | 2 |
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
Requirements:
At least 6 months of full-time work experience in the past 3 years in the agri-food industry.
Eligible Occupation:
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 | 3 |
6. Education Occupations
Requirements:
At least 6 months of work experience in the past 3 years in one of the listed education jobs.
Eligible Occupations:
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Early childhood educators and assistants | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 | 3 |
| Instructors for persons with disabilities | 42203 | 2 |
| Elementary school teachers | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary school teachers | 41220 | 1 |
Note: Candidates in these categories are only invited in category-based draws, and must still meet general Express Entry eligibility requirements.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Express Entry?
Lower costs compared to entrepreneurship and investment methods
Fully online process (no need to submit paper documents)
Fastest way to immigrate to Canada (about 6 to 9 months)
Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest, most transparent, and flexible immigration systems in the world. It:
Encourages highly skilled individuals to settle in Canada
Offers PR within 6 months for many applicants
Now includes targeted category-based selections to align with real labor market needs
Makes it possible for French speakers, healthcare professionals, STEM experts, skilled tradespeople, and educators to boost their chances of receiving invitations
By staying informed about draw trends, keeping your CRS score competitive, and aligning your profile with targeted occupations, you can maximize your chances of success in Canada’s immigration process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CRS score?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) was designed in 2015 to evaluate applicants for permanent residency in Canada. You receive a CRS score based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Invitations for permanent residency are sent to applicants with the highest CRS scores.
How can I increase my CRS score?
The maximum score in this system is 1,200.
The following can increase your CRS score:
Improving language scores
Providing language proof in a second language (English or French).
Increasing work experience
Receiving a job offer from a Canadian employer
Having study and work experience in Canada
Receiving a provincial nomination
Upgrading educational qualifications
How long do I need to wait in the applicant pool?
This matter depends on your score. If your score in the program through which you created your Express Entry account is high, you will receive an invitation in the first draws. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the score drops. Of course, after twelve months of creating your Express Entry profile, it expires, and you’ll need to make it again.
Can an Express Entry application be rejected?
A file may be rejected for various reasons, including incomplete documents, inconsistent or incorrect information, a criminal record, serious diseases of the applicant, and failure to submit the application on time. However, generally, if the information and documents are correct and none of the mentioned issues exist, the file won’t be rejected.
Can I create two Express Entry profiles?
Yes. Sometimes, for example, the conditions of the applicant and their spouse differ, and each has a chance to receive an invitation. Individuals can create two separate profiles and declare the other as their spouse. Then whichever profile gets the invitation first can cancel the other one.
Does the work experience submitted for Express Entry need to be related to education?
Work experience should be aligned with the educational qualification and be in that field. For instance, you can’t apply for a cosmetology position with a degree in mechanics.
Is proof of insurance necessary for Express Entry?
No, having insurance history is not mandatory for Express Entry.
If I receive an invitation from a province, do I have to stay in that province?
No. Applicants applying through provincial programs must intend to stay in that province. However, under Canadian law, after entering Canada and obtaining permanent residency, they are free to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada they wish.
Can the selected individual bring their family along?
Yes. A spouse and dependent children under legal age can be included in the main applicant’s file. All individuals will be medically and security screened by the Canadian government.