Creating an Express Entry profile is the first official step toward immigrating to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs. The process is entirely online and determines whether you enter the Express Entry pool, where candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
1. Confirm That You Meet Eligibility
Before creating a profile, make sure you qualify for at least one Express Entry program.
You may qualify through:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- At least 12 months of full-time Canadian skilled work experience (TEER 0–3)
- Required language scores (typically CLB 7 for TEER 0–1, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3)
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Minimum 67/100 points on FSW selection grid
- Language test
- At least one year of skilled work experience
- Education credentials (ECA for foreign degrees)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Skilled trade experience + certification or job offer
- CLB 5 (speaking/listening) + CLB 4 (reading/writing)
If you do not meet the minimum requirements, the system will reject your profile.
2. Gather All Required Documents
Prepare the following before creating the profile:
Language Test Results
You must complete one of the approved tests:
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP General
- TEF Canada / TCF Canada (for French)
Your test results must be valid (less than 2 years old).
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Required for:
- FSW applicants
- Anyone claiming CRS points for foreign education
Organizations include:
- WES
- ICAS
- IQAS
- CES
- ICES
Canadian education does not require ECA.
Work Experience Information
You need:
- Job history
- NOC codes
- Employer details
- Start/end dates
- Hours per week
(IRCC does not need reference letters yet—only after receiving an ITA.)
Passport
Must be valid at the time of profile submission.
Proof of Funds (if required)
FSW and FST applicants without a Canadian job offer must meet settlement fund requirements.
CEC applicants do not need proof of funds.
3. Create a GCKey Account (or Sign In Partner Account)
Go to the IRCC website and choose:
- GCKey (most common), or
- Sign-In Partner (Canadian bank login)
This will serve as your secure login for your immigration application.
4. Start the Express Entry Profile
Inside your IRCC account:
- Select “Apply to come to Canada.”
- Answer the eligibility questionnaire.
- If eligible, the system generates a personal reference code.
- Use this code to start your Express Entry profile.
5. Complete All Profile Sections
You must enter accurate information about:
A. Identity and Personal Background
- Name
- Passport details
- Marital status
- Country of residence
B. Contact Information
C. Education History
- Degrees/diplomas
- ECA report number (if applicable)
- Institution details
D. Language Test Results
- Test type
- Scores
- Test report number
E. Work Experience
- NOC codes
- Full-time/part-time
- Date ranges
- Job duties summary
F. Job Offer (If applicable)
- LMIA number
- Employer details
(Only valid LMIA-backed offers or certain exemption categories qualify for points.)
G. Provincial Nomination (If applicable)
- You can update this later if you receive a nomination.
H. Family Information
I. Settlement Funds (If required)
Double check all information for accuracy.
Incorrect details can lead to refusal after ITA.
6. Submit Your Profile
Once complete:
- Submit the Express Entry profile
- Receive CRS score
- Your profile enters the Express Entry pool for 12 months
You can update your profile anytime (new job, higher IELTS score, new baby, etc.).
7. Monitor Draws and Improve Your CRS Score
IRCC conducts regular draws to invite candidates with the highest CRS scores.
You can improve your score by:
- Retaking IELTS/CELPIP for a higher CLB
- Gaining more Canadian work experience
- Completing a provincial nomination (adds +600 CRS points)
- Completing a Canadian credential
- Obtaining a valid job offer
- Improving French language proficiency
- Adding spouse’s education/language scores
The most powerful boosts are:
PNP nomination +600,
IELTS upgrade,
French score,
Canadian work experience.
8. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS meets the cut-off in a draw:
- You will receive an ITA through your IRCC account
- You have 60 days to submit a full PR application with documents
(police checks, reference letters, medical exam, proof of funds, etc.)
9. Submit Full PR Application and Wait for Decision
After submitting your complete application:
- IRCC reviews eligibility, admissibility, and documentation
- Processing can take several months depending on stream
If approved:
- You receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Complete landing steps and become a permanent resident
