To create an Express Entry profile, you need to confirm that you may qualify under at least one of the three Express Entry programs, gather your language test result, ECA if you are using foreign education, NOC and TEER details, passport information, and proof of funds if your program requires it, then complete the profile through your IRCC secure account.
In this guide
- What is an Express Entry profile?
- Which Express Entry program should you qualify under?
- What do you need before you start?
- Which language tests are accepted for Express Entry?
- What are the minimum language levels?
- Do you need an ECA before creating the profile?
- How do you find your NOC and TEER?
- How much proof of funds do you need?
- What counts as proof of funds?
- How do you create the profile online?
- What happens after you submit?
- How long is an Express Entry profile valid?
- What if your situation changes after you enter the pool?
- What happens if you get an invitation to apply?
- Common mistakes when creating an Express Entry profile
- Questions people actually ask
- Should you create the profile yourself or get help?
An Express Entry profile is not a permanent residence application. It is the online profile IRCC uses to decide whether you can enter the Express Entry pool. If IRCC finds you eligible, your profile enters the pool, you receive a CRS score, and you wait for a round of invitations. Creating a profile or entering the pool does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
What is an Express Entry profile?
Express Entry is the online system Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada uses to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs.
Program | Who it is for | Official source |
Canadian Experience Class | Skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience | |
Federal Skilled Worker Program | Skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience | |
Federal Skilled Trades Program | Skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade |
Your profile tells IRCC about your age, education, language ability, work experience, family details, NOC, TEER, settlement funds, job offer if any, and other factors that may affect eligibility and ranking.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
Which Express Entry program should you qualify under?
You do not choose the program manually after you submit your profile. IRCC uses the answers in your profile to decide which Express Entry program or programs you appear to qualify for. If you qualify for more than one program, IRCC says invitations are issued in this order: Canadian Experience Class, then Federal Skilled Worker Program, then Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
Program | Key minimum points to understand before creating the profile | Official source |
Canadian Experience Class | You need at least 1 year of eligible skilled Canadian work experience, or 1,560 hours, gained in Canada within the 3 years before you apply. The work must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, paid, authorized, and performed while you had temporary resident status. Self employment and work gained while you were a full time student usually do not count. | |
Federal Skilled Worker Program | You need at least 1 year of continuous paid skilled work experience, or 1,560 hours, in the same NOC as your primary occupation, within the last 10 years. The work must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. You also need CLB 7 in English or French and must score at least 67 out of 100 on the Federal Skilled Worker selection grid. | |
Federal Skilled Trades Program | You need at least 2 years of full time work experience, or 3,120 hours, in an eligible skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply. You must also have either a valid full time job offer for at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. |
What do you need before you start?
Prepare these details before you open the profile. Some items are needed to submit the profile. Some are needed later if you receive an invitation to apply.
Item | Why it matters | Official source |
Passport or travel document | IRCC says you may need information from your passport or travel document. If your passport will expire within 6 months from the day you apply, IRCC recommends renewing it. | |
Language test result | You must take an IRCC approved language test and enter the test result details in your Express Entry profile. | |
ECA for foreign education | If you completed education outside Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment for immigration purposes if you are applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program as a principal applicant, or if you want CRS points for foreign education. | |
NOC code and TEER category | IRCC uses the 2021 National Occupational Classification to identify and categorize jobs by TEER category. Your NOC must match the work you are claiming. | |
Proof of funds amount | Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades candidates usually need proof of settlement funds, unless an IRCC exception applies. Canadian Experience Class candidates do not need proof of funds. | |
Job offer details, if you have one | A valid job offer may still matter for program eligibility, even though IRCC removed CRS job offer points on March 25, 2025. | |
Personal reference code, if you used Come to Canada | If you used IRCC’s Come to Canada tool, the personal reference code transfers some answers into your profile. IRCC says the code expires 60 days after you get it. | https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=830 |
Which language tests are accepted for Express Entry?
IRCC accepts specific language tests for Express Entry. You must enter the test result details in your profile, including the test result form or certificate number and PIN if the system asks for it.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html
Language | Accepted tests listed by IRCC | Important note |
English | IRCC says IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry. PTE must be PTE Core. | |
French | TEF Canada, TCF Canada | French results are measured against NCLC levels. |
Your language results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application. IRCC says an application will be refused if language results expire before you apply for permanent residence.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html
What are the minimum language levels?
Program | Minimum language level | Official source |
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 0 or TEER 1 work | CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in each ability | |
Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or TEER 3 work | CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in each ability | |
Federal Skilled Worker Program | CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in the first official language | |
Federal Skilled Trades Program | CLB 5 or NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 or NCLC 4 for reading and writing |
Do you need an ECA before creating the profile?
You need an ECA if you completed education outside Canada and you want that education to count for Express Entry. IRCC says you need an ECA for immigration purposes if you are applying as a principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or if you want points for foreign education.
You do not need an ECA for a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate. If you want points for 2 or more credentials, IRCC says you need an assessment for each credential, and at least one of those credentials must be for 3 or more years of study.
An ECA must be less than 5 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and when you submit your permanent residence application.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/education-assessment.html
How do you find your NOC and TEER?
Your NOC is not just a job title. IRCC says it uses the 2021 National Occupational Classification to identify and categorize occupations by TEER category. You should search the official NOC website, choose NOC 2021, find the closest match, and write down the numeric code, job title, and TEER.
The job duties matter. If your title sounds close but the lead statement and main duties do not match your actual work, the NOC may be wrong.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html
How much proof of funds do you need?
IRCC says the proof of funds amounts are updated every year based on 50 percent of the low income cut off totals. These numbers must be confirmed again before publishing and again before a client submits a profile.
Current official source checked: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
Family size | Funds required in Canadian dollars |
1 | $15,263 |
2 | $19,001 |
3 | $23,360 |
4 | $28,362 |
5 | $32,168 |
6 | $36,280 |
7 | $40,392 |
Each additional family member | $4,112 |
Your family size includes you, your spouse or common law partner, your dependent children, and your spouse or common law partner’s dependent children. IRCC says you must include your spouse or partner and dependent children even if they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and even if they are not coming to Canada with you.
You usually need proof of funds for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC says you do not need proof of funds if you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, or if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, even if you are applying under FSWP or FSTP.
Important: the Express Entry system may still ask for proof of funds documents after you receive an invitation. If proof of funds does not apply to you, IRCC says you must upload a letter explaining that you were invited under CEC or that you have both a valid job offer and authorization to work in Canada.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
What counts as proof of funds?
IRCC says the funds must be available when you apply and when a permanent resident visa is issued. You must be able to legally access the money. IRCC says you cannot use equity on real property and you cannot borrow the money from another person.
If your spouse is coming with you, IRCC says you may count money held in a joint account. You may also count money in an account under your spouse’s name only, if you prove you can access the money.
For proof, IRCC requires official letters from banks or financial institutions. The letters must be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead and include contact information, your name, outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans, and for each account, the account number, date opened, current balance, and average balance for the past 6 months.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
How do you create the profile online?
You create the Express Entry profile through your IRCC secure account.
Official account page: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
1Step 1: Prepare your documents and numbers
Before you sign in, gather your passport, language test result, ECA report number if using foreign education, NOC and TEER, work history dates, education dates, family details, settlement funds amount if required, and job offer details if you have a valid job offer.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents.html
2Step 2: Sign in to your IRCC secure account
IRCC lists two sign in options for the secure account.
Sign in option | What it means | Official source |
GCKey | A Government of Canada username and password. IRCC says anyone in any country can sign up for GCKey. | https://www.canada.ca/en/government/sign-in-online-account/gckey.html |
Canadian Interac Sign In Partner | A sign in option using participating Canadian online banking credentials. | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html |
IRCC says you should use the same sign in option every time because the option is tied to your account and profile.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html
3Step 3: Create or access your account
If you use GCKey, create a username, password, recovery questions, and recovery email. After creating the GCKey credentials, you still need to register for the IRCC service account.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/sign-in-online-account/gckey.html
4Step 4: Start the Express Entry profile
Inside the IRCC secure account, start the Express Entry profile. If you used the Come to Canada tool, enter your personal reference code when asked. If you did not use the tool, continue by answering the questions directly in your account.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
5Step 5: Enter your personal details
Enter the details requested by the online profile. This normally includes personal information, family details, education, language test results, work history, NOC, TEER, settlement funds if required, job offer details if applicable, and other eligibility information.
IRCC says you can exit the profile at any time and your information will be saved. IRCC also says dependent children are not asked about until after you are invited to apply.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
6Step 6: Submit within 60 days
IRCC gives you 60 days to complete and submit the Express Entry profile. If you do not complete and submit it within 60 days, you must start again.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
7Step 7: Review carefully before submitting
Before submitting, check every date, NOC, TEER, language score, ECA number, funds amount, marital status, and work history answer. IRCC warns that giving false information or leaving out important details can lead to refusal, a finding of inadmissibility, and a 5 year ban from applying to come to Canada for any reason.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
What happens after you submit?
If IRCC finds that you are eligible for at least one Express Entry program, your profile is placed in the pool. IRCC gives your profile a Comprehensive Ranking System score and ranks you against other candidates in the pool.
IRCC uses the CRS to assess, score, and rank profiles. Rounds of invitations are held, and IRCC says it invites top candidates from the pool. IRCC’s rounds page says rounds happen about every 2 weeks, but the program, category, number of invitations, and CRS cut off can vary.
Official sources: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-rounds.html
How long is an Express Entry profile valid?
If you are not invited to apply within 12 months of submitting your Express Entry profile, IRCC says the profile automatically expires and is removed from the system. You can create a new profile after expiry. If your profile is about to expire, IRCC suggests printing screenshots to make re entering the information easier.
IRCC says not to create a new profile until the existing one expires. If you create a new one before expiry, you need to withdraw the existing profile first.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html
What if your situation changes after you enter the pool?
Update your Express Entry profile if your situation changes. IRCC gives examples such as a change in career, gaining or losing a job offer, a change in language test results, marital status changes, or having a new child.
Your profile can become ineligible while in the pool if your work experience no longer meets requirements, your language test expires, your ECA expires, you no longer have enough proof of funds, or you change your primary occupation.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
What happens if you get an invitation to apply?
If you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, IRCC sends a message in your account telling you which program you were invited under and what to do next. The invitation is valid for 60 days only.
After an invitation, you complete the permanent residence application, upload the documents in your personalized checklist, and pay the required fees in your account. IRCC says a profile alone does not count as applying for Express Entry. You only answer yes to having applied for Express Entry before if you submitted an electronic permanent residence application.
Common documents after invitation can include the documents used for your profile, police certificates, proof of funds, birth certificates for dependent children, Use of a Representative form IMM 5476 if you hired a representative, common law union form IMM 5409 if you declared common law status, marriage certificate if married, divorce documents if divorced, death certificate if widowed, and adoption certificate if a dependent child is listed as adopted.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html
Common mistakes when creating an Express Entry profile
Mistake 1: Creating the profile before language results are ready
You need valid language test results to complete the profile. The results must still be valid when you apply for permanent residence. Language tests expire after 2 years for Express Entry purposes.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html
Mistake 2: Using the wrong IELTS test
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training for Express Entry. IELTS Academic is not listed as an accepted Express Entry test. IRCC also says IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted for Express Entry.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html
Mistake 3: Forgetting that foreign education needs an ECA for points
A foreign credential does not automatically give CRS education points. IRCC says you need an ECA for immigration purposes if you want points for foreign education, or if you need it for Federal Skilled Worker eligibility as the principal applicant.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/education-assessment.html
Mistake 4: Picking a NOC by job title only
IRCC uses the NOC to categorize work by TEER. A job title alone is not enough. The NOC must match the actual duties and job requirements of your work.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html
Mistake 5: Misunderstanding proof of funds
CEC candidates do not need proof of funds. FSWP and FSTP candidates usually do, unless they are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. IRCC may still ask for a proof of funds document upload after invitation, and if you are exempt, you must upload an explanation letter.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
Mistake 6: Assuming a job offer still gives CRS points
IRCC removed CRS points for job offers on March 25, 2025. A valid job offer can still matter for eligibility under some programs or streams, but it does not add CRS points under the current IRCC rule.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/job-offer.html
Mistake 7: Letting someone else control your sign in
If a representative helps you, make sure you understand what is being submitted and keep access to your own information. IRCC lists IMM 5476 Use of a Representative as the form used if you hire a representative after invitation. A consultant should not leave you unable to see what was submitted.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html
Mistake 8: Leaving out important information
IRCC warns that false information or missing important details can lead to refusal, inadmissibility, and a 5 year ban. Do not try to hide jobs, refusals, family changes, marital changes, or other material information.
Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html
Questions people actually ask
Should you create the profile yourself or get help?
You can create your own Express Entry profile through your IRCC secure account. The hard part is not just clicking through the online form. The hard part is making sure your program eligibility, NOC, TEER, ECA, language results, proof of funds, work history, and family details are entered correctly before you submit.
KGraph can help review your eligibility, identify the right NOC and TEER, prepare your profile strategy, and avoid avoidable mistakes before you enter the pool.
Last verified July 2026. Reviewed by an RCIC. General information, not legal advice.
Prepared by KGraph Immigration Consultants. This guide is for informational purposes only. For personalized immigration advice, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
