Follow these simple steps to successfully set up your profile and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before creating your Express Entry profile, ensure that you are eligible. You can use the Government of Canada’s Eligibility Tool to check if you meet the criteria for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To complete your profile, you will need the following documents:
- Passport or Travel Document
- Language Test Results: Either IELTS (English) or TEF (French). Your test results must be less than 2 years old.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education was obtained outside Canada, you need an ECA to verify its equivalency to Canadian standards.
- National Occupation Classification (NOC): Determine the NOC code that applies to your work experience. You can find the correct NOC code here.
- Proof of Work Experience: Letters from employers detailing job titles, duties, and responsibilities.
- Proof of Funds: You will need to show that you have enough money to settle in Canada (except if you have a valid job offer or are applying under CEC).
- Book and complete your language test (IELTS or TEF).
- Once you receive your results, you will need the test number to complete your Express Entry profile.
If you have foreign education, request an ECA from one of the authorized organizations such as:
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- IRCC website
- Create a secure account using one of two options:
- GCKey
- Sign-In Partner (such as your bank)
- Log in to your account and select “Express Entry” under “Apply for permanent residence.”
- Fill in the required information regarding:
- Personal Details: Name, date of birth, marital status, etc.
- Language Proficiency: Enter your language test results.
- Education: Enter your highest level of education and ECA results (if applicable).
- Work Experience: Provide details about your work history, including NOC codes for each job.
- Proof of Funds: Declare the amount of money you have available.
- Job Offer (if applicable): If you have a valid job offer, you will need to provide details.
- Provincial Nomination (if applicable): If a province has nominated you, provide the nomination certificate.
- Review your profile to ensure all the information is accurate.
- Submit your profile. Once submitted, you will be entered into the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
If your CRS score is high enough, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during one of the Express Entry draws. Once you receive the ITA, you can proceed to apply for permanent residence.
Step 8: Keep Your Profile Updated
Update your profile if anything changes (e.g., language test results, work experience, or additional education).
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With these steps, you will have successfully created a Canada Express Entry profile! Make sure you submit accurate information and keep track of any changes to avoid complications in the process.
