What Do You Need To Create An Express Entry Profile?

Ready to start your journey to immigrate to Canada via Express Entry? The initial step is to create a strong profile highlighting your skills. This profile allows you to share details with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about your age, language skills, education, work experience, and other relevant information. Profiles that meet the requirements will be added to the Express Entry pool, where you might get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

This post provides a basic guide on building your Express Entry profile to ease into the immigration process.

How To Choose Your Primary Occupation

Your primary occupation is the job you want to be evaluated for immigration, so it’s crucial to choose wisely.

• Federal Skilled Worker: Choose a skilled occupation where you've worked continuously for at least 12 months in the past 10 years.

• Canadian Experience Class: Your job must be in a skilled occupation in Canada where you've worked for at least 12 months in the last 3 years, with proper legal authorization.

• Federal Skilled Trade Worker: Select a skilled trade where you've worked for at least 2 years within the last 5 years.

Also, consider the needs of various provinces. Some provincial nominee programs target specific occupations, which could influence your choice and boost your chances of receiving an invitation.

Documents You Need to Submit The Profile

Submitting an Express Entry profile requires the following documents: 

How To Apply For The Express Entry Profile

Here are the step-by-step instructions to create an Express Entry profile: 

1. Save Your Personal Reference Code: Keep this code handy as you’ll need it to access your information later when creating your profile.

2. Register for an IRCC Account: Visit the designated page and choose one of two registration options:

• GCKey: Available to everyone, just create a username and password.

• Sign In Partner: Use this if you have a Canadian bank account.

3. Create Your Express Entry Account: After registration, you'll be prompted to enter your first and last name and set up security questions.

4. Apply to Come to Canada: Click on this option and enter your personal reference code. Some information will be auto-filled from earlier inputs.

5. Enter Your Details: Fill in your education, work experience, contact details, and more.

6. Review and Submit: Double-check all the information, submit your profile, and await an email confirmation that your profile is now in the Express Entry pool.

7. Join the Express Entry Pool: Once your profile is complete, you'll compete with other candidates for further steps in the immigration process.

Submitting Your Profile

Once you complete your profile, you can send it to the pool to be considered for the draw. Here, the profiles are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Accounts with the highest scores will be invited to apply for permanent residence through the periodic draws.

Your Express Entry profile will remain active for a period of one year. If you are not accepted for the application during this period, you can submit a new one.

While waiting, one can concurrently obtain your police certificates, which might take some time. Moreover, see how you can improve your CRS score by taking language tests again, obtaining additional education and/or work experience, and getting a job offer from Canada. Greater CRS score means that you have more chances of getting the Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Express Entry Profile Cost Breakdown

Creating an Express Entry profile and submitting it to the pool is free, but you may face expenses related to acquiring necessary documents such as language tests and the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Below is a table to help you estimate these costs:

Things To Keep In Mind

Creating and Submitting Your Profile

• Your Express Entry profile showcases your skills, experience, and potential for Canadian immigration authorities.

• The Express Entry system is highly competitive; ensure your profile stands out.

Tips for Success

• Understand the Process: Study the Express Entry system in detail, know the assessing criteria for different programs, and how the CRS score is calculated. Such information can help you to speed up the application process.

• Optimize Your CRS Score and Gather Documents: Pump up your CRS score by improving language scores or getting additional certifications. In addition, collect all the essential documents such as language test results and education reports to avoid any inconvenience.

• Create a Compelling Profile: Your profile is your opportunity to impress Canadian immigration officers. Think of it as a resume and ensure that it is comprehensive, accurate, and portrays your strengths and skills well.

• Prepare and Persist: Make sure your profile is always up to date and get ready for the application process. Persistence and readiness play a big role in increasing your chances of success.

Can You Update Your Profile After Submission?

Yes, you can update your profile if there are any changes to the information you initially provided. This includes:

• Starting a new job;

• Receiving new language test results;

• Getting married or divorced;

• Gaining or losing a job offer;

• Having or adopting a child.

Summing Up

When creating your Express Entry profile, it's crucial to answer all questions honestly. For instance, if your IELTS scores are currently low but you expect better results from a future test, it's wise to wait for those results before submitting your profile. Do not enter anticipated scores just to progress to the next stage. While falsifying information might initially seem to help, you will eventually need to provide proof for all claims made in your profile. If you cannot substantiate your claims because they are untrue, you risk being banned from entering Canada. This is a risk not worth taking.