How to Create an Online Express Entry Profile

For skilled workers seeking to immigrate to Canada, creating an Express Entry profile online is essential. Express Entry is an online system that Canada uses to manage immigration applications from Skilled Workers who meet the eligibility. There are three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. This guide will walk you through the steps to create an Express Entry profile, ensuring you understand the requirements and processes.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Express Entry
2. Eligibility Requirements
3. Gathering Necessary Documents
4. Creating Your Express Entry Profile
5. Submitting Your Profile
6. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
7. Post-ITA Steps

Express Entry is an online immigration application system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The system ranks candidates based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: This is for skilled workers with foreign work experience.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: Skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade.
• Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.

Eligibility Requirements

Before creating your profile, ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for one of the federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: Minimum of one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in the last ten years in a skilled occupation.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: Qualification in a skilled trade with a valid job offer or certificate of qualification.
• Canadian Experience Class: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years before you apply.

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Additional requirements include:

• Language proficiency in English or French (results from an approved language test).
• Educational credentials assessment (ECA) for your foreign degrees/diplomas.
• Proof of funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
• Gathering Necessary Documents

Before you start your Express Entry profile, gather all the necessary documents:

• Passport: A valid passport or travel document.
• Language Test Results: Results from an approved English or French language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Assessment for foreign education credentials.
• Work Experience Documents: Reference letters, employment records, or contracts.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial documents proving you have enough money to settle in Canada.
• Job Offer (if applicable): A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Creating Your Express Entry Profile

Follow these steps to Create your Express Entry profile:

1. Create a GCKey or Sign-In Partner Account: Register for an account on the Government of Canada website.
2. Complete the Online Form: Provide information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details.
3. Enter Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) Code: Identify your job title, skill type, and level.
4. Submit Your Language Test Results: Enter your test results as they appear on your certificate.
5. Submit Your ECA Report: If you have foreign education, submit your ECA reference number and date.

Completing an online Express Entry profile or entering the pool does not guarantee that you will get an invitation to apply for permanent residence. You can only apply when you receiev an invitation. You may exit the profile at any time. Your information will be in your account. You have 60 days to complete and submit your Express Entry profile. Otherwise, you will have to start again.

Submitting Your Profile

Once you have completed the form, you can submit your profile. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will assign you a score. Ensure all information is accurate and truthful, as misrepresentation can lead to a five-year ban from reapplying.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates with the highest CRS scores in the Express Entry pool will get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. The Canadian government conducts regular draws and issues ITAs to top-ranked candidates. Keep your profile up-to-date to increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

Post-ITA Steps

If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The post-ITA steps include:

• Submitting Medical Exams: Undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
• Providing Police Certificates: Obtain police certificates from every country you have lived in for six months or more since you turned 18.
• Uploading Documents: Upload all required documents, including proof of funds and work experience.
• Paying Fees: Pay the application processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee.

You will not need to enter information about your dependent children when you create an Express Entry profile. Canada will only ask you for this information if you get an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) and can track the status of your application online.

Creating an online Express Entry profile is a significant step towards immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and accurately completing your profile, you enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply and starting a new chapter in Canada.