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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 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html Federal Skilled Worker Program Skilled workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html Federal Skilled Trades Program Skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-trades.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents.html Language test result You must take an IRCC approved language test and enter the test result details in your Express Entry profile. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/education-assessment.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html 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. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/job-offer.html 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 CELPIP General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core 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 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html Canadian Experience Class, TEER 2 or TEER 3 work CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in each ability https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html Federal Skilled Worker Program CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in the first official language https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html Federal Skilled Trades Program CLB 5 or NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 or NCLC 4 for reading and writing https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html 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 Q: Can I create an Express Entry profile before I complete 1 year of Canadian work experience? People often ask this when they are close to reaching 1,560 hours for Canadian Experience Class. The safer point is to create the profile only when the work experience you are claiming meets the program requirement. For CEC, IRCC requires at least 1 year of eligible skilled Canadian work experience, equal to 1,560 hours, within the 3 years before applying. Community source:  Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html Q: Do I need anything else before creating the profile if I already have CELPIP, WES, CRS estimate, and a reference code? You should also confirm your NOC and TEER, passport details, work dates, proof of funds requirement, job offer details if any, and whether your ECA and language results are valid for Express Entry. A CRS estimate is not the same as eligibility, and the online profile must still be submitted through your IRCC secure account. Community source:  Official sources: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents.html | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html Q: Should I list all my work history or only the jobs I am claiming CRS points for? People ask this often because they worry about reference letters. At the profile stage, enter the information truthfully and consistently. After invitation, IRCC gives a personalized document checklist. For the permanent residence application, IRCC says the documents are used to check if you meet the program requirements, and the application can be refused or rejected if required documents are missing. Community sources:  | https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/ee-profile-include-all-work-history-or-only-work-for-which-i-can-claim-points.606508/ Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html Q: Do I need reference letters for every job? The online profile is based on information you enter. If you receive an invitation, the document checklist tells you what to upload. For work experience you rely on to meet eligibility or claim CRS points, you should expect to document it properly if requested. Community source:  Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html Q: Can I use multiple NOC codes in one profile? Yes, your work history can include more than one occupation if that is true. For Federal Skilled Worker eligibility, IRCC requires at least 1 year of continuous paid skilled work in the same NOC as your primary occupation. That is why the primary NOC must be chosen carefully. Community source:  Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html Q: Why did my profile become ineligible? Common reasons include expired language results, expired ECA, work experience that no longer meets the program requirements, not enough proof of funds, or a changed primary occupation. IRCC lists these as reasons a profile may become ineligible while in the pool. Community source: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/ineligible-express-entry-profile.804350/ Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/create-profile.html Q: Can I create a new profile after my old one expires? Yes. IRCC says if you are not invited within 12 months, your profile automatically expires and is removed from the system. You can create a new profile. If your current profile has not expired yet, IRCC says not to create a new one unless you withdraw the existing profile first. Community sources:  | https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/how-can-i-recreate-express-entry-profile-after-it-has-been-expired.438295/ Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html Q: Do I upload documents when I create the Express Entry profile? Usually, the profile stage asks you to enter information. If you receive an invitation, IRCC gives you a personalized document checklist and you upload documents for the permanent residence application. Community source: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/have-a-valid-offer-do-i-still-need-to-register-for-job-bank.488286/ Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html Q: Does my spouse need work reference letters? Spouse details can affect CRS in some situations. If work history is entered and the checklist asks for documents, you need to follow the checklist. Be careful not to enter work history only because it looks better. Enter accurate information and understand whether it actually affects your score or eligibility. Community sources: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/spouse-work-experience-letters-questions.389002/ | https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/do-i-need-to-submit-foreign-work-experience-documents-for-spouse-in-ee-after-ita.730024/ Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/apply-permanent-residence.html Q: Why is my CRS calculator score different from my profile score? The CRS calculator is only as accurate as the answers entered. The actual profile score depends on IRCC’s system and the details in your submitted profile, including language, ECA, work experience, spouse factors, job offer rules, and eligibility. If the profile shows 0 or ineligible, review the program requirements first. Community source: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/express-entry-profile-overall-score-0.693158/ Official source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score.html 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. Start Your Free Initial Eligibility Assessment 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). Related Articles How Express Entry Draws Work How the CRS Score Is Calculated ECA for Express Entry Express Entry Proof of Funds Express Entry Service

Your NOC code is the official Canadian occupation code for your job. Your TEER category tells IRCC the general level of training, education, experience and responsibilities connected to that occupation. In this guide What is NOC 2021? What is the TEER system? How is a 5 digit NOC code structured? How do you find your NOC code on the official Government of Canada NOC website? How do you use Job Bank to cross check your NOC? How do you know if your job duties match the NOC? Is there an official percentage of duties that must match? Which TEER levels qualify for Express Entry? Does your NOC or TEER affect CRS points? Can NOC still matter for CRS or invitations? Does TEER affect language requirements? Common mistakes when choosing a NOC Questions people actually ask A practical checklist before choosing your NOC When should you get help choosing a NOC? How KGraph can help For Express Entry, choosing the right NOC is not about picking the best sounding job title. It is about matching your real job duties to the official NOC profile. IRCC expects your work experience to match the NOC lead statement and most of the main duties for that occupation. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class, your work must usually be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, only specific trade groups are eligible. TEER 4 and TEER 5 work usually cannot be used as qualifying skilled work for Express Entry. Official IRCC NOC page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html)Official NOC website: (https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/)Official Express Entry eligibility page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html) What is NOC 2021? NOC means National Occupational Classification. It is Canada’s official system for classifying jobs. IRCC uses the NOC to understand what kind of work you did and whether that work can count for an immigration program. Canada now uses NOC 2021 for Express Entry. NOC 2021 uses 5 digit occupation codes and TEER categories. TEER means Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. Official sources:IRCC NOC page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html)Statistics Canada NOC 2021 introduction: (https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects/standard/noc/2021/introductionV1) What is the TEER system? The TEER system replaced the older NOC “Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, B, C and D” language. There are six TEER categories, from TEER 0 to TEER 5. TEER does not simply mean “good job” or “bad job.” It describes the usual training, education, experience and responsibility level for that occupation. TEER category What it generally means Express Entry note TEER 0 Management occupations Can qualify for Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class if all other program requirements are met TEER 1 Occupations that usually require a university degree, or previous experience and expertise from a related TEER 2 occupation Can qualify for Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class TEER 2 Occupations that usually require 2 to 3 years of post secondary education, apprenticeship training of 2 to 5 years, supervisory responsibilities, significant safety responsibilities, or several years in a related TEER 3 occupation Can qualify for Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class. Some TEER 2 trades may qualify for Federal Skilled Trades TEER 3 Occupations that usually require less than 2 years of post secondary education, apprenticeship training under 2 years, more than 6 months of on the job training, or several years in a related TEER 4 occupation Can qualify for Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class. Some TEER 3 trades may qualify for Federal Skilled Trades TEER 4 Occupations that usually require secondary school, several weeks of on the job training, or experience in a related TEER 5 occupation Usually not qualifying skilled work for Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class TEER 5 Occupations that usually need short work demonstration and no formal education requirement Usually not qualifying skilled work for Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class Official source: (https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects/standard/noc/2021/introductionV1) How is a 5 digit NOC code structured? NOC 2021 uses a 5 digit code. Each digit helps place the occupation inside Canada’s occupation system. Part of the NOC code What it shows First digit Broad occupational category Second digit TEER category First and second digits together Major group Third digit Sub major group Fourth digit Minor group Fifth digit Unit group The full 5 digit code is the unit group. This is the occupation code normally used when choosing your NOC for immigration. Official source: (https://www.statcan.gc.ca/en/subjects/standard/noc/2021/introductionV1) How do you find your NOC code on the official Government of Canada NOC website? Use this process before you submit an Express Entry profile or an application. Go to IRCC’s “Find your National Occupational Classification” page(https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html) Search your job title in the NOC table on the IRCC page. Write down the possible NOC code, job title and TEER category. Go to the official Government of Canada NOC website(https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/) Make sure you are using NOC 2021 Version 1.0. Search by your job title or by the 5 digit NOC code. Open the NOC profile. Read the lead statement, example titles, main duties, exclusions and employment requirements. Compare the NOC profile with what you actually did in your job. If the duties do not match, do not force the NOC. Search again using another job title or related occupation. IRCC says the NOC table on its page is a reference. If there is a difference, the official NOC website should be treated as the correct source. Official sources:IRCC NOC page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/find-national-occupation-code.html)Official NOC website: (https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/) How do you use Job Bank to cross check your NOC? Job Bank can help you understand occupation profiles in plain language. Go to Job Bank’s occupation search page(https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-occupations) Search your job title. Open the closest occupation profile. Check the NOC code shown on the Job Bank profile. Review the job description, duties, related job titles, wages and job requirements. Compare the Job Bank result with the official NOC website profile. Use the official NOC website as the final source if there is any difference. Job Bank is useful for checking related titles and common descriptions, but your final NOC choice should be based on the official NOC profile and your real job duties. Official Job Bank search page: (https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-occupations)Example Job Bank occupation profile: (https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/12536/ca) How do you know if your job duties match the NOC? Your NOC match should be based on what you actually did, not only on your job title. You should check three parts of the official NOC profile. Part of the NOC profile What to check Lead statement This is the general description of the occupation. Your work should fit this description Main duties Your real duties should match most of the main duties listed for the NOC Exclusions These show related occupations that may look similar but belong under a different NOC IRCC’s Express Entry instructions say applicants must show they performed the actions in the lead statement and most of the main duties for the occupation. The current Express Entry Ministerial Instructions use the wording “a substantial number of the main duties, including all of the essential duties.” Official sources:Federal Skilled Worker page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html)Canadian Experience Class page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html)Express Entry Ministerial Instructions: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-application-management-system/current.html) Is there an official percentage of duties that must match? No official percentage was confirmed. You may see people online say that 50 percent, 60 percent, 70 percent or 80 percent of duties must match. Those numbers are not official IRCC rules. The safer way to explain the rule is this: your job should match the lead statement and most of the main duties, including all essential duties where applicable. Do not choose a NOC only because it gives a better immigration result. Choose the NOC that best matches your actual work. Which TEER levels qualify for Express Entry? The answer depends on the Express Entry program. Express Entry program Which NOC or TEER work can qualify Main work experience rule Canadian Experience Class TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 At least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience, equal to 1,560 hours, in the 3 years before applying Federal Skilled Worker Program TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 At least 1 year of continuous paid work experience in the same NOC as the primary occupation, within the last 10 years Federal Skilled Trades Program Specific trade groups in TEER 2 or 3 At least 2 years of skilled trade work experience, equal to 3,120 hours, within the last 5 years For Federal Skilled Trades, not every TEER 2 or TEER 3 job qualifies. IRCC lists specific eligible trade groups. These include Major Groups 72 excluding Sub Major Group 726, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93 excluding Sub Major Group 932, Minor Group 6320 and Unit Group 62200. Official sources:Express Entry program comparison: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html)Canadian Experience Class: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class.html)Federal Skilled Worker Program: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html)Federal Skilled Trades Program: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-trades.html) Does your NOC or TEER affect CRS points? NOC and TEER affect eligibility more directly than CRS points. For example, if your work is TEER 4 or TEER 5, it usually cannot be used as qualifying skilled work for Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class. If the work does not qualify, you may not be eligible to enter or remain eligible in the Express Entry pool under that program. But a higher TEER does not automatically mean more CRS points. CRS points are based on factors such as age, education, language, Canadian work experience, foreign work experience, skill transferability, provincial nomination and other official CRS factors. Official CRS criteria: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html) Can NOC still matter for CRS or invitations? Yes, in some situations. First, your NOC can affect whether your work experience counts at all. If the work does not meet the TEER and duty requirements, you may lose eligibility or points connected to that work experience. Second, some Express Entry category based selection rounds are based on work experience in specific occupations. For those rounds, the exact NOC can matter because IRCC may invite candidates who have qualifying experience in listed occupations. Third, as of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed CRS points for arranged employment job offers. Before that change, some job offers could add 50 or 200 CRS points depending on the job. IRCC now says a valid job offer may still matter for some program requirements, but it no longer gives CRS points. Official sources:CRS criteria: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/check-score/crs-criteria.html)Category based selection: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html)Job offer page: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/job-offer.html) Does TEER affect language requirements? For Canadian Experience Class, yes. IRCC’s Express Entry program comparison shows different minimum language levels for CEC depending on TEER: CEC job TEER Minimum language level TEER 0 or TEER 1 CLB 7 TEER 2 or TEER 3 CLB 5 Official source: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html) Common mistakes when choosing a NOC Choosing by job title only This is one of the biggest mistakes. Your title may be “coordinator,” “assistant,” “specialist,” “supervisor” or “manager,” but those words alone do not decide your NOC. The official duties matter more. Choosing the NOC with the best TEER instead of the best match Some applicants try to move from TEER 4 to TEER 3, or from a non qualifying occupation to a qualifying one, by choosing a NOC with better immigration value. This is risky if the actual duties do not match. Using the old 4 digit NOC Express Entry now uses NOC 2021 with 5 digit codes and TEER categories. Do not use the old Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or Skill Level B language as your main classification. Assuming all TEER 2 and TEER 3 jobs qualify for Federal Skilled Trades Federal Skilled Trades is limited to specific trade groups. A job being TEER 2 or TEER 3 does not automatically make it eligible for FSTP. Using TEER 4 or TEER 5 work for Express Entry skilled work TEER 4 and TEER 5 work usually cannot be used as qualifying skilled work for Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class. Ignoring the exclusions section The exclusions section can show that a similar job belongs in a different NOC. Always check it before finalizing your code. Treating forum percentages as official rules There is no confirmed official percentage of duties that must match. Use IRCC’s wording: lead statement, most main duties and essential duties where applicable. Copying the NOC duties word for word There is no official rule confirmed that copied wording alone causes refusal. But your reference letter should honestly describe what you actually did. If the wording looks forced or does not reflect your real role, it can create problems. Assuming wage decides the NOC Wage can be useful context, especially on Job Bank, but no official Express Entry rule was confirmed that a specific wage automatically proves a NOC. The NOC choice should be based on the real duties and official NOC profile. Questions people actually ask Q: My job title is TEER 4, but my duties look like TEER 3. Can I choose TEER 3? Possibly, but only if the TEER 3 NOC genuinely matches your actual work. You should not rewrite or stretch your duties just to make the job qualify. IRCC looks at whether your work matches the lead statement and main duties of the NOC. Q: Does IRCC look at my job title or my job duties? Your job duties are central. Your job title can help, but it is not enough by itself. The title should make sense with the duties, but the NOC match should be based on the lead statement and main duties. Q: How many NOC duties must match? There is no official percentage. The official wording is most main duties, and the Express Entry Ministerial Instructions refer to a substantial number of the main duties, including all essential duties. Q: Can I copy the duties from the NOC website into my reference letter? Your reference letter should describe your real work. It is normal for some wording to be similar if the NOC is correct, but copying duties without reflecting your actual role can be risky. Q: What if my employer will not include enough duties in the reference letter? This is a common problem. Your work experience letter should support the NOC you are claiming. If the letter does not clearly show the lead statement and most main duties, the officer may not be satisfied that the work matches the NOC. Q: Do I need to meet the employment requirements listed in the NOC? This depends on the program and the occupation. For Federal Skilled Trades, IRCC specifically says you must meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC, except for needing a certificate of qualification. Q: Can I use more than one NOC in Express Entry? You may have work experience in more than one NOC. But for Federal Skilled Worker, your primary occupation must meet the program’s work experience rules, including at least 1 year of continuous paid work in the same NOC within the last 10 years. Q: If my NOC is TEER 3, can I still use it for Express Entry? Yes, TEER 3 can qualify for Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class if all other program requirements are met. For Federal Skilled Trades, the occupation must also be in one of the eligible trade groups listed by IRCC. Official source: (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply.html) Q: Does a manager NOC work if I am not officially a manager? Only if the duties and responsibilities genuinely match that manager NOC. A title like “manager” is not enough. At the same time, not having the word “manager” in your title does not automatically disqualify you if the actual duties match. A practical checklist before choosing your NOC Before you finalize your NOC, ask yourself: Am I using a 5 digit NOC 2021 code? Did I confirm the code on the official NOC website? Does my job fit the lead statement? Do my real duties match most of the main duties? Did I check the exclusions section? Is the TEER level eligible for my Express Entry program? Does my reference letter support the NOC I selected? Am I choosing this NOC because it is accurate, not because it gives a better result? Did I avoid relying on unofficial duty match percentages? Did I check whether my occupation may be relevant to category based selection? When should you get help choosing a NOC? You should be extra careful if: Your job title and duties point to different NOCs. Your role is close to TEER 3 or TEER 4. Your employer uses a generic title. You have duties from more than one occupation. Your reference letter is short or vague. You are relying on a manager or supervisor NOC. You are applying under a category based selection occupation. Your job is regulated, trade based or highly technical. A wrong NOC can affect eligibility, CRS points connected to work experience, category based selection and the strength of your application documents. How KGraph can help KGraph Immigration can review your job duties, reference letter and Express Entry strategy to help identify whether your selected NOC and TEER category are consistent with official requirements. KGraph is a licensed Canadian immigration and study abroad consultancy led by Mathews Benny, RCIC and CAPIC member. Toronto and Scarborough WhatsApp: +1 416 989 7788Mississauga WhatsApp: +1 905 516 7920Kitchener WhatsApp: +1 226 753 5747Kochi, India WhatsApp: +91 94470 05776Email: info@kgraph.caEligibility check: (https://kgraph.ca/eligibility-check) Start Your Free Initial Eligibility Assessment 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). Related Articles Express Entry Service Jobs in Demand for Canada Express Entry Category-Based Selection LMIA Service Immigration for Tech Professionals

If you completed your education outside Canada and want to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, you almost certainly need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). An ECA is the official document that verifies your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential. Without it, you cannot claim Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your education, and under the Federal Skilled Worker Program you will not even be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool. In this guide Who Needs an ECA for Express Entry? Which Credentials Do You Actually Need Assessed? The Critical "Immigration Purposes" Rule The Five Designated Organizations for General ECAs Regulated Professions: You Must Use a Designated Professional Body How Your ECA Translates into Points How Long Is an ECA Valid? Step-by-Step: How to Get Your ECA Questions People Actually Ask Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections Ready to Take the Next Step? This page covers everything in one place: who needs an ECA, which designated organization to choose, exact fees, processing times, how your education translates into points, and the mistakes that cause real applications to be rejected. Who Needs an ECA for Express Entry? The short answer is anyone who completed their education outside Canada and wants to benefit from it in their Express Entry profile. More precisely, you need an ECA in three situations. First, if you are applying as a principal applicant under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), an ECA is a mandatory minimum requirement. You cannot even enter the Express Entry pool under FSWP without one. Second, if you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and you want to claim CRS points for your foreign education, you need an ECA. You can technically enter the pool without one, but you would receive zero education points, which significantly lowers your CRS score. Third, if your spouse or common-law partner is accompanying you to Canada and you want to claim CRS points for their foreign education (up to 10 points), they also need their own ECA. You do not need an ECA for any education completed at a Canadian institution. Which Credentials Do You Actually Need Assessed? In most situations you only need to assess your highest completed credential. If you have a Master's degree, you assess the Master's degree only. You do not need a separate ECA for your Bachelor's degree. There is one important exception. If you want to claim points for "two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees," at least one of which must be for a program of three or more years, you need a valid ECA for each credential you are claiming. For example, if you hold a 3-year Bachelor's degree and a 1-year Post-Graduate Diploma, you would need two separate ECAs to claim the higher point bracket. The order in which you completed the credentials does not affect your points. If your post-secondary credential does not assess as equivalent to a Canadian credential, you can also get your secondary school (high school) credential assessed to at least claim points for completing high school. The Critical "Immigration Purposes" Rule You must order an ECA specifically for immigration purposes. If you submit an ECA that was issued for general employment, continuing education, or professional licensing, IRCC will reject your Express Entry profile or PR application outright. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes applicants make. When you apply to any designated organization, you will see different product types. Always select the immigration or IRCC-specific option. This is not a minor technicality. Applicants have had their PR applications rejected at the final stage because they submitted the wrong ECA type, and there is no appeal process. The Five Designated Organizations for General ECAs IRCC only accepts ECAs from organizations it has officially designated. All five general organizations were designated on either April 17, 2013 or August 6, 2015. IRCC treats reports from all five equally, so there is no official preference. The right choice depends on your situation, budget, and timeline. Organization Base ECA Fee Typical Processing Time Best For World Education Services (WES) C$264 + HST About 35 business days after documents accepted Speed; most widely recognized IQAS (Alberta Government) C$260 + C$25 admin fee About 15 business days after "In line" status Rush service available CES (University of Toronto) C$241.50 per application About 60 business days Up to 2 credentials per application fee ICAS Canada C$210 Varies (often longer) Budget-conscious applicants ICES (BCIT) C$200 per credential Varies BC-based applicants All fees are in Canadian dollars, are non-refundable, and are subject to change. Re-confirm on each organization's website before applying. WES (World Education Services). WES (wes.org/eca) is the most commonly used ECA provider for Express Entry. The base fee is C$264 plus 13% HST. Delivery fees are additional: standard mail is C$14, next-day courier within Canada is C$29, and international courier is C$97. WES processes your ECA in two phases after all documents are received and accepted: document review typically takes up to 4 weeks and the evaluation itself up to 2 weeks, for a total of about 35 business days. WES stores your verified documents electronically, which is useful if you need to renew or update your report later. IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service). IQAS (alberta.ca/iqas-immigration) is an Alberta government service. The fee is C$260 for the first credential, plus a mandatory C$25 administration fee, plus courier fees of C$25 (Canada) or C$90 (international). If you need your ECA quickly, IQAS offers a rush service for an additional C$250, which reduces processing to about 5 business days. Rush spots are limited and reset daily at 8:15 a.m. Mountain Time. Standard processing is about 15 business days once your application reaches "In line for processing" status. CES (Comparative Education Service, University of Toronto). CES (learn.utoronto.ca/comparative-education-service) charges C$241.50 per application, and as of September 2025 you can submit up to two credentials under a single application fee. Delivery options include a certified electronic copy for C$21, Canada/US courier for C$65, and international courier for C$83. Average processing time is 60 business days. ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service of Canada). ICAS (icascanada.ca) charges C$210 for its Canadian Immigration Assessment Package, which includes two original paper reports and an electronic copy. ICAS requires your institution to send official transcripts directly to their office. Documents submitted by the applicant in a sealed envelope are not accepted. Processing times vary, so contact ICAS directly. ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service, BCIT). ICES (bcit.ca/ices/eca) charges C$200 per educational credential. This includes two original hard copies and secure electronic access for IRCC. Courier delivery is optional at C$26 (Canada) or C$75 (international). ICES also offers a QR code electronic copy for C$50. Regulated Professions: You Must Use a Designated Professional Body If your primary occupation is as a physician, pharmacist, or architect, you cannot use the five general organizations above. IRCC requires you to use the specific professional body for your occupation. Occupation NOC Code Designated Professional Body Specialist physicians and surgeons 31100, 31101 Medical Council of Canada (mcc.ca) General practitioners and family physicians 31102 Medical Council of Canada (mcc.ca) Pharmacists (needing a licence to practise) 31120 Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (pebc.ca) Architects (needing a licence to practise) 21200 Canadian Architectural Certification Board (cacb.ca) Note for architects: if you already have a valid ECA from one of the five general organizations that was issued before October 31, 2024, IRCC will still accept it. The CACB requirement applies to new ECA applications made after that date. If you are a pharmacist or architect in a role that does not require a provincial licence, you may use one of the five general organizations instead. How Your ECA Translates into Points Your education can earn you up to 150 CRS points if you are applying without a spouse, or up to 140 CRS points if applying with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner. Level of Education Points Without Spouse Points With Spouse Secondary diploma (high school) 30 28 One-year degree, diploma, or certificate 90 84 Two-year program 98 91 Bachelor's degree or 3+ year program 120 112 Two or more credentials (one must be 3+ years) 128 119 Master's degree or professional degree 135 126 Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) 150 140 Beyond the core education points, your education also contributes to Skill Transferability factors, where combining a post-secondary credential with strong language scores (CLB 7 or higher) or Canadian work experience can earn you up to an additional 50 CRS points. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program you must also score at least 67 out of 100 on the selection factors grid, where education is worth a maximum of 25 points: Ph.D. 25, Master's or professional degree 23, two or more credentials (one 3+ years) 22, Bachelor's or 3+ year program 21, two-year program 19, one-year program 15, secondary diploma 5. How Long Is an ECA Valid? Your ECA is valid for five years from the date it was issued. It must be valid on two separate dates: when you submit your Express Entry profile, and when you submit your final PR application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If your ECA will expire before you expect to apply, contact the issuing organization. Most organizations offer a renewal or re-issuance option for a reduced fee. If you apply with an expired ECA, IRCC will refuse your application. Step-by-Step: How to Get Your ECA Determine which organization is right for you. Check your occupation against the professional body requirements. If you are not a physician, pharmacist, or architect needing a licence, choose from the five general organizations based on your budget and timeline. Create an account and complete the application online. Select the immigration-specific ECA product. You will receive a reference number after applying. Pay the application fee. Fees are non-refundable. Gather and submit your documents. In most cases your institution must send official transcripts directly to the ECA organization, either by mail in a sealed stamped envelope or via secure electronic transfer. Documents submitted by the applicant in a sealed envelope are not accepted by ICAS and some other organizations. Wait for processing. Processing time begins only after all required documents have been received and accepted by the organization, not from the date you submitted your application. Receive your report and reference number. Enter both into the "Study and languages" section of your Express Entry profile. Keep your original documents. You will need to upload copies if you receive an ITA. Questions People Actually Ask Q: Do I need an ECA if I studied in the United States or the United Kingdom? Yes. Any education completed outside Canada requires an ECA, regardless of how internationally recognized the institution is. Can I enter the Express Entry pool while waiting for my ECA? Under FSWP, no. An ECA is a minimum requirement, and you cannot create a valid FSWP profile without it. Under CEC or FSTP you can technically enter the pool without an ECA, but you will not receive any CRS points for your foreign education. Do not claim to have an ECA in your profile if you are still waiting for the report, as this constitutes misrepresentation. My ECA says my Master's degree is equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor's degree. Can I dispute this? Most organizations have a formal appeal or review process. CES, for example, allows you to appeal within 90 days of the report date for a fee of C$199 (refundable if the appeal succeeds). You can also try a different designated organization, as each assesses independently and outcomes can differ. Does my ECA need to be translated if my documents are not in English or French? Your original academic documents do not need to be in English or French, but you will need certified translations of any documents that are not. Each organization has specific translation requirements. Q: Can I use the same ECA for multiple Express Entry profiles? Yes, for any number of profiles during its five-year validity, as long as it has not expired. What happens if my ECA expires while I am in the Express Entry pool? Contact the issuing organization to request a renewal or re-issuance, then update your profile with the new report details. If you receive an ITA and your ECA has expired, resolve this before submitting your PR application. Does my spouse need a separate ECA? Only if you want to claim CRS points for their foreign education, which can add up to 10 points. If you do not need those points, or if your spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and non-accompanying, they do not need an ECA. Can I use an ECA from one organization to apply to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? In most cases yes. Many PNP streams accept ECAs from the same IRCC-designated organizations, but some have specific requirements. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, for example, strongly recommends using WES and selecting the OINP as a recipient. Always check the specific stream. Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections Ordering the wrong ECA type. This is the single most common reason for a PR application rejection related to the ECA. Always order the immigration-specific version. Submitting documents yourself instead of through the institution. Most organizations require your institution to send transcripts directly, and will reject documents you send yourself even in a sealed envelope. Assuming processing time starts when you apply. It begins only after all required documents have been received, reviewed, and accepted. Not accounting for the ECA expiry in your planning. If you apply early and spend a long time in the pool, your ECA could expire before your ITA or PR application. Build the five-year window into your plan. Claiming two credentials without the right combination. To earn the "two or more credentials" bracket, at least one credential must be for a program of three or more years. Ready to Take the Next Step? Understanding your ECA is just one piece of the Express Entry puzzle. Your CRS score, language results, work experience, and the specific program you qualify for all play a role in your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply. Start Your Free Initial Eligibility Assessment Our team at KGraph, led by Mathews Benny (RCIC, CAPIC member), has helped over 10,000 clients navigate the Express Entry process. Reach us at info@kgraph.ca or on WhatsApp at Toronto/Scarborough +1 416 989 7788, Mississauga +1 905 516 7920, or Kitchener +1 226 753 5747. 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). Related Articles Create Your Express Entry Profile How the CRS Score Is Calculated Certified Translations Top 5 Express Entry Mistakes Express Entry Service