Before you start: documents to have ready
- Passport or travel document.
- Language test results from IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada, less than 2 years old. See language requirements.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for education completed outside Canada, less than 5 years old. Not needed for Canadian credentials.
- Work history for the last 10 years with the correct NOC code and TEER level for each job.
- Proof of funds figures if you apply under FSW or FST without a job offer. See proof of funds.
- Provincial nomination number, job offer details or Canadian credential details if they apply to you.
Steps to create the profile
- Sign in to (or create) your IRCC secure account.
- Answer the eligibility questions. If you used the Come to Canada tool, enter your personal reference code.
- Fill in personal details, education, language results, work history and family information. Your progress is saved, and you can come back later.
- Submit within 60 days of starting, or the draft is deleted and you must start again.
- If you are eligible, you enter the pool and see your CRS score. Check it against our CRS calculator.
After you submit
Your profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months. You can update it at any time, for example after a new language test, another year of Canadian work or a nomination, and your score is recalculated. A profile becomes ineligible if, for example, your language results or ECA expire, your funds fall below the minimum, or your primary occupation changes so that you no longer qualify.
Common mistakes that cost points or lead to refusal
- Claiming the wrong NOC code or TEER level for a job.
- Counting work done while a full-time student, or self-employment, toward the Canadian Experience Class.
- Entering an overall band instead of each skill score, or results that will expire before you apply.
- Choosing "with spouse" when the partner is a Canadian citizen or PR, or is not coming. In those cases you are scored as single. See spouse and common-law.
- Claiming points you cannot prove with documents after the ITA. Misrepresentation can lead to a five-year ban.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to create an Express Entry profile?
Many people finish in one or two sittings once their documents are ready. IRCC gives you 60 days from the time you start to submit.
Can I edit my profile after submitting?
Yes, until you receive an invitation. Updating it recalculates your CRS score.
Do I enter my children in the profile?
Dependent children's details are requested only if you are invited to apply.
What happens when my profile expires after 12 months?
It is removed from the pool. If you are still eligible you can create a new profile.
Want your own number? The CRS calculator scores your profile under the 3 November 2026 rules, or and download a PDF report.