Prepare Your Express Entry Application: Required Documents
Here is the list of documents required for Express Entry documents for your initial profile
For your Express Entry Profile:
- Passport or travel document: Proof of your valid identification.
- Language test results: Demonstrate your English or French proficiency through approved tests.
- Educational credential assessment report (ECA) (if applicable): If you completed your education outside Canada and want points for it, you'll need an ECA from a designated organization.
What documents are required if you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
- All documents used in your profile: Upload copies again.
- Police certificates: Provide police certificates from all countries you've lived in for six months or more as an adult.
- Proof of funds: Demonstrate you have enough financial resources to support yourself and any dependents upon arrival in Canada.
- Medical exam results: Complete a medical exam by a designated physician after receiving the ITA.
- Birth certificates (if applicable): Needed for any dependent children included in your application.
- Use of a Representative form (optional): If using a representative for your application.
Express Entry is open to skilled workers who meet the minimum requirements in education, work experience, language proficiency (English or French), and age. There's no cost to create an Express Entry profile.
However, to be invited to apply for permanent residence (receive an ITA), you'll need a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is based on the factors mentioned above and typically needs to be higher than the cut-off score set during regular Express Entry draws (held about every two weeks).
No, a job offer is not mandatory for Express Entry. However, a valid Canadian job offer can significantly boost your CRS score by an additional 50 or 200 points (depending on the offer). A higher score increases your chances of receiving an ITA.
There are several ways to improve your CRS score, including:
- Obtaining higher scores in English or French language tests.
- Getting an educational credential assessment (ECA) for foreign education.
- Gaining more skilled work experience.
- Qualifying for additional points through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Yes, immigration consultants can guide you through the Express Entry process, including:
- Assessing your eligibility.
- Creating your Express Entry profile.
- Optimizing your application for a higher CRS score.
- Assisting with the Invitation to Apply (ITA) stage, including document gathering and application completion.