If you’re getting ready to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you may be asking: How do I create and submit my Express Entry profile correctly?

Express Entry is a competitive, points-based system, and submitting your profile accurately is the first essential step to entering the pool and receiving a potential Invitation to Apply (ITA). Many applicants lose time or face delays because of mistakes in their profiles, but with the right steps, the process becomes straightforward.

This guide breaks down each stage in a clear, simple way so you can build your profile confidently and correctly the first time.

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible for Express Entry

Before thinking about documents or online forms, you must verify that you qualify for at least one of the three programs under Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

To do this quickly, you can use the government’s official Come to Canada tool. It asks questions about your education, work experience, language ability, and more. If you qualify, the system provides a personal reference code that helps you start your profile later.

Step 2: Collect All Required Information and Documents

This step makes the entire process smoother. The following items are needed to complete your Express Entry profile correctly.

Essential Items

• Valid passport
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) – must be less than 2 years old
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – required if your education is from outside Canada
• Proof of funds (unless exempt through Canadian work experience or a valid job offer)
• Work experience documents, such as reference letters with duties, dates, and NOC-related details
• Provincial nomination details, if you have one
• Job offer information, if applicable

Having all these ready ensures accuracy when completing the online form and prevents errors that could affect your CRS score.

Step 3: Create Your Secure IRCC Online Account

To begin your profile, you need an account on the official IRCC website.

You can create one using:

• A GCKey, or
• A secure sign-in partner (such as your bank login)

This account is your dashboard where you will start your Express Entry profile, upload documents, and later submit your PR application if you receive an ITA.

Step 4: Build and Submit Your Express Entry Profile

This is the most important stage for anyone asking, How do I create and submit my Express Entry profile correctly?

Start Your Profile

• Log into your IRCC account
• Choose “Express Entry” under the “Apply to Come to Canada” section
• Follow the prompts to begin entering your information

Complete Each Section Carefully

The profile will ask for:

• Personal history
• Passport details
• Family information
• Education levels
• Language scores
• Work experience
• NOC codes for each job
• Job offer or nomination information

Each detail must match your supporting documents. Even small mistakes like choosing the wrong NOC code, entering incorrect test results, or listing dates that don’t align can cause rejection later during PR processing.

Double-Check Everything

Review your entire profile before submitting.

Focus on accuracy in:

• NOC code
• Test reference numbers
• ECA results
• Dates of employment
• Contact information

Submitting your Express Entry profile is free, and once it is accepted, you will immediately receive your CRS score and join the pool.

Your profile remains active for 12 months, unless you receive an ITA before then.

Step 5: After Submitting – Wait for an ITA

Once your profile is in the pool, IRCC conducts regular draws to invite top candidates.

Draws may be:

• General
• Program-specific
• Category-based

If your CRS score is above the cut-off for that draw, you will receive an ITA. After receiving the invitation, you have 60 days to upload documents and submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR).

Your e-APR Will Include

• Police certificates
• Medical exam proof
• Detailed work history documents
• Biometrics
• Proof of funds (if required)

Now you know the answer to how do I create and submit my Express Entry profile correctly, from checking your eligibility to submitting your online form with accurate details. Following each step carefully increases your chances of entering the pool successfully and receiving an ITA without delays.

If you want expert support while preparing your Express Entry profile, correcting your NOC code, improving your CRS score, or completing your PR application, ImmigCanada is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact ImmigCanada today to get started on your pathway to Canada.