Canada's Express Entry system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programmes: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Once you submit a profile, it remains active in the pool for exactly 12 months. Understanding what happens when that period ends is essential for planning your immigration journey and avoiding unnecessary setbacks.
The 12-month validity period begins the moment Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts your profile. During this time, you remain in the pool of candidates, and your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in periodic draws. If you do not receive an ITA before your profile expires, it is automatically removed from the pool.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Validity period | Express Entry profiles remain active for exactly 12 months from submission |
What happens at expiry | Profile is automatically removed from the pool; no ITA can be issued after expiry |
Resubmission | You may create a new profile immediately after expiry with no waiting period |
CRS score retention | Your new profile is scored independently; previous scores do not carry over |
Official guidance | Check current Express Entry requirements and draw history on the IRCC Express Entry page |
What happens when your Express Entry profile expires
When the 12-month period ends, IRCC automatically removes your profile from the pool. You will no longer be considered for any Express Entry draws, and you cannot receive an ITA based on that expired profile. The system does not send a formal notification before expiry, so tracking your submission date is your responsibility.
If you had a job offer, provincial nomination, or other supporting documents tied to your original profile, those credentials do not automatically transfer to a new submission. You will need to ensure all supporting elements remain valid and re-enter them when you create a fresh profile.
Importantly, profile expiry does not penalize you or create a gap in your immigration history. It simply means you must resubmit if you wish to remain in the pool. There is no waiting period, application fee for the profile itself, or limit on how many times you may resubmit.
The resubmission process after expiry
Creating a new Express Entry profile after expiry follows the same steps as your initial submission. You will need to provide updated information, including language test results, educational credential assessments, work experience details, and proof of funds. Each of these elements has its own validity period, so verify that your supporting documents remain current before resubmitting.
Steps to resubmit your profile
Confirm that your language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) are still valid; most tests are accepted for two years from the test date.
Ensure your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) remains valid; check the issuing organization's guidelines for expiry.
Update your work experience details to reflect any new employment or changes in your current role.
Recalculate your CRS score using the updated information; your score may change due to age, additional work experience, or improved language results.
Create a new profile through your IRCC secure account, entering all information accurately.
Submit the profile and receive a new Express Entry number and job seeker validation code.
Your new profile is treated as a completely independent submission. IRCC does not reference your previous profile or CRS score, and you start fresh in the pool with your recalculated score.
Strategies to maximize your chances before expiry
The months leading up to expiry are an opportunity to strengthen your application. Many candidates use this time to improve their CRS score, increasing the likelihood of receiving an ITA before the profile expires.
Improve your language test scores
Language proficiency carries significant CRS weight. Retaking your test to achieve higher scores in reading, writing, listening, or speaking can add dozens of points. If your current test results are nearing their two-year validity period, schedule a retest well before your profile expires so you can update your score in time.
Gain additional work experience
Each additional year of skilled work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 role can increase your CRS score. If you are close to completing another year, consider timing your resubmission to reflect that experience.
Pursue a provincial nomination
A provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. Many provinces operate Express Entry-aligned streams that allow them to nominate candidates directly from the pool. Research whether your occupation and experience align with any provincial priorities, and consider applying to a PNP before your profile expires.
Explore employer sponsorship
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the role and whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) supports it. You can explore current Canadian employers offering visa sponsorship to identify companies actively hiring skilled workers and supporting immigration pathways.
Common questions about profile expiry and resubmission
Can I update my profile instead of resubmitting after expiry?
No. Once your profile expires, it is permanently removed from the pool and cannot be reactivated or updated. You must create an entirely new profile if you wish to continue participating in Express Entry draws.
Will my CRS score stay the same if I resubmit immediately?
Not necessarily. Your CRS score is recalculated based on the information you provide in your new profile, including your age at the time of resubmission. If you have aged into a lower age bracket, your score may decrease. Conversely, additional work experience, improved language scores, or a new credential can increase your score.
Is there a fee to resubmit an Express Entry profile?
No. Creating and submitting an Express Entry profile is free. You only pay fees if you receive an ITA and proceed to submit a permanent residence application. Current application fees are listed on the IRCC permanent residence application page.
What happens if I receive an ITA just before my profile expires?
If you receive an ITA before your profile expires, you have 60 days from the date of the invitation to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The expiry of your original profile does not affect your ITA or the 60-day deadline. Ensure you submit all required documents within that window to avoid your ITA being cancelled.
Can I have multiple Express Entry profiles active at the same time?
No. IRCC permits only one active profile per person at any time. If you attempt to create a second profile while one is still active, the system will reject the new submission. You must wait until your current profile expires or withdraw it manually before creating a new one.
Maintaining momentum in the Express Entry pool
The 12-month validity period is a fixed feature of the Express Entry system, designed to ensure that candidate information remains current. While expiry can feel like a setback, it also offers a natural checkpoint to reassess your strategy, update your credentials, and strengthen your application.
Between draws, monitor your CRS score relative to recent cut-offs published by IRCC. If your score consistently falls below the threshold, use the time before expiry to pursue score-boosting measures: language retests, additional credentials, or provincial nominations. If your score is competitive, ensure all supporting documents remain valid so you are ready to respond immediately if you receive an ITA.
For candidates nearing expiry without an ITA, resubmission is straightforward and penalty-free. Treat it as an opportunity to present the strongest possible profile, reflecting your most recent achievements and qualifications.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw my profile before it expires and resubmit immediately?
Yes. You may withdraw your profile at any time through your IRCC secure account. Once withdrawn, you can create a new profile immediately. Some candidates do this to update information mid-cycle, though it is often simpler to wait until expiry unless you have a significant change (such as a new provincial nomination or job offer) that would substantially increase your CRS score.
Does Express Entry profile expiry affect my eligibility for other Canadian immigration programmes?
No. Express Entry profile expiry only removes you from the federal Express Entry pool. It does not affect your eligibility for Provincial Nominee Programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program, or other pathways. Many candidates pursue multiple routes simultaneously.
What if my language test or ECA expires while my profile is active?
If a supporting document expires while your profile is in the pool, IRCC may remove your profile or reduce your CRS score. You must ensure all credentials remain valid throughout the 12-month period. If a document is nearing expiry, update your profile with new test results or assessments before the old ones lapse.
