An Express Entry profile is valid for exactly 12 months (365 days) and cannot be extended. To avoid missing out on Canadian PR draws, you should gather your updated documents and create a brand-new profile immediately after your current one expires.
The Express Entry system is the primary pathway for skilled workers seeking Permanent Resident (PR) status in Canada. Whether you are currently working in Edmonton, studying in Winnipeg, or applying from overseas, maintaining an active presence in the candidate pool is essential. Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines your eligibility, but even a perfect score is useless if your profile expires.
Many candidates incorrectly assume that their profile will auto-renew or that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send them a grace period extension. ⚠ The reality is that federal immigration rules are absolute: your profile will vanish exactly one year after submission. Understanding the timeline and knowing exactly when to rebuild your profile is vital to ensuring you never miss an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step-by-Step Process: Rebuilding Your Profile in Canada
Creating a new profile follows the exact same process as your initial submission. You cannot simply click a “renew” button. You must start fresh in the IRCC portal, ensuring all your data is accurate and up to date.
Step 1: Monitoring Your Expiry Date
Log into your IRCC secure account well in advance. 🔍 The exact expiry date is displayed on your dashboard. Do not wait until the last minute. If your profile expires on a Tuesday, be prepared to spend Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning building the new one. IRCC will typically send a warning message to your portal a few weeks before the 12-month mark.
Step 2: Saving Your Previous Data
Because the old profile will disappear entirely, it is highly recommended to take screenshots or print your current profile details before it expires. This will save you hours of typing, as you will need to re-enter your 10-year work history, address history, and educational background exactly as they were to maintain consistency.
Step 3: Checking the Validity of Your Documents
Before you create the new profile, you must verify that your language test results (IELTS/CELPIP) and your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) are still legally valid. 📝 In Canada, language tests are only valid for 2 years, and ECAs are valid for 5 years. If they have expired, the system will instantly reject your new profile.
Step 4: Submitting the New Profile
Once your old profile expires, click the option to start a new Express Entry submission. Enter your updated test scores, work experience, and personal details. Upon submission, you will receive a new profile number and Job Seeker validation code, placing you back into the PR pool.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
While submitting an Express Entry profile is completely free, maintaining the supporting documents required to keep a profile active can be quite costly. As of May 2026, here are the estimated costs you might face when renewing your profile.
| Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IRCC Profile Submission | $0 (Free to submit) |
| Retaking Language Tests (IELTS/CELPIP) | $300 to $340 |
| Renewing an ECA (WES/ICAS) | $200 to $250 |
| Consulting a Law Firm for Review | $300 to $600 |
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): If you are applying for a provincial nomination in Ontario or Saskatchewan to boost your CRS score, provincial application fees can add anywhere from $250 to $1,500 CAD.
- Medical Exams: Do not get a medical exam just to renew your profile; wait until you actually receive your ITA to save money.
How Long Does the Process Take?
An Express Entry profile is valid for exactly 365 days. If you have saved your previous information and your language tests are still valid, typing out and submitting the new profile should only take about 1 to 2 hours. Once submitted, it can take up to 24 hours for the IRCC system to officially register you back into the active pool and display your new CRS score.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I create a new profile before the old one expires?
No. The IRCC system does not allow you to have two active Express Entry profiles at the same time. You must either wait for the current one to expire naturally or manually withdraw your current profile before creating a new one.
Will my CRS score change when I recreate my profile?
It is very possible. Your CRS score may drop if you have lost points due to age (candidates lose points every year after age 29). Conversely, your score might increase if you have gained an additional year of Canadian work experience during that time.
What happens if I receive an ITA the day before it expires?
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), your profile is essentially frozen. It will not expire while you are within your 60-day window to submit your final Permanent Resident application.
Do I need a lawyer to recreate my profile?
Most applicants in Canada can recreate their profile without legal help. However, if your marital status has changed, or you have gained foreign work experience that is difficult to classify under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, consulting a lawyer is a smart move.
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