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Express Entry from India: degree assessment, tests and police certificates

Indian applicants enter Express Entry with an education credential assessment (ECA), an approved English test and skilled work experience. Mark sheets and transcripts from Indian universities often take weeks to arrange, so start the ECA early.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


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At a glance

ECA organizations for most applicantsWES, ICAS, CES (University of Toronto), IQAS, ICES (BCIT)Source: IRCC: Educational credential assessment
Language tests acceptedIELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core (English); TEF or TCF Canada (French)Source: IRCC: Express Entry language tests
CELPIP in IndiaTest centres in several cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and HyderabadSource: CELPIP: Test locations in India
Police certificatePolice Clearance Certificate; character certificates are not acceptedSource: IRCC: How to get a police certificate, India
Settlement funds (single person)CAD 15,263 (about INR 10.34 lakh), not needed under CEC or with a valid job offer and work authorizationSource: IRCC: Express Entry proof of funds

How do I get my Indian degree assessed for Express Entry?

Choose an IRCC-designated organization, such as WES, and follow its document rules for India. Each organization decides how transcripts and degree certificates must reach it, for example directly from your university. Read its India rules before you order documents.

You usually only need your highest credential assessed. To get points for two credentials, each must be assessed, and one must be 3 years or longer for full points.

An ECA is valid for 5 years for Express Entry.

Which English test should I take in India?

IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are not accepted for Express Entry. Results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply for PR.

How do I get an Indian police certificate for Express Entry?

IRCC accepts a Police Clearance Certificate from the passport office, your local district police station, an Indian embassy or consulate, or BLS International. Character certificates are not accepted, and certificates limited to one area or time period are also refused.

How much money do I need for Express Entry from India?

A single Federal Skilled Worker applicant needs CAD 15,263 in settlement funds under IRCC’s current table, about INR 10.34 lakh. Canadian Experience Class applicants, and those with a valid job offer and permission to work in Canada, do not need to show funds.

Government fees are CAD 1,590 per adult including the right of permanent residence fee (about INR 1.08 lakh) and CAD 270 per dependent child.

What CRS score do Indian applicants need?

There is no separate cut-off for India. Everyone in the pool competes on the same Comprehensive Ranking System score. Age, English score, education and experience matter most. A provincial nomination adds 600 points. Job offers no longer add CRS points.

Express Entry (PR) from India: FAQ

Only if your post-secondary credential is not equal to a Canadian one. Most applicants only assess their highest degree.
Yes, if your spouse is coming with you, their assessed education and language score can add points.
Yes. Most Federal Skilled Worker candidates have no job offer. Since 25 March 2025 a job offer adds no CRS points.

Official sources

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.