Do I need IBCC attestation for Express Entry?

Only if you want your secondary school (SSC or HSSC) assessed. Most applicants only assess their highest degree, which HEC attests.

Can my spouse’s Pakistani degree add points?

Yes, if your spouse is coming with you, their assessed education and language score can add points.

Is Express Entry possible without a job offer?

Yes. Most Federal Skilled Worker candidates have no job offer. A job offer no longer adds CRS points.

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

Pakistani applicants enter Express Entry with an education credential assessment (ECA), an approved English test and work experience. The step that most often slows people down is HEC attestation of degrees before the ECA. Start that first.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated: September 28, 2026

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At a glance

Degree attestation	HEC e-attestation online, PKR 3,000 per document, after your university verifies itSource: HEC Pakistan: Degree attestation
ECA organizations for most applicants	WES, ICAS, CES (University of Toronto), IQAS, ICES (BCIT)Source: IRCC: Educational credential assessment
Language tests accepted	IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core (English); TEF or TCF Canada (French)Source: IRCC: Express Entry language tests
CELPIP in Pakistan	Test sittings listed in Karachi and IslamabadSource: CELPIP: Test locations in Pakistan
Settlement funds (single person)	CAD 15,263 (about PKR 2.99 million), not needed under CEC or with a valid job offer and work authorizationSource: IRCC: Express Entry proof of funds

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

Choose an IRCC-designated organization, such as WES, and follow its document rules for Pakistan. Most require your degree and transcripts to be attested by HEC and sent in a way that proves they are genuine. HEC attestation is online and your university must verify the documents first.

You usually only need your highest credential assessed. To get points for two credentials, each must be assessed.

An ECA is valid for 5 years for Express Entry.

Which English test should I take in Pakistan?

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 many police certificates do I need from Pakistan?

IRCC asks for a certificate from each country where you lived 6 months or more since age 18. In Pakistan it is a Police Character Certificate or Police Clearance Certificate. Procedures differ by province, so apply for the province and district where you lived.

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

A single Federal Skilled Worker applicant needs CAD 15,263 in settlement funds under IRCC’s current table, about PKR 2.99 million. 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 PKR 311,100) and CAD 270 per dependent child.

What CRS score do Pakistani applicants need?

There is no separate cut-off for Pakistan. Everyone in the pool competes on the same Comprehensive Ranking System score, and cut-offs change with every draw. Age, English score, education and experience matter most. A provincial nomination adds 600 points.

Express Entry (PR) from Pakistan: FAQ

: Only if you want your secondary school (SSC or HSSC) assessed. Most applicants only assess their highest degree, which HEC attests.
: 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. A job offer no longer adds CRS points.

Official sources

Get your express entry (pr) file checked before you apply

Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Pakistan application, before IRCC does.

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.