Do I need translated birth and marriage certificates?

Yes, if they are in Sinhala or Tamil. The Registrar General’s Department issues certified translated copies in English.

Can my spouse’s education 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 Sri Lanka: degree assessment, tests and police certificates

Sri Lankan applicants enter Express Entry with an education credential assessment (ECA), an approved language test and skilled work experience. The steps that slow people down are usually the ECA and gathering certified, translated civil documents. Start both early.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated: September 28, 2026

Calculate my CRS score

At a glance

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 Sri Lanka	Test sittings listed in ColomboSource: CELPIP: Test locations in Sri Lanka
Police clearance	Online through Sri Lanka Police; about 14 working daysSource: Sri Lanka Police: Clearance application instruction sheet (English)
Settlement funds (single person)	CAD 15,263 (about LKR 3.56 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 Sri Lankan degree assessed for Express Entry?

Choose an IRCC-designated organization, such as WES, and follow its document rules for Sri Lanka. Most ask for transcripts sent directly by your university. Check the organization’s current rules before you request documents, because each one sets its own.

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 Sri Lanka?

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. CELPIP lists test sittings in Colombo.

How do I get a police certificate from Sri Lanka for PR?

Apply online through Sri Lanka Police. A new application takes about 14 working days. If your name on your NIC and passport differ, upload an affidavit certified by an Attorney at Law or Justice of the Peace. Sri Lankans who left permanently before age 16 apply through a Sri Lankan embassy or high commission.

How much money do I need for Express Entry from Sri Lanka?

A single Federal Skilled Worker applicant needs CAD 15,263 in settlement funds under IRCC’s current table, about LKR 3.56 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 LKR 371,000) and CAD 270 per dependent child.

What CRS score do Sri Lankan applicants need?

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

Express Entry (PR) from Sri Lanka: FAQ

: Yes, if they are in Sinhala or Tamil. The Registrar General’s Department issues certified translated copies in English.
: 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 Sri Lanka 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.