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Express Entry from Indonesia: Complete Guide for Indonesian Applicants

Complete guide for Indonesian citizens applying through Canada's Express Entry system. Learn about eligibility, documents, language tests, and tips specific to applicants from Indonesia.

3 min readUpdated 2026-04-09

Express Entry from Indonesia

Overview for Indonesian Applicants

Indonesia is a growing source country for Canadian immigration. The Indonesian Canadian community, while smaller than some other Asian diaspora groups, is present in Toronto, Vancouver, and other major cities. Indonesia's large population and growing middle class produce increasing numbers of skilled professionals interested in Canadian immigration.

Indonesian applicants bring professional skills in technology, engineering, natural resources, and finance. Canada's stable economy, quality education, and multicultural society attract Indonesian professionals seeking international career growth.

Eligibility Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

  • Work experience: One year of continuous full-time skilled work in the past 10 years
  • Language ability: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French
  • Education: Post-secondary credential with an ECA
  • Selection grid: Minimum 67 out of 100

Sector Strengths

  • Technology: Software development, fintech, digital startups
  • Engineering: Mining, petroleum, civil engineering
  • Finance: Banking, accounting, investment
  • Natural resources: Forestry, environmental science
  • Education: Teaching, academic research

Language Tests Available in Indonesia

IELTS (General Training)

IELTS is widely available:

  • Jakarta: Multiple centres
  • Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan: Test centres available

English preparation is important for Indonesian applicants, as Bahasa Indonesia is the primary language.

PTE Core

PTE Core centres operate in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali.

French Language Tests

Alliance Francaise centres in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung offer TEF and TCF.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Indonesian Education System

  • Sarjana (S1, 4 years): Assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degree
  • Magister (S2, 2 years): Assessed at Canadian master's level
  • Doktor (S3): Assessed at doctoral level
  • Diploma (D3, 3 years): Assessed below bachelor's level

Degrees from institutions accredited by BAN-PT (National Accreditation Board for Higher Education) are recognized.

ECA Process

  • WES: Requires transcripts and ijazah (diploma) with certified English translation.
  • IQAS: Also accepts Indonesian credentials

Documents Specific to Indonesia

Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK)

Indonesian applicants need a Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK):

  1. Apply at the local police station (Polres or Polda)
  2. Submit: KTP (national ID), passport, photographs, fingerprints
  3. Processing: Usually 1 to 5 business days
  4. For Indonesians abroad: Apply through the Indonesian embassy or consulate

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Indonesia:

  • Jakarta: Several designated clinics
  • Surabaya: Panel physicians available

Additional Documents

  • KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk): National ID card
  • Akta Kelahiran: Birth certificate
  • Akta Nikah: Marriage certificate if applicable
  • Employment reference letters: Translated into English

CRS Score Tips for Indonesian Applicants

  1. Invest heavily in English: Language scores are the key improvement area for most Indonesian applicants.
  2. Master's degree: Adds meaningful CRS points.
  3. Learn French: Alliance Francaise Jakarta offers courses.
  4. Provincial Nominee Program: Various provinces offer pathways.
  5. Canadian education: Study-to-PR pathway is effective.

Settlement in Canada

Indonesian Communities Across Canada

  • Toronto (Ontario): Indonesian community with restaurants and cultural events
  • Vancouver (BC): Indonesian presence in the broader Southeast Asian community
  • Calgary (Alberta): Smaller Indonesian community

Cultural Organizations

  • Indonesian Canadian communities: In Toronto and Vancouver
  • Indonesian cultural events: Independence Day celebrations, food festivals
  • Southeast Asian community centres: Broader regional networks

Key Resources

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