Following is the simplified process of express entry in 10 steps: (Direct federal ITA – FSW)
Step : Take a Language test (CELPIP/IELTS/TEF/TCF) and achieve CLB 9.
(viz: band score of 8777 in LRWS in IELTS)
(viz: band score of 9999 in LRWS in CELPIP)
CLB 9 gives candidates additional language points boost of 70–90 points for language and skills transferability points if combined with a Masters’s degree or Bachelor’s + 1-year PGD.
If you are able to reach the score of 445+ without CLB 9, that is fine too. (Based on the recent draws in March 2019 and current trends)
ECA stands for Education Credential Assessment. It is done by multiple organizations (WES/ICAS/IQAS/ICES/CES/MCC/PEBC ) and provides you the Canadian equivalent degree assessment of your foreign education/credentials.
WES is the most preferred due to its speedier process of 4-7weeks.