Hello helpful people 
I've been sitting on the fence for a while and just decided to take the plunge and apply for a Canadian PR under Express Entry.
I have booked an IELTS date already, and now pre-emtively gathering employment reference letters.
Regarding employment reference, do we have to get the letter from all past employers (in the last 10 years)? I worked at two startups, both of which went bust and now I'm working in an established company. So I don't really know if I'll be able to get any employment reference letters from my first two employers.
And another question - do we first create a CIC profile, and then start gathering documents, or is it wise to gather documents first and then apply?
Any guidance in this regard would be appreciated.
- Newbie

I've been sitting on the fence for a while and just decided to take the plunge and apply for a Canadian PR under Express Entry.
I have booked an IELTS date already, and now pre-emtively gathering employment reference letters.
Regarding employment reference, do we have to get the letter from all past employers (in the last 10 years)? I worked at two startups, both of which went bust and now I'm working in an established company. So I don't really know if I'll be able to get any employment reference letters from my first two employers.
And another question - do we first create a CIC profile, and then start gathering documents, or is it wise to gather documents first and then apply?
Any guidance in this regard would be appreciated.
- Newbie