The Canadian Express Entry system can be challenging to navigate and intimidating. While it provides a quick route to permanent residency, mistakes might ruin your application and diminish your desire to go to Canada!
Our top priority is making sure your PR application to Canada is accepted. As such, we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the difficulties of Canada’s Express Entry procedure.
We discussed the top six mistakes candidates make while submitting an express entry. Understanding these potential risks and how to avoid them will increase the likelihood of a seamless and fruitful application procedure.
This article seeks to equip you with the knowledge to approach your PR application confidently, whether you understand the complexities of eligibility criteria or ensure all material is accurate and complete.
1. Insufficient Full-time Experience in your Primary NOC Code
Declaring less than a year of continuous full-time experience (30 hours per week) in your primary NOC code at the time of profile submission is one of the most frequent Express Entry mistakes.
A NOC code may be automatically rejected if it does not correspond to one of the skill levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Solution: Ensure that your primary NOC code represents at least one year of verifiable, skilled, full-time job experience within the last 10 years.
It’s crucial to understand that your selected NOC code does not affect your ability to find work in Canada in the future.
You can work in any industry or function you choose as a permanent resident of Canada.
2. Insufficient Employment Reference Letters for Express Entry Applications
Employment reference letters are often interpreted as records from previous employers outlining qualifications for subsequent job applications.
However, for these letters to be accepted for Canadian immigration purposes, they must fulfill specific requirements. Express Entry reference letters should include:
- Your official job title.
- Dates of employment.
- Salary information.
- Average weekly hours worked.
- Detailed list of job responsibilities.
Solution: Make sure the documentation satisfies these specifications. If payslips do not contain salary information, they should be added to your reference letter.
Obtain a sworn statement regarding unfinished work from a coworker or supervisor.
Remember that the visa officer has the last say over what documents to accept; therefore, it is advised to strengthen your case with thorough supporting documentation.
3. Misrepresentation in Your Express Entry Application
Another common Express Entry mistake is providing accurate or complete information in the online profile or the permanent residence application.
This can lead to misrepresentation, a serious offense resulting in refusal, removal, or a five-year ban from future Canadian immigration processes.
Solution: Your application must be truthful, including revealing your professional background and any criminal or health concerns you or your traveling family members may have experienced.
If your circumstances change, you should also update your profile, which can impact your ranking or eligibility. For instance, if you change careers, get married or divorced, have a child, or acquire new qualifications.
Reduce the possibility of having an invalid Express Entry profile by being watchful to keep your profile legitimate and up-to-date. Furthermore, not all physical issues or prior criminal histories automatically bar candidates from immigration to Canada.
If you are unsure what to say, consult an immigration lawyer. The visa officer may decide to list any issues.
4. Failure to Show Enough Settlement Funds
You must show sufficient funds to settle in Canada to apply for Canadian immigration through the Express Entry system.
These funds are necessary to support yourself and your family upon arrival and are crucial in showing your ability to integrate into Canadian society.
Solution: Provide evidence of your settlement funds in the required amount per the current guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
These funds should be readily accessible and available in Canada to cover your initial living expenses.
5. Not Demonstrating the Intention to Live Outside of Quebec
Let’s say you are employed or residing in Quebec and plan to remain there once your immigration application is approved.
Ideally, you ought to apply for an immigration program to Quebec. You can still apply using the Express Entry process even if you reside in Quebec.
The same outcome applies to immigration applications filed in Quebec and the federal government: permanent residency in Canada!
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms safeguards your freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada as a permanent resident.
Solution: Provide the visa officer with enough evidence that although you may be working or living in Quebec now, upon approval of your Express Entry application, you will move out of Quebec.
This proof can come in many forms, but a sworn declaration of your intent to reside outside Quebec should be included in your application.
6. Missing Deadlines or Documents
Another frequent mistake in Express Entry applications is ignoring deadlines or supporting documentation when submitting the permanent residence application.
After receiving an ITA, applicants have just sixty days to finish and upload their application online and all necessary supporting documentation.
If they complete this task within a certain time, they can reenter the pool and forfeit their ITA.
Solution: After acquiring an ITA, applicants should begin getting their paperwork ready as soon as feasible. They should also carefully review the document checklist and adhere to the guidelines for adequately scanning and uploading it.
Police reports, health certificates, financial verification, and identity credentials are some necessary paperwork. By avoiding these mistakes, candidates can improve their chances of approval and realize their goal of becoming permanent residents of Canada.
It is crucial to carefully review the Express Entry document checklist and follow the guidelines for scanning and uploading papers.
Final Thought
Following the instructions and paying close attention to details are necessary to navigate the Express Entry system successfully.
Avoiding these common mistakes and getting expert help also increase your chances of an easy and successful Express Entry application procedure. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to apply for Express Entry?
The cost of applying for Express Entry depends on the program you are applying under and the number of family members included in your application. The fees include:
- Processing fee: This is the fee for processing your application for permanent residence. It is $850 per adult applicant and $230 per dependent child.
- Right of permanent residence fee (RPRF): This is the fee for acquiring permanent resident status in Canada. It is $515 per adult applicant. You can pay this fee at the same time as your processing fee or later, but you must pay it before you become a permanent resident.
- Biometrics fee: This is the fee for collecting your fingerprints and photos. It is $85 per person or $170 per family (if applying together). You must pay this fee when you submit your application online.
- Other fees: These are fees that you may have to pay to third parties to obtain documents or services that are required for your application. For example, language test fees, educational credential assessment (ECA) fees, police certificate fees, medical exam fees, etc.
2. What documents do I need to apply for Express Entry?
The required documents to apply for Express Entry depend on the program you are applying under and your situation.
However, some of the standard documents required include:
- Passport or travel document
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) report (if applicable)
- Proof of work experience
- Job offer letter (if applicable)
- Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
- Police certificates
- Medical exam report
- Proof of funds
- Marriage certificate or common-law partnership agreement (if applicable)
- Birth certificates or adoption papers of dependent children (if applicable)
3. How do I submit my application for Express Entry online?
- Sign in to your account on the IRCC website.
- Click the link to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry.
- Fill out all sections of the online form with accurate and complete information.
- Scan and upload all required documents according to the instructions for formatting them.
- Pay all applicable fees through your online account using a debit or credit card.
- Please review your application and make sure everything is correct before submitting it.
4. How long does it take to process my application for Express Entry?
The processing time for Express Entry applications varies by program and depends on several factors, such as:
- The completeness and accuracy of your application
- The volume of applications received by IRCC
- The verification of your information and documents
- The availability of biometrics collection points and medical exam providers
- The security screening and background checks
However, IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months or less. You can check the status of your application online through your account on the IRCC website.