Express Entry Tips
What it is
Express Entry is the name of the online system Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage the applications of skilled workers. There are three main programs connected to this system: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program (with its own preliminary criteria) and the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program. There are also six priority categories of work included in this system aimed at meeting specific economic goals intended to supplement the main programs.
How it works
There are specific eligibility criteria for each program. Once an applicant determines their eligibility based on their employment, education, and language abilities, they may create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the system by answering more detailed questions about the type of work experience they have; their highest level of education; their spouse’s work and education history, if applicable; age; and several other questions. Each answer is assigned a certain number of points based on selection factors and some of these areas are combined to offer extra points for adaptability factors. The applicant will receive a total Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score when their profile is complete.
If the score is competitive enough, the applicant may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an upcoming round of invitations. If it is lower than the cutoff in a particular draw, the applicant remains in the pool with other applicants for up to 12 months and waits for an ITA. If no ITA is issued within 12 months, the EOI will expire. It can, however, be recreated and submitted for consideration a second time.
If a CRS score is high enough to merit an ITA in one of the rounds of invitation, the applicant will have 60 days to submit a complete permanent resident application via the Express Entry platform.
DOs and DON’Ts
DO ensure you have valid language test results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) before you create your EOI. Why?
You may be lucky to receive an ITA shortly afterward and it will take longer than 60 days to obtain these documents.
You also run the risk of having actual language scores that do not match what you entered in the EOI, which could make you vulnerable to a finding of misrepresentation if you submit the application.
DO answer all questions in the EOI and application truthfully without omissions. Why?
IRCC will identify lies, embellishments and omissions as misrepresentations, which could lead to a rejection of your application and a 5-year ban from entering Canada.
DO translate all necessary documents before creating the EOI. Why?
IRCC only accepts documents in English and French, and it can take time to translate and certify identity documents or other supporting documents.
You will only have 60 days to submit a complete application.
DON’T despair if you think your CRS score is low. Why?
You can continue to improve it by improving your language score or work experience, or by focusing your employment and experience on one of the six categories to increase your chances of getting an ITA.
Sometimes obtaining foreign work experience is an option.
Update your profile as necessary to reflect the changes.
DON’T lose your focus. Why?
You know the areas in which you are not getting maximum points, and you can improve these areas by focusing.
If it’s language, keep studying English or French.
If it’s work experience, add another year of experience to your profile when you can.
If it’s your spouse’s language or work experience keeping points below scores receiving ITAs, have your spouse improve those areas.
Trying to do too much will spread your resources thin and small improvements across several areas won’t necessarily improve your score.
DON’T worry too much about losing points for age. Why?
Young people receive higher points because they are seen to be more adaptable, but they don’t have a lot of work experience.
More experienced applicants often have several years of work experience, sometimes inside and outside of Canada, as well as multiple degrees.
These areas will make up for many points lost for age.
Final Reminders
If you are applying through the CEC class, remember that work experience gained as a student is not eligible work experience nor is self-employment.
If you are applying through the FSW program, work experience gained as a student may be eligible work experience as is self-employment, provided you have the proper documentation.
Under the FST program you may have more than one job to meet the eligible work experience, but the jobs must be in the same trade.
If your chosen program requires proof of funds, the funds must accommodate your family, even if they are not accompanying you, on the application. You must be able to demonstrate you can support yourself and any dependents for up to 6 months after arriving in Canada.
If you are applying through Express Entry and you want to plan your strategy, get support with your EOI or application, reach out to us at COMPASS Immigration Solutions. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process.