True or False? 10 Express Entry Myths

Canada’s immigration programs are recognized as some of the best in the world. The wide range of visa options and unique solutions for immigrants makes them quite appealing. But it’s not just that which makes everyone cuckoo for Canada – it’s also the lifestyle Canada offers. With excellent work opportunities, competitive salaries, stunning landscapes, and the lowest crime rates in the world, Canada is perfect for those seeking adventure, personal development, or a new home.   

One of the most popular ways people obtain permanent residence in Canada is through the Express Entry program. New methods for dealing with incoming applications have been adopted, which means much faster processing periods. However, not everyone is as knowledgeable about the Express Entry program as they might claim. We have personally encountered many misconceptions, which we would like to break down for you today.

We listed below some of the most rampant Canada immigration myths about the Express Entry Program:

Myth 1: Anybody Can Be Part of the Express Entry Pool

Fact: Only persons who are qualified for Canadian immigration through a federal economic immigration program can join the Express Entry pool if you are.

One of the biggest Canada immigration myths is that everyone who wants to move to Canada, regardless of age or level of skill, may gain entry to the Express Entry Pool.

This is not true. In fact, applicants must meet one of the current federal economic immigration programs’ qualifications:

• The Canadian Experience Class

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Myth 2: You Need to Have a Job Offer to be Eligible for Express Entry

Fact: A job offer is not completely necessary, but it will definitely boost your chances.

Canadian employers are permitted to have a significant impact via Express Entry, but you do not need to have a job offer to obtain permanent residency in Canada under the new program.

If you are an applicant in the Express Entry system, you will be awarded points and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Under this scheme, you can be granted up to 1,200 points – 600 of which would be allocated if you have been given either a qualifying job opportunity or a provincial appointment credential.

Myth 3: The Qualified List of Jobs Under the Federal Skilled Worker Program Is Still in Use

Fact: As of January 1st, there is no list of eligible occupations

There has been a great deal of confusion among viable applicants about the issue of the older qualified FSWP occupation list and whether it stays in effect or will be revised. In reality, there is currently no eligible list of occupations at all.

Instead, applicants can simply be able to show that they’ve had at least a year’s job experience in a skilled occupation over the last 10 years. In terms of qualification, this is especially great news for viable applicants who may have not initially been included in the prior list of approved occupations.

Canadian jobs are classified under the National Occupational Classification, or NOC, codes. The codes are broken down by skill level and type so that you can verify whether your job is classified as eligible. It is also important to note that Express Entry will not be subject to the list of ineligible occupations for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Myth 4: Express Entry is the Only Way to Become an Economic Immigrant in Canada

Fact: Express Entry handles almost all of the programs for economic immigration; however, the provinces can still select immigrants outside the Express Entry system under a certain distribution.

Contrary to the Canada immigration misconceptions, the provinces and territories of Canada have an advantage in being able to pick a certain number of immigrants on the basis of their provincial labor market requirements (also known as the Provincial Nominee Program).

This indicates that even though the majority of economic immigrants have started to use the Express Entry route from 2015 onwards – along with a specific distribution of provincial candidates – each province and territory can still have a ‘base’ Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that they can use to choose immigrants who do not need to be qualified under Express Entry.

Myth 5: Once You have an Express Entry ITA, You Will Have Plenty of Time to Collect Documentation and Submit your Application in Less Than 60 Days

Fact: If you wait until an ITA (invitation to apply) is issued, you may find it hard to obtain all the paperwork you need to complete your application in less than 60 days.

Canada immigration myths make this process sound convenient. In reality, it is not easy to collect sufficient paperwork to accomplish your application to a suitable level (as far as CIC is concerned). It will require the collection of a number of personal documents, qualifications/educational accreditations, job references, letters, and several forms that must be completed precisely.

Myth 6: You Don’t Have to Pass Any Language Tests to Gain Entry to the Express Entry Pool

Fact: All applicants must complete a standardized French or English language test approved by the Government of Canada before they can be permitted to join the pool.

Contrary to common Canada immigration misconceptions, CIC has confirmed that all applicants must prove their language skills with either English or French (the national languages of Canada) in order to be included in the Express Entry pool.

Myth 7: Applicants Are Allowed to See Their Points and Standings Under CRS and Will Know How Many Points Are Needed for an Invitation to be Issued

Fact: Even though applicants will be allowed to see their overall points for the Comprehensive Ranking System and know the baseline points for the most recent draw, they would not be allowed to see their ranking. Applicants will also not be able to determine how many points would be necessary during the next draw from the Express Entry pool.

The Comprehensive Ranking System is primarily for the benefit of CIC, as an effective way of ranking the most qualified applicants. CIC has no intention of sharing data like how many points would be needed for future draws, although qualified applicants would be able to see the required points for draws that have already occurred.

Being able to see this information could aid you to focus on the number of points that you must aspire for, although passing does not give you any assurances that you’ll be accepted to apply for permanent residence via Express Entry.

Myth 8: You Can Use Express Entry to Provide Misleading Information to Immigrate to Canada

Fact: If you make a mistake on your application, you will be caught and face serious punishments.

Don’t make these 5 Common Canada Immigration Mistakes.

No matter how much you’d like to move to Canada, we do not recommend making things up on your application. Whether you’re hoping to obtain a few additional human capital credentials before being invited to apply, or just hoping that you won’t be caught, you can put your future chances of ever being able to immigrate at stake.

The Canadian government is very meticulous with checks when processing applications and falsified information can and will be discovered. The punishment for misrepresentation has doubled from two years to a total of five years of disqualification, in addition to a five-year ban on applications for permanent resident status.

Myth 9: Once You Have Created Your Express Entry Profile, You Can’t Modify It Even If You Boost Your Points

Fact: As an applicant, you are allowed to keep updating your profile any time while still in the Express Entry pool.

Among the many Canada immigration misconceptions, this one can indeed make applicants anxious. However, don’t panic! In fact, you will be openly expected to keep your profile up-to-date, because any advancements you do to your core factors, like gaining additional language skills, acquiring certifications, or accomplishing new job experience, can add to your total points in the Comprehensive Ranking System.

You may also begin receiving a provincial appointment or job offer from a Canadian employer that would give you a significant boost. While your status stays in the pool, it won’t be stuck at any time.

Myth 10: Express Entry Makes the Whole Process of Immigration Much Easier

Fact: The Canadian government is very meticulous in screening applicants, and you’ll need to provide a series of supporting documentation that must meet the requirements of the CIC.

The Canadian government has worked hard to improve its immigration system in such a way that will resolve the country’s labor force scarcity and meet its long-term economic needs.

This implies that immigration timelines are more efficient than before, but it does not necessarily imply that your application would be exempt to the very same degree of attention as before – in fact, it might be subject to additional scrutiny, so it is extremely important that you meticulously plan all of your legal documents and make sure that all of your information is 100% accurate.

You have to immigrate to Canada promptly after your PR application has been approved. Waiting longer can place your letter of acceptance at risk.

Interested to Apply for Express Entry?

In order to receive an invitation letter for permanent resident status, you must be selected from a population of qualified applicants. Our task is to set you apart from the rest of the applicants so you can move to Canada without a hitch. We will evaluate your situation, underline the best parts of your application, and ensure that you will be noticed by the government. With us, you are guaranteed that your possibilities of receiving an invitation are increased and maximized.

Contact us at Great North Visa today for an evaluation to see whether you are qualified for Express Entry to move to Canada, or fill in our online contact form!