Let’s discuss the top 7 myths and misconceptions about Canada Express Entry, which is one of the most popular immigration pathways designed by the Canadian government.
These are the top 7 myths or misconceptions that can affect your Canada visa application:
#1: Everyone is eligible to apply for Express Entry Profile
A common misunderstanding about Express Entry is that it is available to everyone. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must fulfill the standards of either the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. If you don’t meet all of these requirements, you won’t be able to submit an Express Entry profile. Even if you have taken an approved language test and received an educational credential assessment, these documents do not guarantee that your profile meets all criteria of any one of those three programs.
#2: You can immigrate to Canada if you submit an Express Entry profile
Not everyone who creates an eligible Express Entry profile will get to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence, as Invitations to Apply are only sent out based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Profiles remain valid for 12 months and must be renewed each year, however a low CRS score may prevent them from receiving an invitation, unless they can build their points score up. The Express Entry system is not a lottery; prospective applicants should use draw results as a gauge in determining if their CRS score would be competitive enough for success.
#3: No matter if you speak French or English, language scores don’t matter
All applicants must take either a French or English language test approved by Express Entry in order to be eligible for an immigration program. It does not matter what national language you originally spoke, nor which degree subject you studied. Some candidates wrongly assume that getting the lowest possible score is enough; however, this is not the case. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score boosts higher for those reaching Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 or above, particularly CLB 10 and above, since more points are then awarded for these levels.
#4: A job offer is required in order to submit an Express Entry profile
Not all applicants for Express Entry will require a job offer from a Canadian employer to be eligible. Depending on which immigration program they are eligible for, some may need an offer of employment while others may not. For Federal Skilled Workers, those who have enough points without the offer of employment can proceed with their application. Similarly, if a candidate has obtained a certificate of qualification to practice their trade in Canada issued by a provincial or territorial authority, then a job offer won’t be necessary for them either. On the other hand, having an appropriate job offer can increase one’s CRS score by 50 or 200 points—depending on NOC skill level—and grant them better chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
#5: Everyone who wants to raise their CRS score can submit a provincial nomination application
Each of the provinces (other than Quebec) and two of the territories of Canada are home to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Nevertheless, not all individuals are suitable candidates for these programs. Many PNPs require applicants to have a job offer in possession. Provinces that do not require employment may evaluate other criteria, such as the applicant’s primary National Occupational Classification code, Comprehensive Ranking System score, and any ties they possess with a particular province or territory.
#6: A province nomination is required for everyone who submits an Express Entry profile
A provincial nomination is not necessary for submitting an Express Entry profile but will add 600 points to the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Nevertheless, if their CRS is already high enough to be chosen on their own there is no need for a nomination. Obtaining such a nomination entails extra fees and more processing time as well as a commitment to live and work in the particular province.
#7: Living in Canada is restricted by Express Entry
The Express Entry system is used by workers and families wanting to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. If you are invited to apply, bear in mind that a provincial nomination would be available as well. Keep in mind that a move to Quebec is not possible unless applying directly via Quebec’s immigration programs since they do not accept Express Entry applications. For those who receive an Invitation to Apply as a provincial nominee, there will be an obligation to reside and work in the issuing province once granted permanent resident status. However, after gaining such status Canadians have the right to choose their place of residence across the country.
Consider the above-stated points when planning to apply for a Canadian PR visa and clarify some of the most common myths and misconceptions about Express Entry.
