Many people believe Express Entry works only on numbers: get a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and an invitation to apply (ITA) will follow.
While the CRS score is very important, it is not the only factor that leads to success. Other elements, such as being eligible for certain draw types, the timing of profile creation, and submitting a strong and complete application on time, can be just as important.
To be considered for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry, candidates must meet all eligibility rules for at least one Express Entry program, including work experience, language ability, and education. Without meeting these basic requirements, candidates cannot enter the pool or receive an invitation.
This article explains the top factors that impact Express Entry PR success.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
The Candidate Stage
Being Eligible For A Category-Based Draw
Many candidates focus only on improving their CRS score. However, one of the most effective ways to increase the chance of receiving an ITA is to become eligible for category-based selection (CBS), which often has lower score cut-offs.
Category-based draws are designed to invite candidates who meet Canada’s current labour needs or language goals, such as filling job shortages or increasing French-speaking immigration outside Quebec. This means that even candidates with lower CRS scores may receive invitations if they meet category rules.
By gaining six months of work experience in an eligible occupation (inside or outside Canada) or reaching an NCLC level 7 in French, candidates can improve their chances of receiving PR through Express Entry.
This option is especially helpful for candidates who do not have high CRS scores for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws or do not have a provincial nomination, which would otherwise add 600 CRS points and make them eligible for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
Getting A Provincial Nomination Through Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have access to the Express Entry pool and often search for candidates who match their local labour needs. Provinces invite these candidates to apply for provincial nomination through enhanced streams, which add 600 CRS points to the candidate’s profile.
Provinces select candidates based on the details in their Express Entry profiles, such as work experience, education, job offers, local study or work history, and alignment with regional needs.
By keeping the Express Entry profile accurate and complete, candidates improve their chances of being noticed by a province and receiving a nomination. Once nominated, candidates become eligible for PNP draws, which usually have smaller pools and higher chances of success.
Building Eligibility For A CEC Draw
If candidates do not qualify for a category-based draw and do not have a provincial nomination, then becoming eligible for a CEC draw is often the only remaining option. This requires at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience.
This is because IRCC no longer holds:
- General draws
- “No Program Specified” draws
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) draws
- Federal Skilled Trades Program draws
The last non-CEC draw was held in February 2023, which was for the FSWP.
In recent months, CEC cut-off scores have also decreased. For example, the January 21 draw had a cut-off score of 509. This means that candidates no longer need scores in the mid-500s to receive an invitation, thus making CEC a more realistic option for many.
Time Of Profile Creation
Another one of the top factors that impact Express Entry PR success is the time of profile creation.
When multiple candidates have the same CRS score at the cut-off, IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule to decide who receives an ITA. In these cases, candidates who submitted their Express Entry profile earlier are invited first.
This means two people with the same CRS score can have different outcomes based only on when they entered the pool.
Keeping The Profile Accurate And Updated
Keeping an Express Entry profile accurate and current is critical. This helps avoid receiving an ITA based on an incorrect CRS score, expired language tests, or changes in family status. It also ensures that candidates can move forward with their application once invited.
If a candidate receives an ITA but later discovers that their true CRS score is lower than the draw cut-off, they must decline the ITA.
By maintaining an accurate profile, candidates increase their chances of receiving and keeping an ITA and successfully obtaining PR.
Updating the profile can also help candidates get invited early if they are close to meeting work experience requirements. The system counts work experience by months and years, so some candidates may receive ITAs slightly before reaching a full year of experience. However, they must meet all work experience requirements by the time they submit their PR application within 60 days.
If any errors or false information are found during the application stage, such as missing documents or incorrect claims, the application may be refused.
The Applicant Stage
Being Admissible To Canada
Admissibility is a key factor in Express Entry success. Even with a high CRS score and an ITA, candidates must pass medical and security checks to receive PR.
All applicants must complete an immigration medical exam. In some cases, family members, even if they are not accompanying the applicant, must also complete medical exams. If IRCC finds medical inadmissibility, the application may be refused, though some candidates may be able to overcome this decision.
Police certificates are another common challenge. Candidates who have lived in multiple countries may face delays in obtaining certificates. IRCC expects applicants to provide the correct documents or proof that they made best efforts to obtain them. If IRCC finds a candidate criminally inadmissible, PR may not be granted. In some cases, criminal rehabilitation or deemed rehabilitation may help overcome this issue.
Candidates already in Canada must also maintain valid legal status, such as visitor, student, or worker status. Managing status correctly is important. IRCC notes that working without valid authorization can make a candidate ineligible for Express Entry.
Meeting The PR Application Deadline
A high CRS score and an ITA are only part of the process. Candidates must also submit a complete PR application within the 60-day deadline.
This includes filling out all forms and uploading all required documents. Many of these documents take time to obtain, such as:
- Employer reference letters with job duties and hours
- Police certificates from multiple countries
- Translations of documents
- Medical exam results
- Proof of funds, when required
Being “invitation-ready” improves the chances of success. Letting an ITA expire leads to removal from the pool, and the candidate must create a new profile, which may be disadvantageous due to tie-breaking rules in future draws.
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