7 Common Express Entry Mistakes You Must Avoid

Surya Rathee
[Published 15 Jun, 2024 | 04:16 PM]
About Author - 5 min read
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Canada is undoubtedly one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world.

According to the current Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will seek to welcome over 1.5 million permanent residents (PR) by 2026. A majority of which, will be applying under the globally-renowned Express Entry Program.

The journey to apply for Canada PR under Express Entry is exciting. But, despite being the most popular and fastest way to achieve Canadian permanent residency, navigating the intricacies of the Express Entry Program is not everyone’s cup of tea - especially if you’re new to immigration. For this very reason, many immigrants applying through Express Entry face rejections/refusals.

So how do you avoid this?

You can either,

• Consultant with an ICCRC-registered immigration consultant, or
• If applying by yourself, prepare a complete, flawless application.

To help you save the trouble, we have compiled a list of the top 7 common mistakes Express Entry applicants make and how you can avoid them.

1. Misrepresentation

One of the silliest errors applicants make is by providing false or misleading information in their Express Entry application. Misrepresentation leads to a direct rejection/refusal - and a potential ban on re-applying for any type of Canadian Visa. Honesty is the key when it comes to Canada Immigration. Be clear and accurate when providing any details in your Express Entry application. Do not lie, you will be caught.

2. Missing/Incomplete/Expired Documents

Submitting missing/incomplete/expired documents is an easy oversight. For instance, language test results, such as the IELTS and CELPIP, are usually valid for 2 years. Gather all your documents and triple-check everything. Make sure you've got all the necessary paperwork sorted out and that everything is up to date. No missing documents, no sloppy forms.

3. Waiting Too Long to Apply

Time is of the essence when it comes to Express Entry. If you are eligible under Express Entry or any of its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) linked streams, apply as soon as possible. The Canadian PNPs change frequently and immigration categories open & close quickly. If you don’t have an application in the Express Entry pool, you could miss out on a lot of Canada PR opportunities.

4. Failing to demonstrate Proof of Funds

If you’re applying under the Express Entry Program, you will be required to demonstrate proof of funds. Proof of funds shows that you have funds available to support yourself and your family in Canada. The amount required depends on the family size. Make sure that you have the necessary funds to support yourself, your spouse or partner, and any dependent children. Failing to do so, will reject your application.

5. Criminal Inadmissibility

Past criminal convictions, even seemingly minor ones, can lead to inadmissibility in Canada. For a crime to make someone inadmissible to Canada, it must be the equivalent of a crime in Canada. One of the most common reasons to be deemed inadmissible is a conviction for impaired driving. However, Canada's immigration system offers many options to address these issues related to criminal inadmissibility.

6. Health-related Issues

Medical conditions that pose a risk to public health or safety can result in inadmissibility. If you fail the Canadian immigration medical exam, you may not be allowed into Canada. If you’re either not allowed in Canada due to criminal or medical reasons, it is best that you seek guidance from an immigration consultant to understand the best course of action depending on your situation.

7. Un-Authorized Immigration Representative

Beware of fraudsters posing as authorized Canadian immigration representatives. Check the credentials of any immigration and visa consultants you plan to hire. Canadian immigration consultants should have a valid seven-digit College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) number. Lawyers are governed by provincial law societies and do not have a CICC number. Only hire the best immigration consultants.

Going through the Express Entry system successfully requires attention to detail and adherence to guidelines. By avoiding these common mistakes and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can enhance your chances of a smooth and successful Express Entry application process.  If you’re having trouble, seek a quick free consultation from the Canada immigration consultants at Nationwide Visas.

Good Luck!

Read More: Pro Tips to Create an Express Entry Profile