Top Tips and Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Express Entry Profile

In fact, last year, nearly a third of all profiles were ineligible, and of those that made it to the pool, less than a third received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). With these odds, it’s crucial to create the strongest profile you can. You can do this by following our top tips and avoiding common mistakes that so many get caught up in.

Key Takeaways:

• One-third of all profiles submitted to the Express Entry pool are ineligible.
• Thorough research and preparation can set you up for success.
• There are top tips to help you manage your application and common mistakes to avoid.
• Although there is no fee to enter the pool, significant costs are associated with gathering the necessary supporting documents so you need to make sure you have all the essential information going into this submission.
• Following our top tips and avoiding common mistakes can help you avoid disappointment.

Top Five Tips When Creating Your Express Entry Profile

Your Express Entry profile is like your resume to come to Canada. It is the first impression the Canadian government will have on your application and as such, should be approached with care and attention.

To make sure you are submitting the strongest profile possible, we’re sharing expert tips and strategies to help you improve your Express Entry profile and boost your chances of receiving an ITA.

Top Tip # 1: Research The Immigration Program You Qualify For

The Express Entry system is not an immigration program. It is a system used to process applications under three federal immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Researching the Express Entry system along with the immigration programs that use the Express Entry system is crucial to ensure eligibility, maximize your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and prepare accurate documentation. It helps you stay updated on policy changes, explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to boost your chances, and manage the financial and time commitments involved in applying through the Express Entry system.

Thorough research reduces the risk of mistakes that could delay or jeopardize your application while helping you explore alternative immigration pathways if needed. By understanding these aspects, you improve your chances of a successful Express Entry application.

Top Tip # 2: Research In-Demand NOC Codes

Researching in-demand National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes is helpful because certain occupations are prioritized in Express Entry draws. Understanding which NOC codes are in demand may mean you can better align your work experience with eligible occupations, improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

It is important to remember that you must prove all claimed work experience. You must be confident that you can justify any NOC code you select.

In addition to the federal Express Entry draw, many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) target specific NOC codes, offering additional pathways to boost Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. This research ensures that applicants choose the right job category to maximize their chances of immigrating successfully.

Top Tip #3: Maximize Your CRS Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is the most critical factor for receiving an ITA. When first entering the pool, focus on these key areas to maximize your score:

Education: Ensure your foreign education is evaluated by an approved organization such as WES (World Education Services). Higher education credentials earn more points, so if you have a master’s or PhD, make sure it’s recognized.

Language Proficiency:

Take an approved language test and aim for high scores. Even if you only need CLB level 7 to enter the pool, aim to score at least CLB 9 or higher to get the most CRS points available to you.

If you speak both English and French, take tests for both languages to claim additional points.

Leverage spousal points: Applicants can leverage spousal points in the Express Entry system to boost their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Here’s how:

• Spouse’s Education: If the spouse has a post-secondary degree, the principal applicant can earn up to 10 additional points by submitting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for the spouse’s qualifications.
• Spouse’s Language Proficiency: A spouse’s language skills can add up to 20 points if they take an approved language test and score well in English or French.
• Spouse’s Work Experience: If the spouse has Canadian work experience, it can contribute an additional 10 points under the CRS.

By submitting your spouse’s credentials, applicants can significantly increase their CRS score, improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Once you are in the pool, focus on other areas to increase your CRS score.

Top Tip #4: Stay Informed

Express Entry draws vary depending on immigration targets, government policies, and labor market needs. Stay informed about trends in CRS cut-off scores, new pilot programs, and any changes in Express Entry policies that could affect your eligibility or chances of being successful, and be prepared to modify your immigration plans accordingly.

Top Tip # 5: Review for Accuracy

You should review their Express Entry profile for accuracy to avoid errors that could lead to future delays, rejections, or even a ban from reapplying. Accurate information ensures that eligibility is correctly assessed, and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are properly calculated. 

Mistakes in reporting work experience, education, or language scores can result in the loss of points or disqualification. Additionally, discrepancies between your Express Entry profile, your permanent residency application you submitted, and supporting documents can lead to application refusals. Regularly reviewing your profile ensures that any updates or changes, such as new qualifications or work experience, are properly reflected to maximize the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

By following these tips and continuously improving your Express Entry profile, you can maximize your chances of receiving an ITA and successfully immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating Your Express Entry Profile

Top tips will only get you so far, you also need to be mindful of common mistakes that can impact your Express Entry profile. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Not Meeting Eligibility Requirements

Applicants in the Express Entry pool must be eligible under one of three immigration programs. These are:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW),
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), 
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Tryin to submit an Express Entry profile when you know you are not eligible is a waste of time and resources. Instead, focus on taking steps to become eligible.

Taking the Wrong Language Test

Only 5 accepted language tests can be used to demonstrate your language proficiency as part of your Express Entry Profile.

For English, these are:

1. CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program- Only the CELPIP- General exam is accepted.
2. IELTS: International English Language Testing System- Only the IELTS General Training is accepted. 
3. PTE Core: Pearson Test of English- Only the PTE core is accepted. 

For French, these are: 

1. TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
2. TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

Any other language test will not be accepted. If an applicant submits their Express Entry profile but with the IELTs Academic version of the exam, their Express Entry profile will be rejected.

To avoid a rejection here, be sure to sit and submit the correct version of the language exam. 

List Only Applicable Family Members 

Although you might want all your family members to join you in Canada, you can only include accompanying family members. These are:

• Your spouse or common-law partner;
• Dependent children under the age of 22;
• “Over-age” children who depended on the applicant for financial support before they reached the age limit and cannot financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition.

This means that you cannot include parents, grandparents, and siblings.

Looking for extra Express Entry guidance? check out our other resources:

Express Entry Profile: All You Need to Know

Reasons your Express Entry profile may be rejected 

CRS calculator