Not Eligible for Express Entry: Top 6 Reasons Your Profile May Be Rejected

Key Takeaways

• Once you submit your Express Entry profile, it will be reviewed and categorised as eligible or ineligible.
• If eligible, your Express Entry profile could remain in the pool for 12 months and could receive an invitation to apply (ITA) or a provincial invitation.
• If ineligible, your Express Entry profile will not enter the pool and cannot receive an ITA or provincial invitation.
• During the 12-month validity period of your Express Entry profile, it can be declared ineligible and therefore removed from the pool
• There are common reasons why your Express Entry profile may come back ineligible- these are listed below, along with how to avoid them.
• If your profile comes back ineligible, with a little modification, you may resubmit and be eligible. 

Table of Contents

• Why Am I Not Eligible for Express Entry?
• Common Reasons an Express Entry Profile is Ineligible or Rejected
  • 1. Ignoring Program Requirements
  • 2. Selecting the Wrong Primary Occupation
  • 3. Insufficient Settlement Funds
  • 4. Expired Supporting Documents
  • 5. Change in Circumstances
  • 6. Health Issues and Inadmissibility
• What Should You Do If Your Express Entry Profile Is Rejected?
• How Moving2Canada Can Support Your Express Entry Journey

Why Am I Not Eligible for Express Entry?

After submitting your Express Entry profile, your profile goes through a computerised assessment to check whether your profile is eligible to be entered into the Express Entry pool.

If it is determined that your profile is eligible, you will enter the Express Entry pool and receive a Comprehensive Ranking Score. Your profile will then be eligible to receive an Invitation to Apply.

The alternative to being eligible is to be ineligible or rejected. This is when you submit your profile but it is determined that you are not eligible to enter or remain in the Express Entry pool. This can happen when you first apply or at any time during the 12 month validity period of a profile.

Fun Fact: A lot of profiles that are deemed ineligible upon submission of the profile could be eligible with a little modification.

Common Reasons an Express Entry Profile is Ineligible or Rejected

Immigration application refusals are often the result of incomplete applications, and many applications are rejected for similar reasons.

Immigration officers carefully review each application, and application refusal can occur due to various mistakes. For example, missing documents, providing false information, or failing to meet deadlines are common errors that can lead to rejection. These examples highlight why careful preparation is essential for successful immigration applications.

1. Ignoring Program Requirements

For all immigration applications, it is crucial to meet every eligibility criterion to prevent refusal. For example, common mistakes include misunderstanding the requirements of a program, submitting the wrong type of immigration application, or failing to provide sufficient documentation.
To submit an Express Entry profile, applicants must be eligible under one of the 3 federal immigration programs that use the Express Entry system to source applicants. These are:

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

If the applicant does not qualify for one of the above programs, their Express Entry profile will be rejected as they will not be eligible.

To avoid this, be sure to understand the eligibility requirements for the immigration program you are applying under and make sure you demonstrate how you are eligible.

2. Selecting the Wrong Primary Occupation

The primary occupation may seem insignificant but it is one of the important elements of your eligibility to enter the Express Entry pool.

For instance, if you are submitting your application as a FSW, your primary occupation must be continuous, at least 1 year in the last 10 years, full-time or full-time equivalent, and in a skilled occupation. Under the CEC, your experience in your primary occupation must be within the last 3 years.

When selecting your primary occupation, ensure that your employment details—such as job title, employment dates, and salary—are accurate and can be verified with proper documentation. For example, a proper employment reference should include your official job title, the exact dates of your employment, your main duties, and your salary information.

To avoid selecting the wrong primary occupation, pick a primary occupation that will remain valid for the duration of your Express Entry profile (if you can). If you are a CEC applicant, make sure you select a Canadian primary occupation from within the last 2 years if you can. This will see you through the 12-month period your Express Entry profile can remain valid.

3. Insufficient Settlement Funds

Some applicants will need to demonstrate sufficient funds as part of their eligibility to enter the Express Entry pool. Proof of funds (or Settlement funds) is a key requirement for permanent residence applications, as you must prove you have enough resources to support yourself and your family when settling in Canada.
You will need to state at least the minimum required for the size of your family. These thresholds increase every year around May. Following an update, if you no longer have sufficient funds for your family size, your Express Entry profile will be rejected.

To avoid this, when you enter the proof of funds question, add 10% to the current threshold to account for future increases. Then, you should budget to make sure you have this amount in your account, including a transaction history for the last three months showing that balance.

4. Expired Supporting Documents

Some of the documents required for your Express Entry profile have limited validity, for example:
– Language tests results expire after 2 years
– Your ECA report expires after 5 years
– Police certificate —required only for certain countries— depends on the issuing authority and the specific requirements of the requesting organization. However, they are generally considered valid for one year from the date of issue.

To avoid a refusal due to expired documents, you must monitor their expiration dates closely and renew before the expiration date, then update your Express Entry profile accordingly with the new documents. This will ensure your profile remains valid and up to date.

5. Change in Circumstances

For your Express Entry profile to remain eligible for the 12-month duration, you must continue to meet the eligibility criteria of the immigration program you applied under. This means that any changes in eligibility during those 12 months will affect whether your Express Entry profile remains active. A common change in circumstances that affects eligibility is age. As an Express Entry profile can be valid for up to 12 months, applicants will likely age 1 year during the validity period. This could be enough to impact your eligibility to be in the pool.

It is also important to demonstrate strong ties to your home country, especially for applications where temporary resident intent is assessed. For permanent residence applications, changes in your circumstances or missing documentation can result in your application being refused. Additionally, misrepresentation or providing false information can lead to a ban from applying for several years.

To avoid this, if you become ineligible during the validity period of your Express Entry profile, you should proactively try to make up the lost points somewhere else. The easiest way to do this is with language. You can claim up to 28 points for language. Maximizing this could not only help with eligibility but will also give your ranking a boost.

6. Health Issues and Inadmissibility

Health issues can play a significant role in Express Entry application rejection. The Canadian immigration system is designed to protect public health and ensure that newcomers do not pose a risk to the broader community. If your Express Entry application is flagged for health concerns, it could result in rejection, even if you meet all other eligibility requirements. Understanding how health issues are assessed in the Express Entry process is crucial for anyone hoping to immigrate to Canada.

Failing to Complete Medical Exam Requirement

As part of the Express Entry process, many applicants are required to undergo a medical exam conducted by a panel physician approved by Canadian immigration authorities.

Express Entry applicants should ensure they schedule their medical exam with a designated medical practitioner and provide all necessary information during the assessment. Failing to complete the medical exam, or submitting incomplete or outdated results, can lead to Express Entry application rejection. It’s important to stay informed about the medical exam requirements for your country and to comply fully with all instructions to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals in your immigration process.

Common Health-Related Grounds for Inadmissibility

Certain medical conditions can make Express Entry applicants inadmissible to Canada. The most common reasons for medical inadmissibility include conditions that pose a risk to public health, such as active tuberculosis or other contagious diseases. Additionally, if an applicant’s medical condition is expected to place excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services, this can also result in rejection of the Express Entry application.

If you have a medical condition that could affect your eligibility, it’s wise to consult an experienced immigration consultant. They can help you understand how your health status may impact your application and advise on possible solutions or documentation that may support your case. Being proactive about addressing potential health issues can make a significant difference in the outcome of your Express Entry application and help you avoid unexpected rejection due to medical inadmissibility.

What Should You Do If Your Express Entry Profile Is Rejected?

Receiving a rejection for your Express Entry application can be discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your Canadian immigration journey. Many Express Entry applicants face setbacks, but with careful attention and a keen understanding of the process, you can address the reasons for rejection and improve your chances of success with a new application.

Steps to Take After a Refusal

If your Express Entry application is rejected, the first step is to carefully review the reasons provided by the immigration officer. The rejection letter will outline the specific issues that led to your application being refused. Take the time to analyze these reasons in detail—whether it’s missing documents, insufficient work experience, or not meeting a particular Express Entry requirement.

Once you understand why your application was rejected, you can take targeted action to address the deficiencies. This might involve gathering additional documentation, retaking language tests to achieve higher scores, or gaining more work experience to meet eligibility thresholds.

Double-checking your application against the latest Express Entry requirements is crucial before submitting a new application.

Consider seeking the support of an immigration consultant, especially if you’re unsure about the reasons for your rejection or how to strengthen your new application. An expert can help you navigate the Express Entry system, ensure your documentation is complete, and provide guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls that lead to application refusals. Remember, many applicants are successful on their second attempt—careful review and preparation can make all the difference in achieving your goal of Canadian permanent residency.

How Moving2Canada Can Support Your Express Entry Journey

If you’re worried about your Express Entry profile being rejected or deemed ineligible, joining the Moving2Canada Community is a smart first step—and it’s completely free. As a member, you’ll receive:

• Personalized checklists to help you build a strong, complete profile
• Real-time alerts and updates about changes to Express Entry rules and deadlines
• Tips and tricks for creating and maintaining your profile
• Guidance from trusted immigration experts
• And much more to help you stay informed and confident throughout the process

Whether you’re just starting your application process or updating an existing profile, Moving2Canada offers the tools and support you need to maximize your chances of success.

Click here to join the Moving2Canada Community. today!