Tips for 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.

In this article, we’ll share expert tips and strategies to help you improve your Express Entry profile and boost your chances of receiving an ITA.

Top Five Tips When Creating Your Express Entry Profile

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.