5 Common Canada Express Entry Mistakes to Avoid

Posted by Sneha chawla on January 27th, 2024

Since the launch of Canada’s Express Entry program, it has been an immigrant-friendly immigration pathway to gain permanent residence. A streamlined process, Express Entry offers quick processing times and allows you to call Canada your permanent home in no time. 

Applying for Canada Express Entry can get challenging for first-timers and they make a few mistakes unknowingly that can lead to unnecessary application delays. To avoid that, this article lists some common mistakes you can easily avoid by paying more attention while filling out the application. 

Mistakes you may do while applying for Express Entry Canada (and how to avoid them)

1. Not Researching the Eligibility Requirements

The first roadblock when it comes to common mistakes in the Express Entry application process is the lack of research. Before starting the process, it is the first thing you must do to make sure you qualify for the program. This includes having enough educational credentials, work experience, language skills, and appropriate age to move (18 to 35 years). Avoiding or ignoring any of these will result in disappointment.

How to Avoid: To make sure it does not happen; it is important you take your time to review the Express Entry eligibility requirements. If you are unclear or have doubts, it will be best to consult an immigration expert with a comprehensive understanding.  

2. Missing or Incomplete Documents 

You have to submit proper documentation as a part of the Express Entry application process. Many applicants make this common mistake of submitting incorrect documents, or documents missing information required by the Canadian immigration authorities. Not translating documents into English or French is also quite common among new applicants. This can lead straight to rejection. 

How to Avoid: Make a checklist of complete documents needed for the Express Entry application beforehand. When submitting, double or even triple-check each document for any error. If any document needs translation, do that ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassle.

3. Not Considering Provincial Nomination Option

One of the best ways to get more points in the Express Entry pool is through a provincial nomination. Many applicants overlook this step and solely rely on the federal system for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Every province has a unique Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that is designed to meet that province’s labour needs and economic goals. You must align your skills as per the province’s needs to get additional points in the EE system.

How to Avoid: If you have unsatisfactory points in the Express Entry pool, go for PNPs that are tied with Express Entry directly. Show interest in settling in the province of your choice and meet their eligibility needs to secure a nomination. If nominated, 600 points will be added, guaranteeing an ITA for Canada PR. 

4. Overlooking Language Proficiency

Express Entry eligibility takes your language skills into account. English and French are the official languages and neglecting its points requirements might be a major setback. Having good scores in IELTS for English and TEF for French language tests is crucial in gaining more points in the Express Entry pool. Failing to achieve this might significantly affect your chances of getting an ITA for permanent residency.

How to Avoid: Make sure to avoid this pitfall by investing time in learning and sharpening your language proficiency skills. Join language classes, do online or offline practice tests, and speak in English with your peers to improve. Aim to surpass the required scores to boost your chances.  

5. Neglecting the Express Entry Draws Trends

Every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts an Express Entry draw. This draw mentions the number of applications invited to apply for Canada PR and the highest CRS score. The common mistake applicants make is to avoid the trends of these draws, which costs them opportunities to adjust their strategies to improve their CRS score. 

How to Avoid: Follow the latest Express Entry draws and trends to understand the CRS score range and if your CRS is low, build strategies to improve it. Maybe to gain more work experience, improve language skills, get additional educational credentials, or secure a provincial nomination.

When applying for Express Entry Canada, always be honest and accurate with all the information or documents you have provided. This will not create doubt in the minds of the immigration authorities and help you avoid any unwanted delays with your application at a later stage. For the best advice, talk to leading Canada PR consultants in Bangalore, Nationwide Visas. With 16+ years in the immigration industry and assisting thousands of aspiring individuals, they are the best fit to guide you through the Canada Express Entry process.

Start your process today!