Know 10 Myths About The Express Entry System & Their Answers

Last Updated On 7 May 2023, 12:27 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

One of the most popular programs is the Express Entry system, the primary source of economic immigration to Canada. However, several widespread myths mislead many who intend to use Express Entry. 

To help you with your journey, below are 10 common myths about the Express Entry system. 

Myth 1: You can immigrate to Canada by submitting an Express Entry profile

Creating an Express Entry profile does not mean you will undoubtedly receive an invitation to apply and be allowed to apply for Canadian permanent residence. 

Express Entry profiles are valid for 12 months. After that, you can renew your Express Entry profile, but if your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is too low, you might never get an invitation to apply until you increase your CRS score.

Additionally, candidates in Express Entry are chosen based on their CRS score, not randomly. Therefore, if you are a potential candidate, you can review the prior draw results to determine whether or not your score will be competitive.

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Myth 2: Express Entry uses a lottery system

There is no lottery component in Express Entry. Invitation rounds, or drawings as they are usually known, are not random. Express Entry draws are announced bi-weekly and conditions are specified along with minimum CRS cut off score.

Only those with the CRS scores above the cut off gets an invitation to apply. Furthermore, invite is only sent to the eligible candidates based on conditions mentioned in that particular draw.  

Myth 3: Any person can submit an Express Entry profile

The most frequent misbelief regarding Express Entry is that anyone can submit a profile. However, it is untrue; only qualified individuals who meet the requirements of one of the following Express Entry programs can submit their profile:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program 

Completing an approved language exam and receiving an evaluation of your educational credentials do not guarantee that you meet the requirements of any of the three programs.

Myth 4: Provincial nomination is needed for everyone who submits an Express Entry profile

It is not necessary to submit an Express Entry profile to be nominated by a province. Candidates who receive a provincial nomination will see their CRS score increase by 600 points, but those who already have a high enough CRS score do not need a provincial nomination. 

In addition, provincial nominations are more expensive and may take longer to process because of provincial government expenses. Additionally, those who accept a provincial nomination must show that they intend to reside and work in the province that has given them the nomination.

Myth 5: To submit an Express Entry profile, you must have a job offer

Not all applicants must have a job offer to qualify for Express Entry. For example, depending on the immigration category you qualify for, a job offer from a Canadian business may not be necessary. 

For example, the minimum FSW points requirement for Federal Skilled Workers may require a legitimate employment offer for some individuals, but many applicants satisfy this requirement even without one. 

Federal Skilled Trades, candidates may need a legitimate job offer to complete the minimum program requirements. However, no job offer is necessary if they possess a certificate from a Canadian province or territory stating that they are qualified to perform their trade.

Depending on the position’s NOC skill level, candidates with a legitimate job offer will increase their CRS score by 50 or 200 points. Lastly, having a job offer does not always increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence, but it does help.

Myth 6: Anyone who wants to increase their CRS score can submit a provincial nomination

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are available in all Canadian provinces (except for Quebec) and two of its territories; although, not everyone is qualified to apply. In addition, most PNP streams require candidates to have a valid job offer. 

For some PNP streams, the provinces consider additional requirements in addition to a job offer, such as the applicant’s primary National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, Comprehensive Ranking System score, and any ties they may have to the particular province or territory.

Myth 7: Couples must only add one person to their Express Entry profile

Suppose an applicant is married or living with them in a common-law relationship. In that case, their spouse or partner may create an Express Entry profile if they match the qualifications for the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program. Because they have a higher CRS score, couples frequently select one person as the primary applicant. 

Conversely, the individual with the lower CRS score may be eligible for different PNPs, increasing the couple’s chances of receiving a provincial nomination. Nevertheless, it may be advantageous for couples to create profiles for both partners if they are both eligible.

Myth 8: Language scores do not matter 

All applicants who create an Express Entry profile must pass an approved French or English language test. It doesn’t matter if you studied French or English in college or if you’re from a country where either language is the national language. 

Many candidates think their scores will be as high as possible if they take the official test and score at least the minimum level needed for their immigration program. That’s incorrect. 

Candidates who attain Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 will have better scores than those who meet the minimum requirements. Those who earn CLB level 10 or higher will be eligible for even more points.

Myth 9: Express Entry limits where a person can live in Canada

The Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class are just a few immigration programs that accept applicants through the Express Entry system. 

Candidates may also be eligible for a provincial nomination once they have entered the Express Entry system. You can relocate anywhere in Canada if you receive an invitation to apply via Express Entry, except for Quebec. Express Entry should not be used by those seeking immigration to Quebec.

A candidate must intend to reside and work in the province that has provided them with the provincial nomination if they get an invitation to apply as that province’s nominee. However, a person can live and work anywhere in Canada if granted permanent residence status.

Myth 10: Family members cannot submit an Express Entry profile

The candidate must specify their spouse or partner, if applicable, and whether they will travel with them while creating an Express Entry profile. After they get an Invitation to Apply, they will be required to mention their spouse or partner and any dependents. 

It includes stepchildren, adopted children, and children through a previous relationship. As long as they are not determined to be inadmissible to Canada, all spouses, partners, and dependant children can apply for permanent residence status with the applicant.

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