There are certain do’s & don’ts of submitting an Express Entry profile. It might seem like a simple process, but it’s vital to get it right. In addition, an applicant’s CRS score depends on the information you provide in your profile & your immigration application could rely on a strong CRS score. 

Of course, there are ways to improve your Express Entry score once you are in the pool. But there are certain do’s & don’ts of submitting an Express Entry profile. Read below to know all about it. 

How Express Entry Works

Applicants who are eligible for the programs under Express Entry can submit a profile to the Express Entry pool. Also, their profile is assigned a CRS score, & the highest-ranking applicants are periodically issued ITAs for PR. Once applicants who obtain an ITA apply for permanent residence via Express Entry, their application is usually processed within six months. 

Do’s Of Submitting An Express Entry Profile 

Here’s what you can do before submitting your Express Entry profile. 

  1. Include Your Dependents 

You can definitely include your dependent family members in your profile. For immigration purposes, dependent family members include: 

  • Spouse/ Common-Law Partner
  • Dependent Child
  • Spouse/ Common-Law Partner’s Dependent Child
  • Dependent Child Of A Dependent Child 

Note that dependent family members can be included ‘accompanying’/ ‘not accompanying,’ depending on whether they will be immigrating to Canada with you or not. The crucial takeaway is that you should include all dependents whether or not they are accompanying you to Canada. 

Moreover, if you fail to include any of your dependents, you will not be able to sponsor them later. 

  1. Retake Your IELTS 

The IELTS is the most common English language proficiency test authorized to evaluate your English ability for Canadian immigration. They are also one of the most significant factors in calculating your CRS score that you can improve. Preparing your profile for submission is going to take some time. While you are waiting for your documents to come through, it is an excellent idea to prepare for IELTS.       

Moreover, there are tons of online resources to study for IELTS. Well, it is vital to note that language test results/ outcomes are valid for two years, so scheduling your test early on & retaking it can help you immigrate to Canada. 

  1. Include Your Work Experience 

More is always better when it comes to submitting your Express Entry profile. Do not leave out any information about your employment/ job history just because you don’t feel it’s relevant. The intentional omission of information might be considered misinterpretation, which is a serious offense & could lead to a five-year ban from Canada.

Even if you don’t earn points for a specific job, you must still include it in your profile. You won’t lose your points for unskilled work. Also, the work that you don’t consider valuable might contribute indirectly to the strength of your profile. 

  1. Read Instructions Carefully

Among do’s & don’ts of submitting an Express Entry profile, this is the last thing which an applicant needs to do. 

IRCC provides a lot of resources & instructions for completing your Express Entry profile. Thus, it is vital to take the necessary time to read through instructions carefully to ensure that your profile is complete & accurate. Mistakes at the Express Entry profile stage can have a lasting impact on your entire immigration file. 

Don’ts Of Submitting An Express Entry Profile

Here’s what you shouldn’t do before submitting your Express Entry profile. Take a look!

  1. Do Not Include Non-Dependent Family Members 

For immigration purposes, the following family members cannot be included as dependents on your Express Entry profile: 

  • Parents
  • Grandparents 
  • Brother/ Sister
  • Nephew/ Niece
  • Uncle/ Aunt 
  1. Do Not Combine Test Scores 

The IELTS & any other authorized language test tests four language abilities, i.e., reading, writing, speaking, & listening. When you provide language test results in your profile, all four language ability scores should come from a single test. For instance, your first test result may be: 

Reading: 5.5

Writing: 6.0

Listening: 5.5

Speaking: 6.5

This would correspond to overall CLB 6. 

And your second test results may be:

Reading: 6.0

Writing: 6.0

Listening: 6.0

Speaking: 6.0

This would correspond to CLB 7. 

Even though you did better in the ‘Speaking’ section on your first test, you still have to provide all four test results overall. Also, your overall CLB was higher in the second test. Thus, you are better off providing the results/ outcomes from your second test in your Express Entry profile. 

  1. Do Not Guess Answers That You Do Not Know 

At the profile submission stage, you are asked to provide a lot of information about yourself & your family. Often, you do not need to provide evidence to back up that information until later in the process. But you might need to prove everything that you claim in your profile. Thus, if you don’t understand a question or aren’t sure about the answer, it’s better not to guess. Take your time to find the right answer. 

Conclusion 

Navigating the Express Entry journey requires precision. So, it’s best to adhere to the do’s & don’ts of submitting an Express Entry profile. Embrace transparency & consistency throughout the process. 

The key lies in meticulous preparation, showcasing your qualifications effectively & aligning with the program’s requirements. After all, your Express Entry profile is a passport to Canadian opportunities. So, handle it with care, align with the guidelines, & success will follow. This marks the gateway to a future adorned with possibilities in the Canadian landscape. 

If you are interested in immigrating to Canada but have concerns about the immigration process and pathways, feel free to connect with our experienced immigration experts for help at NavaImmigration or send us an email at [email protected]