There may be times when your Express Entry profile evolves, consequently affecting your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, post-receipt of your Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. If this situation arises, it’s imperative to remain PR-eligible until your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) is formally submitted.
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What is Express Entry System
Express Entry is a cumulative platform employed by Canada’s federal government to manage applications for three specific immigration programs – the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP). As outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025, the goal is to welcome a minimum of 82,000 new immigrants via the Express Entry system each year for the next three years.
To successfully secure a spot in Canada via Express Entry, candidates upload their profile to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and wait for an ITA. Remember, a PR application can’t be initiated without an ITA. Once you receive it, a 60-day window opens to submit your eAPR.
However, many often wonder, “What if my Express Entry profile changes after receiving my ITA?” Let’s delve into this query and provide guidance to ensure a seamless immigration application process via Express Entry.
Understanding Express Entry Profile Changes & Impact of Inaccuracies
After an Express Entry draw, an ITA recipient’s profile may undergo changes. Such alterations could significantly impact one’s CRS score as they are only locked after the eAPR is submitted.
Consider this scenario: you receive an ITA, but before submitting your eAPR, you undergo a career or education shift, get married, celebrate a birthday, or find that your language test results have expired.
Maintaining an accurate profile with the latest information is of utmost importance. Remember, any false information or the omission of crucial details could lead to application rejection, applicant inadmissibility, or an application ban of up to five years.
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Updating Your Express Entry Profile Post-ITA
To steer clear of the repercussions of inaccurate/false information, follow these steps to update your Express Entry profile after receiving an ITA:
Before receiving an ITA, profile changes can be made without explanation. However, post-ITA issuance, your Express Entry profile is officially recorded in the Global Case Management System (GCMS), requiring you to either:
- Provide additional documents confirming the changes (marriage, career change, etc.) to maintain profile accuracy.
- Write a letter of explanation (LOE) to the government if gathering the required documents is not feasible.
An LOE explains your attempt to collect all necessary documents within the 60-day timeframe but your inability to do so. Remember, LOEs are scrutinized individually, with approval or rejection at the discretion of the reviewing immigration officer.
Impact of Profile Changes on CRS Score & PR Eligibility
Profile changes post-ITA can influence your CRS score and affect your chances of receiving an ITA in a forthcoming Express Entry draw. Elements like a valid job offer, increased language test scores, education, or relevant work experience can uplift your Express Entry profile and increase your chances of PR invitation.
Certain changes can render candidates ineligible for PR, even after receiving an ITA. For example, language test results are valid for two years. If the validity expires before eAPR submission, or if income requirements are not met, you would become ineligible for PR.
Handling Profile Changes & Potential Delays
Profile changes invariably necessitate a reassessment of eligibility, potentially prolonging the application processing time. Prompt submission of documents and profile updates is critical to mitigate any such delays.
Negative Impact of Profile Changes
To efficiently manage profile changes after receiving an ITA, it’s crucial to promptly update your information and proactively communicate with immigration authorities whenever possible. If you foresee a profile change, do your best to inform the appropriate officials about the impending modification as soon as you can.
Outlined above are the specific steps an Express Entry candidate can take to keep their profile updated with any changes that occur post-ITA.
It can also be highly beneficial to consult with a certified Canadian immigration lawyer, who can:
- Assist you in accurately completing necessary forms and applications,
- Liaise with the Canadian government on your behalf,
- Use their professional expertise to help you avoid crucial errors during the immigration process.
Navigating the Express Entry process after profile changes can be complex, but with careful attention to detail, proactive communication, and professional guidance, you can maintain a strong, accurate Express Entry profile on your journey to Canadian permanent residency.
