The Canadian Express Entry program started in 2015 and has fundamentally changed the immigration process for skilled workers looking to obtain permanent residence in Canada. While the process has never been easier, it can still be very confusing to navigate especially if you don’t have any professional help.
Here are 5 common misconceptions about Express Entry, and what you need to know instead:
Myth 1: Americans Get Preferential Treatment
False. Although Canada and the United States share a border, a language and tight economic ties, American citizens do not receive any additional bonus points to make Express Entry easier. Not only that, an education from the US still means you need an Educational Credential Assessment in order to apply – sorry, Americans!
Myth 2: Age is Not a Factor
False. It is estimated that by 2030, 23% of all Canadians will be seniors. Because of this, there is a very high demand for young and educated workers to join our workforce for the long term. This is why Express Entry awards the most points to those between 20 and 29 years old.
Myth 3: Having a Canadian job gives you 600 points
False. A valid job offer under Express Entry gets you:
- 200 points for National Occupational Classification (NOC) category 00 jobs
- 50 points for NOC 0, A, and B jobs
It is also important to keep in mind that to get the bonus points, your job offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless you or the company are exempt from one.
Myth 4: There is plenty of time to apply if you’re invited through Express Entry
False. There is a strict 60-day deadline to submit your entire application after you receive your invitation. Because of this, it is important to start working on some of the documentation that may take some time to gather, such as police certificates, medical exams and reference letters.
Myth 5: You can include parents or other relatives in your Express Entry application
False. While you can include your spouse/common law partner and dependent children in your application, you cannot include parents, grandparents or other family members.
Learn more about sponsoring eligible relatives here.
Hopefully we’ve clarified some common misconceptions you’ve seen or heard of! If interested in seeing if you’d be a good fit for Express Entry, get started here.
