At PL Immigration, we want you to successfully achieve your permanent residency (PR) in Canada. To help you with your application process, we’ve put together this guide highlighting the top five common errors applicants make when applying through Canada’s Express Entry system.
1. Insufficient Full-Time Experience in Your Primary NOC Code A frequent issue when applying to Express Entry is having less than one year of continuous, full-time work experience (30 hours per week) in your designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Additionally, using a NOC code that does not fall under TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 will result in automatic rejection.
Solution: Make sure you choose a primary NOC code that you can verify with at least one year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience within the last ten years. Remember, selecting your primary NOC code does not limit your employment options in Canada. Once you become a permanent resident, you are free to work in any job or industry you prefer.
2. Demonstrating Intent to Live Outside Quebec
If you are living or working in Quebec and plan to stay there after your immigration application gets approved, it’s best to apply through a Quebec immigration program. However, being in Quebec now doesn’t stop you from applying through the Express Entry system. Both federal and Quebec immigration programs lead to the same result: Canadian permanent residence. As a Canadian permanent resident, your right to live and work anywhere in Canada is assured under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
To convince the visa officer that you intend to live outside Quebec upon approval of your Express Entry application, you need to provide ample evidence. This evidence can include various documents, but a sworn declaration stating your intent to reside outside Quebec is highly recommended for your application.
3. Employment Reference Letters and Canadian Immigration
When people think of employment reference letters, they often imagine endorsements from past supervisors highlighting their skills and achievements. These are excellent for career advancement but are insufficient for Canadian immigration purposes.
For Express Entry into Canada, your reference letter needs to include:
- Your exact job title
- Your employment dates
- Your salary
- Your average weekly hours
- A detailed description of your job duties
- How to Meet Reference Letter Requirements
To fulfill these requirements, provide any documents that cover the necessary information. For instance:
If your reference letter doesn’t mention your salary, include payslips.
If your documentation lacks a job duties description, obtain a sworn statement detailing your daily tasks from a supervisor or co-worker.
Remember, the final decision lies with the visa officer. However, the more supporting documents you provide, the better your chances of success.
Strengthen Your Application
Supporting your reference letter with additional documentation makes your immigration application stronger. At PL Immigration, we recommend compiling all relevant information to present a compelling case to Canadian immigration authorities.
4. Avoiding Misrepresentation in Your Canadian Immigration Application
Misrepresentation is a serious offense in the context of Canadian immigration. If you provide false or misleading information on your Express Entry application, you risk having your application denied and may face a long-term ban from reapplying for Canadian immigration.
How to Prevent Misrepresentation
To avoid issues, be completely truthful in all aspects of your application. This includes providing accurate details about your work experience, medical history, and any criminal records for yourself or anyone accompanying you. Not all medical conditions or past criminal activities will disqualify you from immigrating to Canada. If you’re uncertain about what needs to be disclosed, consider consulting with an immigration attorney, or include all relevant information and allow the visa officer to make the final decision.
