While creating an express entry profile seems easy, a tiny mistake could make the profile ineligible. Many applicants find their profiles deemed ineligible, leaving them puzzled and frustrated. This is why it becomes important to find the exact reason for Express Entry profile ineligibility and how you can fix the issues is key to ensuring your chances of success.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the most common reasons for ineligibility and how to correct them.
The Most Common reasons for an ineligible Express Entry Profile
1. Not Having the Required Work Experience
In Most Express Entry categories, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, you need to demonstrate that you have the required skilled work experience.
For FSWP, you need to have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) job at teer level 0, 1, or 2, within the past 10 years.
Solutions:
- Make sure you have added at least one year of work experience in the “Work History” Section while creating the profile.
- Double-check that the work experience you’ve listed fits within the correct NOC codes. Ensure the job duties you’ve performed match the roles described in the NOC.
- When listing your work experience, include detailed job descriptions that match the duties outlined in the NOC classification.
If you are short on work experience, you may add additional relevant work experience or include part-time hours in the total.
4. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
| Date issued | Number of invitations issued | Date profiles created | Score range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 10, 2024 | 15 | September 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024 | N/A | Targeted draw for Economic Mobility Pathways Project candidates |
| August 13, 2024 | 420 | August 13, 2023 – August 13, 2024 | 50 and above | Targeted draw for health occupations invited |
| August 13, 2024 | 958 | August 13, 2023 – August 13, 2024 | 54 and above | Targeted draw for other priority occupations invited |
| July 16, 2024 | 5 | July 16, 2023 – July 16, 2024 | N/A | Targeted draw for Economic Mobility Pathways Project candidates |
| June 17, 2024 | 106 | June 17, 2023 – June 17, 2024 | 39 and above | Early childhood educators and assistants |
| June 11, 2024 | 124 | June 11, 2023 – June 11, 2024 | 43 and above | Early childhood educators and assistants |
| April 23, 2024 | 209 | April 23, 2023 – April 23, 2024 | 53 and above | Skilled Trade Targeted draw |
| April 23, 2024 | 2 | April 23, 2023 – April 23, 2024 | N/A | Mobility Pathways Project candidates. |
| March 12, 2024 | 11 | March 12, 2023 – March 12, 2024 | N/A | Economic Mobility Pathways Project candidates. |
| January 24, 2024 | 12 | January 24, 2023 – January 24, 2024 | N/A | Economic Mobility Pathways Project candidates. |
| January 19, 2024 | 1,654 | January 19, 2023 – January 19, 2024 | 50 and above | General Draw |
| January 9, 2024 | 630 | January 9, 2023 – January 9, 2024 | 33 and above | Targeted draw for skilled trades occupations. |
| January 9, 2024 | 821 | January 9, 2023 – January 9, 2024 | 40 and above | Targeted draw for health and tech occupations. |
2. Not Meeting Minimum Language Requirements
One of the key requirements for Express Entry is meeting the minimum language proficiency levels in either English or French. This is assessed through the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.
For the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program, you must have a CLB 7 in all four modules (speaking, reading, writing, and listening). For the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the requirement is lower but still essential.
Solutions:
- Retake your language test: If your scores do not meet the minimum requirements, you can retake the IELTS (for English) or TEF (for French) to improve your scores. You must need 6 each in all 4 modules to meet the eligibility.
- Changing language exam: Express entry is supported by IELTS and CELPIP for the English language, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada for French language, you may choose any of these.
3. Insufficient Proof of Funds
One of the common reasons for an ineligible express entry profile is not mentioning sufficient funds to come and settle in Canada. you are required to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada. You can check the latest fund requirements here, or below:
| Number of family members | Funds you need (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional family member, add | $3,958 |
Solutions:
- Check the most recent settlement fund requirement for Express Entry and ensure that the amount you are mentioning meets the requirement based on your family size. If you’re single, add at least $14,690 to the requirement.
- Submit clear and verifiable bank statements or financial documents that show you have the required funds. The funds should be easily available and not in the form of loans or assets that cannot be quickly converted into cash.
4. Insufficient Educational Credentials
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, education is a key factor in eligibility. You must have at least high school or equalent education. If you have foreign education, you should have foreign educational credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to ensure they meet Canadian standards.
Solutions:
- Accurately mention your complete education history from the date you passed your degree or diploma and where it was done for what period.
- If you haven’t already done so, get your educational credentials evaluated by an authorized agency (such as WES, ICAS, or IQAS). Ensure that the ECA report is submitted with your profile.
- If your education level is insufficient, consider completing additional qualifications or certifications that are relevant to your field and recognized in Canada.
5. Inaccurate Information in Your Profile
Submitting inaccurate or false information in your Express Entry profile, even if done unintentionally, can result in your profile being deemed ineligible. Common mistakes include providing incorrect dates for work experience, misstating educational qualifications, or listing inaccurate personal details.
Solutions:
- Review your profile carefully: Before you submit, double-check every field in your profile to ensure that the information is accurate and matches the supporting documents.
- Amend mistakes immediately: If you notice an error after submitting your profile, correct it as soon as possible. You can update your Express Entry profile at any time as long as it has not yet been drawn.
6. Lack of Eligibility for Any of the Express Entry Programs
Sometimes, the issue lies in not qualifying for any of the three immigration programs managed by Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades. For instance, you may not have enough points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), lack the required work experience, or fail to meet the program-specific criteria.
Solutions:
- Review the specific criteria for each program (FSW, CEC, and FSTP) and determine which program you are best suited for. Make sure your profile reflects the criteria for that specific program
- If your CRS score is too low, work on improving it. This could involve gaining additional work experience, retaking language tests to improve your scores, or securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. Here are some methods to improve the score.
Frequently Asked Questions
My express entry profile became ineligible what to do next?
If your Express Entry profile became ineligible, first review the reason for the ineligibility mentioned above. Once you figure out the reason, you can create one more profile in the same account, this time with the correct information. Your previous profile will have not impact on your current profile.
Can I make changes to an ineligible Express Entry profile?
No, you cannot modify an ineligible profile once it’s deemed ineligible. However, you can still create a new one with updated and accurate information.
Can I resubmit my Express Entry profile after becoming ineligible?
Yes, you can resubmit a new profile after addressing the issues that caused ineligibility.
Do I lose any fees if my profile becomes ineligible?
No fees are charged for submitting an Express Entry profile. You will only pay fees if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit a permanent residency application.
Conclusion
An ineligible Express Entry profile can be frustrating, but it’s often due to common errors that can be fixed with attention to detail and a clear understanding of the requirements. Take time to carefully review your profile, ensure all documentation is accurate and up to date, and seek professional advice if needed.
