We have been asked this question many time "Why should I enter the Express Entry pool now despite a temporary pause in Express entry draws?
Introduction
Express Entry is Canada's main system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It operates as a points-based system that ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest scores are issued an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in regular draws from the pool.
Due to processing delays and backlogs resulting from the pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily paused Express Entry draws since December 2020. Although there's uncertainty about when draws will resume, there are still good reasons to enter the Express Entry pool if you're eligible.
Benefits of Entering the Pool Now
Entering the Express Entry pool as soon as possible means you can get ahead in the queue for future draws. The Express Entry pool is ranked by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, with the candidates at the top of the pool invited in each draw. By getting your profile in the pool now, you have the chance to improve your CRS score over time and move up the rankings.
Waiting to enter the pool could see your application pushed down by candidates with higher CRS scores. Entering now allows you to secure your place in line and boost your chances for invitation as more high-scoring candidates join who could potentially jump your place in the rankings.
Even with a pause in draws, the Express Entry pool continues to be ranked and re-ranked with new applicants and updated candidate profiles. By getting your profile as high as possible now, you set yourself up with the best opportunity for an Invitation to Apply when draws resume.
The earlier you get in the pool and work on improving your profile and CRS score, the greater your chances of receiving that coveted Invitation to Apply.
Profile Validity
The Express Entry profile submitted to the pool remains valid for 12 months from the date of submission. Even though draws are currently paused, candidates should still enter the pool as soon as possible to maximize the 12-month validity period for their profile. This ensures that your profile will still be considered for invitations from the pool once regular draws resume after the pause.
If the profile expires after 12 months without receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, you would simply need to re-submit a new and updated profile to the pool. The new profile would then be valid for another 12 months from the latest submission date.
So despite the pause in invitations currently, submitting your profile now starts the 12-month countdown and keeps your profile active in the pool during this period. Maximizing your profile's validity period allows the flexibility for it to be selected once draws restart, without having to re-apply or update your information later on.
Improve Your CRS Score
Improving your CRS score is important for maximizing chances of receiving an ITA. You can use this time while Express Entry draws are paused to improve aspects that boost your CRS score, like your:
Language skills: Take IELTS or CELPIP to improve your English or French language scores. This can significantly increase your points.
Work experience: Accumulate more skilled work experience related to your field so you qualify for more points for experience. You will earn additional points for each extra qualifying year.
Education: Consider getting more education, like a post-secondary degree, to increase your CRS score. An additional degree or diploma could qualify you for more points depending on the level of education.
Official documentation: Gather all the official documents you need to prove your qualifications. This includes things like language exam results, educational credentials, and letters of reference from employers to authenticate your work experience. This helps ensure you can fully substantiate your qualifications to maximize your score.
Gaining points in any of these categories while draws are on pause will ensure you receive the highest possible CRS ranking and provide the strongest possible profile. Doing this proactive work now can maximize your odds of quickly receiving an ITA when draws resume.
Get Additional Interest to Receive Designation
Creating and keeping your Express Entry profile active shows you are interested in immigrating to Canada. Expressing this interest allows you to qualify for an Additional Interest to Receive Designation (AIRD), which could help increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The AIRD is a way for the Canadian government to identify candidates who are eager to settle in Canada. By entering and updating your Express Entry profile, you indicate you are actively pursuing Canadian permanent residency. The AIRD takes this demonstrated interest into account when selecting candidates in Express Entry draws.
So even though draws are paused, creating or updating your Express Entry profile helps show Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) you are committed to immigrating. This increases your chances of receiving an ITA when draws resume. The AIRD makes it worthwhile to get in the pool now.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Several provinces have Provincial Nominee Programs that allow candidates in the Express Entry pool to apply for and obtain a nomination certificate from a certain province, allowing them to then get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence by IRCC.
Even though draws are currently paused, several Express Entry linked PNP streams remain open and actively sending invitations to candidates. For example, both Ontario and British Columbia have their Express Entry linked PNP streams open, and are frequently inviting candidates from the Express Entry pool that meet their requirements.
Getting a provincial nomination through one of these streams gives your Express Entry profile 600 points toward your CRS score, ranking you towards the top and making you highly likely to receive an ITA during the next draws.
Therefore, despite the pause, having an active Express Entry profile allows candidates access to different paths to permanent residence through Express Entry linked PNPs. Checking eligibility and applying to provinces could serve as an excellent backup plan while waiting for federal draws to resume.
Register with Job Bank
Even though draws are paused, creating a Job Bank profile can strengthen your Express Entry profile.
Job Bank is Canada's national employment service that connects job seekers with employers. Registering with Job Bank signals to immigration officials that you are serious about working in Canada if accepted as a permanent resident.
To register with Job Bank:
Go to jobbank.gc.ca
Click on "Create an Account"
Follow the steps to make a Job Seeker account
Complete your profile thoroughly
Employers can search Job Bank for candidates, so filling out your skills and experience accurately improves visibility.
The Job Bank registration process only takes about 10-15 minutes. Even a basic profile demonstrates your commitment to actively seek employment in Canada through official channels.
When you formally enter an Express Entry pool, be sure to include your Job Bank registration number on your profile. This connects your Express Entry and Job Bank accounts, confirming your job search efforts to IRCC.
Registering right away with Job Bank, regardless of draw pauses, positions you for the highest CRS score possible when draws resume. Show
Be Proactive
Entering the Express Entry pool now despite the pause in draws shows that you are being proactive and taking a forward-thinking approach regarding your interest in immigrating to Canada. Even without draws occurring, creating your profile and entering the pool demonstrates your intent to pursue Canadian permanent residence.
As the situation with draws is temporary, entering the pool gets your foot in the door for when draws resume. You'll already have your profile submitted rather than trying to create it at that time when there may be a rush of candidates entering. This prevents you from potentially missing out when draws restart.
By entering the pool now, you get a head start on the process over those who have not taken any action yet. It gives you time to ensure your profile is as strong as possible in advance. When draws pick up again, you'll be in a more competitive position compared to those only starting the process then.
Showing intent now and entering the pool even without current draws displays a proactive approach compared to waiting. It signals that you are serious and committed to pursuing immigration to Canada despite the temporary lull in invitations. This forward-thinking mentality can benefit you down the line.
Time Work Experience
Entering the Express Entry pool now ensures that you accumulate the most possible points for work experience. Candidates obtain additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) the longer they work and gain relevant experience to a Canadian skill level.
Unfortunately, the CRS awards points based on a diminishing scale as candidates get older. So entering sooner means you can earn more age points before you cross age thresholds that reduce points. It also allows you to earn up to the maximum points of 15 for work experience in as little time as possible. By getting into the pool earlier, you maximize earnings for the full work experience available to you.
Overall, entering the Express Entry pool now lets you make the most of age and work criteria that boost your CRS score. So it puts you in an advantageous position for whenever draws resume. The extra points could make all the difference in getting that coveted Invitation to Apply one day. So it's ideal to avoid delay and get your profile validated in the system as soon as you qualify.
Conclusion
Despite the temporary pause in Express Entry draws, there are still compelling reasons to enter the Express Entry pool now if you meet the eligibility requirements. By creating your profile, you secure profile validity for up to 12 months, during which time you can continue adding points through English exam scores, Canadian work experience, Credential Assessments, and more. As CRS cut-off scores tend to rise with each draw, using this time to improve your profile can increase your odds of being invited once draws resume based on your eligibility at that time. Profiles can also be updated to reflect a Provincial Nomination or qualifying Arranged Employment Offer during this period if obtained, possibly leading to an Invitation to Apply. So while IRCC works to transition economic programs, you can maximize your Express Entry readiness now so that when draws resume you're in the best position to be selected. The work done today to complete your profile and improve your score will serve you well once that next invitation round occurs.
If you and your same-sex common-law partner have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least a year, you can sponsor them. Generally, you must provide proof of this union, such as joint financial records, property, mail, or purchases. You can sponsor your same-sex partner if you have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year
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