The Express Entry system is the fastest and most popular way to immigrate to Canada. The Express Entry system manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
While it might be a straightforward way to apply for permanent residence in Canada, many people still have many misconceptions about how it works.
What Are the Top 10 Myths About the Express Entry System?
Myth 1: Anyone can enter the Express Entry Pool
Fact: Only applicants who meet the requirements of one of the above-mentioned federal economic programs can enter the Express Entry pool. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Express Entry system. Your eligibility for these programs depends on your age, language proficiency, education level, and work experience among other factors.
Myth 2: A pre-arranged employment offer is mandatory to enter the Express Entry Pool
Fact: A pre-arranged job offer isn’t mandatory. However, it does improve the chances of your application being accepted. Having a Canadian employer has a direct impact on your application. Your application is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in the Express Entry system. Therefore, if you lose points for not having a Canadian employer, then you can catch up by having a provincial nomination or improving other factors on your application.
Myth 3: Only occupations under the Eligible Occupations List can qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Fact: There is no eligible occupation list for the FSWP as of Jan 1, 2021. Applicants must simply demonstrate one year of work experience obtained in the last 10 years. Occupations are classified as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes based on the skill type and responsibilities of the job. There is still an ineligible list of occupations for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.
Myth 4: The Express Entry system is the only way for Canadian economic immigration
Fact: While Express Entry manages most of the federal economic immigration programs, there are still other pathways like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offered by 11 provinces and territories. The PNPs nominate applicants based on their skills and experience and their relevance to the local labor market needs.
Many applicants who are not eligible for the Express Entry system usually go for immigration streams available under different PNPs. Another example is the province of Quebec. Quebec has the autonomy to nominate applicants for permanent residence in the province to retain its identity as a predominantly French-speaking province.
Therefore, if you plan on residing in Quebec, then you must apply for economic immigration through programs available under the Quebec Immigration system, for example, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP).
