Top 7 Reasons for Express Entry Rejection

Express Entry is the fastest and most popular pathway to permanent residence for immigrants seeking a new life in Canada. The following are the 7 most common reasons we see for Express Entry applications to be denied.

Embarking on the journey towards Canadian residency through the Express Entry system is a complex process, where every turn and decision holds the potential to shape your future. As hopeful immigrants eagerly submit their express entry applications, the reality remains stark: not all will find success. The intricate world of immigration procedures often results in many applications being rejected, leaving applicants disappointed and confused.

Explore the underlying causes behind an Express Entry application rejection. Understanding the common reasons for these rejections is essential for prospective immigrants to strengthen their applications and increase their chances of success.

From misrepresentation details to misunderstood requirements, the spectrum of reasons for Express Entry rejection is as diverse as it is unforgiving. Read the top seven culprits behind the denial of an Express Entry application, shedding light on critical insights and actionable strategies to navigate the immigration process with confidence and precision.

1. Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation is a false or misleading statement of fact made when filling out your Express Entry Application. 

Misrepresentation is a severe immigration offence. It can lead to your Express Entry application being refused and you could be barred from applying for Canadian immigration for several years. 

Make sure that you are honest about all details of your application. This includes career history, and any medical or criminality issues that you, or anyone accompanying you on your application, have had. It is crucial to be thorough and attentive when filling out your application in order to avoid cases of misrepresentation. 

2. Missing, Incomplete or Expired Documents

It’s an easy mistake to make, accidentally submitting documents that have expired recently. However, this is one of the simplest fixes to make. Ensure that all required documents are attached as well as double checking that they are all still valid. For example, most language test results are valid for 2 years and must be valid when you complete your Express Entry profile.

Another common document mistake is attaching a reference letter that doesn’t prove work experience. Employment reference letters for immigration are different than the ones you may use to land your next job. Reference letters for Express Entry need to demonstrate your official job title, employment dates, salary and more. 

Be sure to take some time to thoroughly review all documents before submitting your application to avoid your application being refused or returned.

3. Waiting too long to submit

Anyone who has a qualifying application should submit it as soon as possible, while they still can. Provincial nominee programs change frequently and immigration categories open and close quickly. If you don’t have an application in the Express Entry pool, you could miss out on immigration opportunities.

4. Inability to Show Proof of Funds

If you are applying for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you will need to show proof of funds. You do not need to show proof of funds if you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class or if you are authorized to work in Canada and you have a valid job offer. 

You will need to demonstrate that you have the funds available to support your family. The amount you will need depends on the size of your family. You should show that you have the means to support yourself, your spouse or partner, and your or your spouse’s dependent children. This applies to a spouse or dependent children even if they are Canadian PR or citizens or if they are not coming to Canada with you. 

There are strict specific rules to what is accepted as valid proof of funds. Be sure to review the requirements before submitting your documentation as any deviation from the requirements risks refusal.

5. Criminal Inadmissibility

One common cause of inadmissibility into Canada is past criminal convictions. Canada does not classify crimes as misdemeanours and felonies, and because of that, even some seemingly minor convictions may make a person inadmissible to Canada. 

A person can become inadmissible to Canada based on convictions both in Canada and foreign countries. One of the most common reasons to be deemed inadmissible is a conviction for impaired driving. In order for a crime to make someone inadmissible to Canada, it must be the equivalent of a crime in Canada that can result in an indictment.

Criminal inadmissibility can become a serious obstacle to immigrating or travelling to Canada. Luckily, the Canadian immigration system has options to help people overcome inadmissibility.  One advantage of hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer is that they can help you navigate the complicated process of overcoming inadmissibility.

6. Health Issues

Just like a criminal record, medical issues can also cause a person to be inadmissible to Canada. If a person fails a Canadian immigration medical exam, they might not be allowed into Canada. Certain medical conditions that could be considered a risk to the public health or safety of Canada can make you ineligible for immigration. 

Canadian immigration authorities will provide notice if a person is found to be inadmissible due to medical reasons. The person then has 60 days to respond to this notice and appeal the decision. Applicants who are worried about medical inadmissibility can benefit from having an expert review their case and help them to determine if medical issues will impede their chances of immigrating to Canada. Contact us if you’d like guidance with applying for Express Entry with medical concerns. 

7. Not Hiring an Authorized Immigration Representative

Unfortunately, there are a lot of fraudsters who promote themselves as authorized Canadian immigration representatives, when in fact they are not. Many of these con artists prey on disheartened job seekers by assuring them job offers and visas. These scams can have many negative outcomes and typically scam the applicant out of their money while not providing any means to actually obtain a job or visa that they were hoping to get.

This is why it is essential to make sure that if you choose to hire an immigration lawyer or representative, you ensure that they are qualified and authorized by the Canadian government.  

Canadian immigration consultants are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Individuals that become immigration consultants are given a seven-digit CICC number that shows they are certified. If you are working with an immigration consultant, you should verify that their CICC number is valid.

In comparison, Canadian immigration lawyers are governed and regulated independently by provincial law societies. Since they are lawyers and not consultants, they do not have a CICC number and are instead registered under the bar and province. If someone tells you that your immigration lawyer requires a CICC number, it may be an immigration fraud red flag.

How Hiring an Immigration Attorney Can Help You

Analyzing the eligibility requirements to determine whether you are eligible for Express Entry can be a complicated task. What constitutes a serious health problem or a criminal conviction? Does even a minor DUI offence render you ineligible? Is all of your documentation adequate and meet the requirements? How can you avoid inadvertent mistakes that may end up being treated as misrepresentation?

Seeking assistance from a reputed and experienced lawyer is the simplest and safest way to minimize the chances of refusal or unnecessary delays of your Express Entry application.

Interested in applying for Express Entry? Canadim can help! Get started by completing a free assessment today.