undergo changes after securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. When this happens, it’s vital to maintain their PR eligibility until their electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) is fully submitted.

Express Entry, implemented by Canada’s federal government, is a system overseeing immigration applications from three key programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP). As per the Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025, Canada aims to accept a minimum of 82,000 new immigrants via the Express Entry system annually over the next three years.

To immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, aspirants must join the pool and upload their profiles to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The next step is to wait for an ITA. Without an ITA, applying for PR is not possible. Recipients of the ITA must submit their eAPR within 60 days.

A common query among Express Entry candidates is, “What happens if my Express Entry profile changes after receiving my ITA?” This article aims to clarify this question and offer advice for a smooth immigration application process through Express Entry.

Impact of Profile Changes and Consequences of Incorrect Profile Information

Post the Express Entry draw, when ITAs for Canadian PR are issued, changes in the ITA recipient’s profile may occur. Such alterations could significantly affect the CRS score, which is only “locked” once the eAPR is submitted. For instance, a candidate could experience a career or education change, get married, celebrate a birthday, or see their language test results expire, all before submitting their eAPR.

It’s crucial to keep your profile accurate and current. Providing “false information [or omitting] important details” can lead to the refusal of immigration applications, declarations of inadmissibility, or a ban on applying for up to five years.

Updating Express Entry Profile After ITA Receipt

To prevent the repercussions of false or incorrect profile information, applicants can follow the guide below to update their Express Entry profiles after receiving an ITA. Prior to an ITA, candidates can amend their profiles without explanation. However, once an ITA is issued, changes are officially recorded in the Global Case Management System (GCMS), hence updates should either:

Incorporate additional supporting documents to verify the changed circumstances (such as marriage or career change) to ensure profile accuracy, or
Send a Letter of Explanation (LOE) when gathering the necessary supporting documents is not feasible.
An LOE allows applicants to state that despite trying to gather all required documents within the 60-day time frame, they couldn’t do so.

Impact of Profile Changes on CRS Score

Post-ITA profile changes can alter the CRS score, affecting the chances of receiving an ITA in a future Express Entry draw. The CRS score can vary based on different elements in the profile. For instance, securing a valid job offer or enhancing language test scores, education, or relevant work experience can earn more points and improve the chances of getting an invitation for Canadian permanent residence.

Profile Changes and PR Eligibility

Certain profile changes can render candidates, who were previously eligible, now ineligible for PR. This is crucial as the Express Entry profile is not finalized until the eAPR is submitted to the IRCC. For example, if the language test results expire before the eAPR submission or if a candidate no longer meets the IRCC’s proof of funds requirements, they would become ineligible for PR.

Handling Profile Changes and Potential Processing Time Delays

Changes in profiles may require IRCC to reassess a candidate’s eligibility for PR via Express Entry, potentially prolonging the application processing time. Therefore, candidates should strive to submit required documents and profile updates promptly to avoid application delays.

Minimizing Negative Impact of Profile Changes

The key to managing profile changes post-ITA is updating information promptly and proactive communication with immigration authorities. If a change is foreseen, inform the authorities as soon as possible.

In addition, considering the professional advice of a certified Canadian immigration lawyer can be beneficial. They can assist with accurately completing forms and applications, liaise with the Canadian government on the applicant’s behalf, and use their expertise to avoid critical errors during the immigration process.