Maple News reports that Express Entry candidates who experience a change in their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence still have a pathway forward — though the next steps might vary depending on the nature of the change.
Canada’s Express Entry system is the primary application portal for three major economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Once a candidate receives an ITA through a draw conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), they become an “applicant” and must submit their Application for Permanent Residence (APR) within 60 days.
But what if their CRS score changes during that window? According to IRCC, applicants have two choices: they can either go ahead and submit the APR, or decline the ITA altogether. However, these options come with important caveats.
IRCC mandates that candidates re-evaluate their CRS score if there’s any change to their personal circumstances before making a decision. Examples of factors that might affect one’s CRS score include changes in age, language test results, level of education, work experience, or the addition or removal of a spouse or common-law partner.
If the updated CRS score is still above the minimum cutoff from the draw in which the ITA was issued, the applicant may proceed with submitting their APR. However, submitting an application based on outdated or incorrect information could lead to complications or even rejection. It’s crucial to ensure that the information reflected in the Express Entry profile is accurate and up to date.
On the other hand, declining the ITA may be the better route if the updated CRS score falls below the qualifying cutoff of the ITA draw. While this might be a setback, it allows candidates the opportunity to improve their profiles and potentially receive another ITA in future rounds.
Maple News emphasizes the importance of careful review. Submitting an application with information that no longer matches your current situation could not only waste time and resources but may result in a refusal.
Ultimately, the key to maintaining eligibility and successfully navigating the process is transparency and prompt updates to your profile. Candidates should monitor their CRS scores closely and review the eligibility criteria after receiving an ITA, before rushing into the final application stage.