The anticipation of the upcoming Express Entry draw, expected anytime between November 14 and 16, heightens as three weeks have passed since the last draw on October 26, 2023. A technical glitch caused the recent hiatus, and it is hoped that the issue is now resolved, paving the way for resumed draws.
However, for both new candidates and those already in the pool, merely creating a profile is not sufficient. It’s crucial to understand that candidates in the Express Entry pool should actively work on enhancing their profiles to improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Additionally, candidates with high CRS scores should proactively gather important documents required post-Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Here are four important actions to undertake while waiting for the next Express Entry draw:
1. Maintain Your Express Entry Profile
Regularly updating and ensuring the accuracy of the information on your profile is an ongoing responsibility. Regardless of technical glitches, all applicants should vigilantly keep their profiles up-to-date. Changes in situations such as switching professions, accepting or rejecting job offers, reassessing language proficiency, and life events like marriage, divorce, adoption, or childbirth necessitate profile updates.
- Enhance Your CRS Rating
Increasing the likelihood of receiving an ITA and improving your standing in the pool can be achieved by:
- Learning French, as bilingual candidates earn extra CRS points, and those achieving CLB level 7 qualify for the Francophone Draw.
- Obtaining certification in eligible occupations for the Express Entry certificate of qualification (COQ) can add 50 points, contingent on language proficiency.
- Utilizing Job Bank for potential employment offers.
- Exploring private sector job boards to showcase skills to Canadian companies and expressing interest in the Provincial Nominee Program from provinces and territories.
- Strengthening academic records, improving language proficiency, and accumulating relevant work experience.
- Utilize Job Bank for Job Search
Initiate your job hunt by creating an account with Canada Job Bank. Despite potential challenges, persist in job searching through the Job Bank database, where employers seeking specific skills can be found. Consider applying to job postings with approved Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) and target larger employers for increased visibility.
- Prepare Documents for ITA:
For candidates confident in their profiles and anticipating an ITA, preparing official documents in advance is crucial. As there is a narrow 60-day window to respond with a complete application post-ITA, having all required paperwork readily available is imperative.
Key documents include:
- Valid language proficiency test results.
- Police clearances for candidates and family members above eighteen years old.
- Ensure the results of language tests are current and consider retaking the exam or re-entering the pool if results expire before an ITA.
A proactive measures during the waiting period can significantly enhance readiness for the next Express Entry draw. Maintaining an up-to-date profile, continuously improving CRS ratings, active job searching, and preparing essential documents are essential steps in positioning oneself for success in the Express Entry system.