Common Reasons Express Entry Applications Are Refused Today (And How to Avoid Them)
- InfoPlace Canada
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Canada’s Express Entry pathway remains a beacon of hope for many aspiring immigrants, but it’s also fiercely competitive. As of September 1, 2025, there were 254,672 active profiles in the Express Entry pool. Meanwhile, the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan caps permanent resident admissions at 395,000 spots in 2025, declining further in subsequent years. The competition isn’t just within Express Entry; Canada had 2,959,825 non‑permanent residents on April 1, 2025 (according to Statistic Canada) underscoring how many people hope to transition to permanent status. In short, the odds are stacked. Securing an ITA is rare, and converting it into permanent residence is rarer still unless your application is flawless.
Why Are So Many Applications Refused?
IRCC has tightened its standards and, Express Entry applications “leave no room for error” and IRCC rarely gives second chances to applicants. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Work Experience Proof
IRCC requires precise evidence of your work history. Reference letters must include your job title, duties, start and end dates, hours worked and salary. Many applicants submit letters missing these details or rely on pay stubs, proof of salary deposits and contracts, which increases the risk of refusal. Tip: Provide detailed letters on company letterhead, signed by a supervisor or HR, and include extra documentation (T4 slips, promotion letters) to reinforce your narrative.
2. Proof of Funds Issues
Express Entry applicants must prove they can support themselves and their families. If your bank statements don’t cover the entire required period, or if funds are locked in non‑liquid investments, IRCC may deem them invalid. Settlement thresholds also rise annually, so using outdated figures can cause rejection. Tip: Maintain a consistent balance above the current threshold and document any large deposits.
3. Expired or Invalid Supporting Documents
Language tests and ECAs have expiry dates; IELTS or CELPIP results are valid for two years, while most ECAs last five years. Submitting an expired certificate—or the wrong report type—often results in refusal. Police certificates must cover your entire stay in each country and be issued within six months of application. Tip: Track expiry dates carefully and renew documents before uploading. For police certificates, ensure they cover the correct period and include clear scans.
4. Inconsistencies Across Your Documents
IRCC meticulously cross‑checks your work history, personal history, travel records and family information across every previous Canadian immigration application. If an unlicensed representative prepared your earlier files, you could unknowingly be exposed to inconsistencies or misrepresentations. Adding new details in your permanent residence application that were not disclosed earlier also raises red flags. Even seemingly small discrepancies—mismatched employment dates, titles or overlapping timelines—can lead to procedural fairness letters or outright refusals. IRCC pays close attention to the alignment of work, personal and travel histories, address records, education and family details.
Tip: Review all past and current applications, make sure dates and job titles match, and include a Letter of Explanation for any unavoidable differences. If you don’t have copies of your previous submissions, our IRCC Document Retrieval Service can help. We can obtain the documents from your earlier application files, ensuring that your new submission is fully aligned and accurate.
5. Mistakes in Claiming CRS Points: A Cautionary Note for CEC Applicants
Incorrectly claiming CRS points is one of the most common reasons Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applications get refused. While it’s tempting to maximize your score, any misrepresentation intentional or not can lead to delays, rejection or even a ban.
Working Hours: Tracking Matters
CEC applicants need at least 12 months of full‑time (or equivalent part‑time) skilled work in Canada. Here are common pitfalls:
Double‑Counting Hours: You cannot add up multiple part‑time jobs beyond 30 hours per week. Even if you juggle two roles, IRCC will only count up to 30 hours per week toward your full‑time equivalency.
Incomplete Records: If you can’t document the dates and hours you worked, IRCC may discount that experience entirely.
Tip: Maintain meticulous records of your start and end dates, hours worked per week and job status. If you had variable hours, show pay stubs or schedules as evidence.
NOC Code: Getting the Right Fit
Selecting the right National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is critical. IRCC uses NOC to verify that your job duties align with a skilled occupation:
Misaligned Duties: Claiming a NOC that doesn’t match your actual tasks can invalidate your experience points.
Unclear Reference Letters: If your employer’s letter doesn’t detail your duties, titles and responsibilities clearly, IRCC may question the NOC match.
Tip: Review the NOC descriptions and choose the code that accurately reflects your main duties. Ensure that your employer’s letter specifically lists these tasks. If there’s a mismatch, adjust either your NOC selection or request a more detailed reference letter.
Why Professional Representation Matters — And How InfoPlace Can Help
Canada’s Express Entry landscape is more competitive than ever. Permanent residence quotas have dropped to 395 000 while nearly 3 million non-permanent residents are hoping to transition. With only 60 days to submit your full application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, you simply can’t afford mistakes.
That’s where professional representation comes in. A licensed consultant:
Knows what IRCC looks for: They audit your work letters, financial statements and personal history against the latest requirements, ensuring nothing crucial is overlooked.
Spots gaps and inconsistencies: A seasoned pro cross-checks timelines and documents so your narrative is rock solid.
Stays ahead of policy changes: From evolving NOC codes to new settlement fund thresholds, experts keep your application aligned with current rules.
Even a minor slip, an incomplete reference letter or expired test report—can derail your dream. Don’t go it alone.
Work With InfoPlace Canada
At InfoPlace, we’ve turned countless ITAs into permanent resident approvals. Our services include:
Comprehensive document audits – We verify every detail, from work experience to ECAs.
Consistency checks – We ensure your story is coherent across all forms and documents.
Tailored guidance – We stay on top of policy changes so you don’t have to.
If you have received an ITA, contact us -ask@infoplacecanada.ca or +1-306-585-6565.
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