Express Entry

Your CRS score may remain unchanged because many updates—such as minor job duty adjustments or adding non-recognized credentials—don’t affect CRS criteria. To boost your score, focus on factors with high weight: language results (especially a CLB 9 jump), adding a spouse’s education/language, Canadian work experience, or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Keep in mind that IRCC rounds only count valid proof-backed changes. Also, CRS thresholds fluctuate with each draw, so even a “good” score may not be competitive if draw sizes are small or category-based invitations shift. Refreshing your profile does not automatically lead to an increase unless substantial changes are made.

Yes. The occupation you currently work in does not have to match the primary NOC you choose for your Express Entry profile, as long as your past qualifying experience (in the last 10 years) correctly aligns with the chosen NOC. What matters is that your reference letters, duties, and timeline match the NOC used to qualify for eligibility and CRS points. Working in a different job today will not harm your application, but misrepresenting duties or mixing NOC codes without clear documentation can cause delays or a refusal.

“Ineligible” usually means one of three things: (1) you didn’t meet the minimum eligibility of FSW, CEC, or FSTP; (2) your education or language scores were entered incorrectly; or (3) you selected the wrong NOC or claimed experience outside the 10-year window. Another common issue is scoring below IRCC’s FSW minimum of 67 points. Eligibility is not the same as being competitive—profiles can be eligible but still have low CRS. Re-enter all details carefully, confirm language results, check ECA equivalencies, and ensure your work experience is continuous and meets program requirements.

Your profile remains valid for 12 months, and there is no penalty for keeping it active the entire year. Many candidates receive Invitations to Apply during unexpected program-specific draws, even with scores that previously seemed too low. If your circumstances change—new job, language score, degree, marriage—update your profile; you may become competitive in a new draw category (occupation-based or French proficiency). Most importantly, maintaining an active profile gives you access to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations that require an EE profile number.

No. Declining an Invitation to Apply does not penalize you or reduce your CRS score. Your profile returns to the pool immediately and remains eligible for future draws. Candidates often decline an ITA when their supporting documents aren’t ready, or if they qualify for a better program or anticipate a higher score. However, declining repeatedly without improving your profile may result in expiry after 12 months, requiring re-creation. Only accepting an ITA and then failing to submit a complete application can negatively impact future attempts.