Wondering how to maximize your chances of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry? Choosing the jobs for which you can claim points can make a huge difference to your profile. But what are these jobs, and how can you prove your work experience? In this article, we'll guide you through the essential criteria for claiming points for your jobs, and give you practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls. By reading this article, you'll be well prepared to optimize your file and move towards your Canadian dream.
Understanding the Express Entry system
The Express Entry system is a selection program for economic immigration to Canada, based on a points system that evaluates applicants on various criteria such as age, language skills, education and work experience. However, to maximize your points, it's crucial to provide solid proof of your work experience.
Jobs for which points can be claimed
To claim points for employment under the Express Entry program, you must provide several pieces of documentary evidence. Here are the types of documents required:
Letter from employer
A letter of reference from your employer is crucial. This letter should include:
- Company contact information (address, e-mail and telephone number)
- Your passport information (especially name) and company number
- Job title
- Start and end dates of employment
- Main tasks and responsibilities in detail for each position held in the company
- Number of hours worked per week
- Salary and benefits
- Name and signature of immediate supervisor or human resources representative
Note that this letter is different and distinct from the work certificate or the attestation of termination of employment, which do not include all the information required by IRCC. If you submit these documents instead of the employer letter, you risk having your application refused or receiving a procedural fairness letter. Contact us if you have any difficulties obtaining the employer's letter in the required format.
Employment contract
The employment contract signed by you and your employer is essential proof of your employment relationship. It must specify the terms and conditions of your employment, including responsibilities and salary.
Pay slips
Regular pay slips are essential to prove that you have received a salary for your work. They show continuity of employment and the actual salary received.
Certificate of payment of social security contributions
This document proves that social security contributions have been paid on behalf of the employee, reinforcing the authenticity of your employment.
Bank proof of salary transfers
Bank statements showing monthly transfers of the salary indicated on pay slips are also necessary to corroborate your proof of salary.
Jobs you should include in your personal history
If you can't provide all the proof required by IRCC for a given job, it's better to include that job in your personal history rather than trying to claim points. Here are a few examples of situations where it's better to include a job in your personal history:
- No or incomplete letter from employer
- Missing or informal employment contract
- Absent or insufficient pay slips
- Difficulty in obtaining proof of payment of social security contributions
- No bank proof of payment of your wages
Tips for gathering evidence
1. Prepare in advance
Start gathering your documents as soon as possible. Contact your former employers to obtain letters of reference and copies of employment contracts.
Check documents for conformity
Make sure all your documents meet IRCC requirements. A letter of reference must be detailed and formal (on company letterhead), and all documents must be clear and legible.
Keep digital and paper copies
Always have digital and paper copies of all your important documents. This will enable you to respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
Use a certified translation service
If your documents are not in English or French, be sure to have them translated by a certified translator. IRCC requires official translations of all documents not in English or French.
Risks associated with insufficient proof of employment
Invitations based on insufficient evidence
Some people receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under the Express Entry program based on a job for which they do not have all the required proof. While this may seem like an opportunity to move quickly through the immigration process, there are considerable risks associated with this approach. Here's an overview of the possible consequences:
Refusal of request
The main risk of providing insufficient proof of employment is the refusal of your application. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) carefully examines every document you provide to verify the authenticity of your work experience. If the evidence does not meet the strict criteria, your application may be rejected, representing a waste of time, effort and financial resources.
Procedural fairness
In some cases, before rejecting an application, IRCC may offer an opportunity to address the concerns raised, a procedure known as procedural fairness. If the IRCC finds inconsistencies or insufficient evidence, they may send you a procedural fairness letter to give you a chance to explain or provide additional documentation. However, this period is often limited and may not be sufficient to gather additional evidence, especially if the necessary documents are difficult to obtain.
3. Inadmissibility for misrepresentation
Another major risk is the charge of misrepresentation. If the IRCC determines that you have deliberately provided false or misleading information in your application, you could be inadmissible for up to five years. Misrepresentation is a serious offence in Canada and can include:
- Providing falsified documents
- Omit relevant information
- Deliberate misrepresentation of information
Tips to avoid these risks
To avoid these risks and optimize your chances of success, it is essential to follow a few good practices:
- Check that your documents are complete IRCC: Make sure that all required proofs, such as letters of reference, employment contracts, pay slips, and proof of payment of social security contributions, are complete and comply with IRCC requirements.
- Be transparent If you can't provide all the proof required for a job, it's better to declare it in your personal history rather than risk misrepresentation.
- Consult an expert Working with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant can help you understand the requirements and prepare a solid file. They can also advise you on the best way to present your work experience.
To summarize, while receiving an invitation based on employment without sufficient proof may seem like a tempting opportunity, the associated risks are too high to ignore. Application refusal, procedural fairness proceedings and inadmissibility for misrepresentation are serious consequences that can jeopardize your chances of immigration. To avoid these risks, it's crucial to provide complete and compliant proof or to consult an immigration expert.
Risk of claiming points for unskilled work with the wrong NOC code
The consequences of a wrong CNP code
One of the crucial aspects of the Express Entry process is to ensure that the jobs for which you claim points are correctly classified according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Using the wrong NOC code for an unskilled job can have serious consequences for your immigration application.
Refusal of request
The most immediate and likely risk is the rejection of your application. The NOC code you choose must accurately reflect the duties and responsibilities of your job. If IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) discovers that the NOC code you have used does not correspond to the nature of your work, they may reject your application on the basis of incorrect or misleading information.
Procedural fairness
In some cases, IRCC may give you the opportunity to correct your error through a procedural fairness procedure. However, this does not guarantee that your application will subsequently be approved. Correcting your NOC code may reveal that your job is not qualified to claim points, resulting in a de facto refusal.
Accusations of misrepresentation
Using an incorrect NOC code can also be seen as a deliberate attempt to deceive. Misrepresentation is a serious Canadian immigration offence. If the IRCC considers that you have knowingly used an incorrect NOC code to artificially inflate your points, you may be charged with misrepresentation. Consequences may include:
- Refusal of your current request
- A five-year ban
- Increased difficulties for future immigration applications
Waste of time and resources
Submitting an application with incorrect information can not only lead to a refusal, but also to a significant loss of time and resources. You may have to start the process all over again, which can significantly delay your immigration project. The fees associated with preparing and submitting the application, as well as the potential costs of additional consultations, can also represent a significant financial burden.
Tips to avoid NOC code mistakes
To avoid these risks, it's crucial to ensure that the NOC code chosen for each job accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of that position. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Look carefully Take the time to understand the NOC system and the descriptions associated with each code. Consult official resources and make sure that the code you choose corresponds exactly to your job.
- Consult an expert Working with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant can help you choose the right NOC code and avoid costly mistakes. They have the expertise to properly evaluate your work experience.
- Provide detailed proof Make sure that all the evidence you provide (letters of reference, employment contracts, etc.) accurately describe the tasks performed, corresponding to the chosen NOC code. Consistency between your documents and the NOC code is essential.
Claiming points for an unskilled job with the wrong NOC code, suggesting that the job is skilled, is therefore a costly mistake that can lead to serious consequences, ranging from refusal of the application to a five-year inadmissibility for misrepresentation. To avoid these risks, it's crucial to fully understand the NOC system, choose the appropriate code for your jobs, and consult an immigration expert if necessary. To maximize your chances of success, fill out our online questionnaire or book a consultation with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Together, we can help you navigate this complex process and achieve your goal of immigrating to Canada.
Conclusion
The key to maximizing your points in the Express Entry system is to provide solid, comprehensive evidence of your professional experience. By following the tips and criteria mentioned in this article, you'll be better prepared to put together a convincing dossier. Remember, every detail counts, and thorough documentation can make all the difference.
Ready to make the leap to Canada? We can help. Fill out our online questionnaire or book a consultation with our regulated Canadian immigration consultant.
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