5 common mistakes of immigrants and ways to correct them

1. Incorrect choice of the main profession

Error. When completing the profile in Express Entry, an occupation for which there is insufficient work experience is selected as the primary NOC code. If there is little work experience in the main occupation or that NOC code does not fall under the TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category, the risk of rejection will be very high.

Decision. When completing your profile, list only occupations for which you have had at least one year (within the past ten years) of full-time employment as your NOC primary code. However, you should be aware that listing occupations as NOC will not affect your future employment prospects in Canada. Because those who are permanent residents of Canada can work in any occupation they wish.

2. no evidence that you intend to reside outside of Quebec

Quebec immigration program. But the reality is that just because you are currently living in Quebec does not mean that you cannot apply for federal immigration and later move to any other part of Canada. Becoming a permanent resident of Canada gives you the right to live and work anywhere in Canada. This right is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

3. Waiting too long to send documents

Error. Provincial immigration programs change very quickly. This includes, for example, the list of professions in demand. Therefore, the slow collection and sending of all necessary documents may deprive you of the opportunity to participate in the program.

Decision. Prepare all necessary documents in advance and send them as soon as you apply.

4. Letters of employment that do not verify work experience

Mistake. Most people think that employment reference letters are a document with a description of skills and the signature of a former supervisor. In fact, such documents are great for a professional career, but will not help with your immigration application to Canada.

Decision. Reference letters for Canadian immigration must contain the following information:

• the official name of the company and your position;
• the period of employment with this company;
• the amount of wages;
• the number of working hours per week;
• a detailed list of job responsibilities.

Try to provide all documents to support the information in the items listed. For example, if the official letter of recommendation does not include your salary, provide salary statements. It should be noted that the final decision regarding your employment documentation is at the discretion of the visa officer, but the more supporting documents you can provide, the stronger your case will be.

5. Misrepresentation

Error. It is a serious immigration offence to knowingly provide false information to official immigration authorities in Canada. It can lead to your application being rejected, and you may be denied an application for immigration to Canada for several years.

Decision. Be as honest as possible in all details, including your career history, any medical or criminal problems, etc. Not all medical problems are a barrier to immigration to Canada. And the same goes for criminal records. If you are not sure what should or should not be mentioned, you can consult with an immigration lawyer or just mention the facts without going into detail, and leave it up to the visa officer.

You can evaluate your chances of immigrating to Canada here.