10 Uncomfortable Truths About Express Entry, Provincial Nominations, & IRCC

Canada's immigration system has never felt more unpredictable.

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Ambiguity is the looming monster in Canadian immigration, its dark shadow everywhere. Yet no matter how uncomfortable the truth may be, clarity is kind.

From slashed PNP allocations to sudden rule changes and increasing scrutiny on PGWP applications — here are ten realities immigrants face in Canadian immigration today.

1. Sudden Rule Changes Can Affect Eligibility & Chances

IRCC can change the rules without warning, from what is prioritized under category-based Express Entry draws to the removal of job offer points. These changes leave many applicants lost under the new criteria (e.g., no STEM or agriculture draws in 2025 or recent changes for open work permits for spouses).

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: Those relying on a specific category-based draw may become ineligible overnight or wait for an ITA that won’t arrive with their current score in 2025. If affected, consider PNP alternatives, improving your French (for a higher CRS score and easier work permit path through Mobilité Francophone), and employer-driven pathways.

Stay updated through official IRCC announcements. Subscribe to official IRCC Newsroom.

2. Losing a Job Can Jeopardize Your Nomination

You must maintain employment throughout the nomination process for British Columbia PNP and other provincial programs.

Losing your job without a new, qualifying offer can result in nomination withdrawal.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: If nominated under a PNP, job security is crucial. Have a backup plan: network actively while employed and maintain a valid work permit,through a work permit support letter or bridging open work permit, depending on your post-nomination qualifications.

See British Columbia Post-Nomination Guide.

3. High CRS Scores Are Shutting Out Qualified Candidates

Recent CEC Express Entry draws have seen CRS cut-offs over 520 points, making it difficult for candidates without PNP nominations, 2+ years Canadian work experience, or multiple degrees to receive ITAs.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: If your CRS is below 520, consider boosting your score by improving English and French test results, getting additional education credentials assessed, or securing a PNP nomination. Exploring work experience outside Canada as a final option could help overcome CRS challenges.

See the latest Express Entry Rounds of Invitations.

4. PNP Allocations Slashed, Creating Uncertainty

Canada’s new immigration levels plan cut PNP allocations by nearly half, leaving provinces uncertain about IRCC’s 2025 quota allocation. The uncertainty is causing confusion and delays for candidates relying on provincial nominations.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: If you were counting on PNP, act fast. Ensure eligibility once some PNP are announced or re-open and apply as soon as you can. If not eligible for current PNPs, explore alternative programs like the upcoming Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). Remember you have 45 or 60 days to submit documents after a provincial nomination, depending on the province.

See the reactions of provinces to slashed allocations.

5. Job Offer Points Are Being Phased Out

IRCC announced that starting Spring 2025, points for job offers under Express Entry will be eliminated.

This change will significantly impact candidates relying on employer support for their CRS scores.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: The changes won’t affect candidates already invited to apply or with a pending application. Once introduced, the change will apply to all candidates with job offers in the pool and new candidates. After Spring 2025, candidates relying on a job offer to boost CRS must explore other ways to increase their points.

See Government of Canada announcement.

6. Express Entry Profiles Have a Short Shelf Life

An Express Entry profile is valid for one year. If you don’t receive an ITA within that period, your profile expires, forcing you to reapply and lose your previous positioning in the pool.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: If your profile is close to expiry, update it before it lapses to ensure continuous presence in the pool. Consider retaking language tests or earning additional credentials to improve your score. Stay proactive instead of waiting for an ITA. Don’t depend on your lawyer or consultant to remind you of your profile’s expiry date.

See the Express Entry Criteria.

7. Backlogs Are Worsening Despite Digitalization

Despite IRCC’s move to online processing, the backlog exceeded 2 million applications. Over 900,000 are beyond service standards, affecting Express Entry and PNP applicants.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: Expect delays. Ensure your work/study permits are renewed in time and explore temporary pathways like Francophone Mobilité work permits or study permits while awaiting PR.

Check IRCC’s website for processing time updates.

8. Misrepresentation Has Severe Consequences

Providing false information or failing to disclose changes (e.g., a job loss) can result in application refusal (even if not intentional), a 5-year reapplication ban, and possible legal action.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: Always disclose updates (like job loss or marital status changes) immediately. If you realize you made an error, correct it before IRCC reviews your file. Seek professional help if you’re unsure how any change might impact your application.

Review misrepresentation consequences.

9. IRCC Processing Times Are Unpredictable

Despite estimated timelines, applicants of Express Entry and PNP report processing times of 6 to over 24 months, with little transparency on delays.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: Expect delays. Keep permits valid while waiting and avoid irreversible decisions (like quitting a job or selling property) until final approval. Check self-reported tracking tools like Immitracker for trends.

10. Communication with IRCC Is Frustratingly Limited

Applicants struggle to reach IRCC for status updates. Web forms receive generic replies and phone support has long wait times.

Recent automated IRCC emails about work permit authorization have been both helpful and confusing.

🔹 What This Means for Immigrants: Use multiple channels—MP offices, web forms, and GCMS notes requests—to get updates. Keep detailed records of inquiries and responses to track your case progress. Engage with online immigration communities to stay informed.

How to contact IRCC.