Express Entry applicants have two choices. Here’s all about if PR is possible if CRS score changes after one gets an ITA. 

Through the Express Entry application management system, which handles immigration applications from three different economic immigration programs, the only way to apply for Canadian PR is by obtaining an ITA from IRCC when the department conducts an Express Entry draw. 

The Express Entry system manages applications from the CEC, FSTP, & FSWP. Once an Express Entry applicant obtains their ITA, they transition to ‘applicant’ status & IRCC gives the individual 60 days to submit their PR. 

Is PR Possible If CRS Score Changes After One Gets An ITA? 

Well, in some cases, there might be a material change that impacts an applicant’s eligibility for the ITA they received from IRCC. Examples of such changes that might impact an applicant’s CRS score will be highlighted below.

At this time, IRCC clarifies that if an applicant realizes that their circumstances have changed or information in their profile, which they were issued an ITA, is no longer accurate, they have two options for how to proceed. 

Note: Before proceeding with either option below, IRCC instructs applicants to recalculate their CRS score reflecting the altered circumstances. 

Alternative 1: Decline The ITA

Express Entry Applicants who experience a change in circumstances that might have a negative impact on their CRS score are encouraged by IRCC to decline their ITA. Declining their ITA is the only way applicants can revise information on their Express Entry profile. 

A negative change in circumstances can imply anything that either negatively impacts an applicant’s ability to meet the minimum entry criteria for the program they applied to or drops their recalculated CRS score below the minimum CRS score for their round of invitations. 

Alternative 2: Proceed With Submitting The APR

Applicants who experience a change in circumstance but do not want to decline their ITA might still submit their APR to IRCC. However, it is vital to be aware that applicants who choose to continue with their application are responsible for ensuring that the change in circumstance is properly reflected in their APR. 

This implies that whether the change in circumstance was positive or negative, the applicant must take the time at this stage of the process to correct the information that IRCC brought over from their Express Entry profile to their APR before submitting the application.

Examples Of Changes That Might Affect Your CRS Score 

The following highlights different ways in which a CRS score changes after one gets an ITA. 

The applicant’s CRS score might increase if they: 

  • Graduate from a higher level of schooling 
  • Reach the threshold for an extra year of Canadian work experience
  • Obtain a certificate of qualification 
  • Improve their language test scores

The candidate’s CRS score might decrease if they: 

  • Retake their language tests after their original scores expire but complete the test with lower test results
  • Lose a qualifying offer of arranged employment 

An applicant’s CRS score might either increase or decrease depending upon the addition of a common-law partner/ spouse to their Express Entry application. This addition might positively or negatively impact the CRS score of a principal applicant because their score can increase/ decrease based on the human capital of their spouse/ partner. 

Note: One change for which candidates aren’t penalized as it relates to their CRS score upon obtaining an ITA is if their birthday occurs after their ITA was issued. Although age is a prominent factor in the human capital section of an applicant’s CRS score calculation, IRCC provides an exemption that prevents ITA recipients from losing CRS points in this case. 

What Happens When You Decline An ITA From IRCC? 

When an Express Entry applicant declines their ITA, they are returned to ‘candidate’ status. 

At this time, the applicant’s profile will be returned to the Express Entry pool and remain active for as long as it maintains its validity. Once a profile returns to the applicant’s pool, the applicant will be able to update their profile information, and they will continue to be considered for a new ITA in future Express Entry draws as long as they continue to meet the MEC.