Can you apply for two Canada Immigration programs at once?

  With more than 100+ Canada Immigration programs to choose from, it is possible that you meet the eligibility for more than one program. So, the question arises – can you apply for two Canada Immigration programs at once? 

Maybe you meet the Canada PR visa eligibility for Express Entry – but you don’t really feel like crossing your fingers for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) looks like a more interesting option – even though it has a longer processing time. 

Can you apply for both? 

Well, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may have two applications at once – but you would be asked to withdraw one before a decision can be made on the other. You will not get a refund for the processing fees you’ve already paid. 

According to a statement made by the IRCC, “The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations do not prohibit multiple applications from being made in the economic stream. However, prior to concluding one of the applications, the immigration officer will advise the applicant that the other application(s) must be withdrawn. Furthermore, while multiple applications may be submitted, the applicant must also be aware that there will be no refund of processing fees paid for the other application(s) once processing has begun.”

You cannot have more than one Express Entry profile

According to Canadian Immigration laws, you are not allowed to have more than one Express Entry profile at the same time. Also, the IRCC’s website states that having one or more profiles will not increase your chances of meeting the Canada PR visa eligibility under the Express Entry, nor allow you to be invited under other immigration programs. 

However, you are allowed to include your spouse/common-law partner on your Express Entry application. Since every Express Entry application has a Principal Applicant (PA), who is awarded a certain Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score – the PA is allowed to add a spouse and dependent children to the application. 

When applying under the Express Entry as a couple, only one partner can be the PA. The couple may choose which partner is the PA, provided that they both qualify for at least one Express Entry linked immigration program. This rule is a must remember because one partner will likely have a higher CRS score than the other. Since adding a spouse to your Canada PR application awards you additional points, the best immigration consultant in India – always recommends immigrants move to Canada with their family members. 

Also, having a profile in the Express Entry pool does not always guarantee a successful Invitation to Apply (ITA). You will only receive an ITA to apply for Canada PR if your CRS score meets the minimum cut-off score in a given Express Entry draw. 

Ideally, to qualify under the Express Entry, you must: 

• Be under 30 years of age. 

• Hold at least two bachelor’s or one master’s degree. 

• Be able to demonstrate sufficient language skills in either English or French. 

• Have at least 1-2 years of full-time skilled work experience in an in-demand occupation in Canada. 

IRCC usually conducts a round of invitations on a bi-weekly basis, at minimum. The frequency, size, and date of the next Express Entry draw– are determined by the needs of IRCC’s application inventory.