4 Surprising Truths About Immigrating to Canada That Most People Miss
If you’re planning to move to Canada, you’re not alone—millions dream about living in a country known for its safety, opportunities, diversity, and world-class lifestyle. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize: Canada’s immigration process is not as simple as it looks online.
Many applicants get rejected not because they lack qualifications, but because they rely on assumptions, half-information, or outdated advice from random YouTube videos and forums.
So today, I want to break down four important truths about the Canadian immigration process that many people overlook.
Understanding these can help you avoid costly mistakes and prepare a strong, rejection-proof application.
Your Foreign Degree Isn’t Automatically Valid — You MUST Get an ECA
This is where most applicants go wrong.
People assume their foreign degree—whether it’s a master’s, PhD, or diploma—is automatically accepted in Canada.
But Canada does NOT recognize your education until you get an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
An ECA is a mandatory check that confirms:
👉 Your foreign degree is valid
👉 It is equivalent to a Canadian credential
👉 It can be counted toward your immigration points
If you’re applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), ECA is not optional—it’s required.
Even for CEC or FST applicants, if you want CRS points for foreign education, you still need an ECA.
Bottom line:
Your ECA is Step Zero.
Don’t plan your timeline, CRS strategy, or document checklist until your ECA process is underway.
Not All ECA Providers Are Equal — Especially for Certain Professions
After realizing they need an ECA, most people run to WES without thinking twice.
But here’s something not many applicants know:
If you’re a doctor, pharmacist, or architect, you CANNOT use general ECA providers.
For these regulated professions, you must use specific professional bodies:
- Doctors (NOC 31100, 31101, 31102) → Medical Council of Canada
- Pharmacists (NOC 31120) → Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
- Architects (NOC 21200) → Canadian Architectural Certification Board
If you get an ECA from WES, IQAS, ICES, CES, or ICAS for these occupations, your report becomes invalid for immigration.
That means automatic non-compliance → guaranteed refusal.
Why so strict?
Because these professions directly impact public safety, and Canada wants to verify credentials through the correct regulatory bodies.
Bottom line:
Choose your ECA organization wisely.
Your job title decides where your assessment should come from.
The Famous “67 Points” Is NOT What Gets You PR
One of the biggest myths I see on social media is this:
“If you score 67 points, you can get Canada PR.”
No—you only pass the eligibility test.
The immigration system has two layers:
✔ Layer 1: 67-Point Grid
This only determines whether you qualify for FSWP.
It is a simple YES/NO filter.
✔ Layer 2: CRS Score (The Real Competition)
Once you’re inside the Express Entry pool, CRS is all that matters.
You compete against thousands of applicants, and IRCC invites only the highest-ranking scores.
Even if you score 67 points, you might still sit in the pool for months—or years—unless your CRS score is high enough.
Bottom line:
The 67 points open the gate.
Your CRS score decides whether you actually enter Canada.
Your Most Important Documents Have an Expiry Date — Especially Your ECA
Many applicants treat their ECA like a lifetime certificate.
But your ECA is valid only for 5 years from the date of issue.
This matters for two major steps:
- When you create your Express Entry profile
- When you submit your final PR application after receiving an ITA
If your ECA expires during this period, you must get it reissued.
What happens if it expires?
Your application will not be accepted, even if everything else is perfect.
This can push you back months and force you to restart the process.
Bottom line:
Mark your ECA expiry date on your calendar.
Set reminders at least 6 months before it expires.
Closing Thoughts
Canada’s immigration process rewards applicants who understand the rules and prepare strategically.
These four truths may seem simple, but they make the difference between a smooth process and a rejection.
- Validate your foreign degree through an ECA
- Choose the correct ECA body, especially if you’re in a regulated profession
- Don’t confuse the 67-point eligibility test with the competitive CRS system
- Track the expiry dates of your documents
The applicants who succeed aren’t the ones with perfect resumes—they’re the ones who prepare correctly.
Ready to Start Your Canada PR Journey With Zero Mistakes?
Don’t let a small ECA error delay your dream of settling in Canada.
I help applicants choose the right ECA body, avoid rejections, and prepare a perfect PR file from Day 1.
📩 Want a FREE ECA/PR Assessment?
Just send me a message — I’ll guide you personally and help you move forward with confidence.