10 Things to Do While Waiting for Next Express Entry Draw 2025
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The Express Entry system is one of Canada's fastest pathways to permanent residency, but waiting for the next draw can be nerve-wracking. Instead of passively waiting, you can use this time to boost your CRS score and strengthen your application.
Improving your language skills to gain work experience, there is a lot more you can do before the next Express Entry draw. In this guide, we will explore 10 things to do while waiting for the next Express Entry draw.
10 Things to Do While Waiting for Next Express Entry Draw
Waiting for the next Express Entry draw can feel uncertain, but it’s also a golden opportunity to strengthen your profile. Instead of simply waiting, use this time to enhance your eligibility and improve your CRS score. Every small step now can increase your chances of receiving an ITA. Here is a list of 10 things to do while waiting for the next Express Entry draw.
- Improve Your Language Test Scores
- Gain Work Experience
- Consider Pursuing Higher Education
- Secure a Job Offer in Canada
- Gather All Your Documents
- Try Getting a Provincial Nomination
- Build and Grow Personal and Professional Networks
- Stay Updated on Immigration News
- Gear up for the Canadian Job Market
- Carefully Plan Your Settlement in Canada
Let us now understand each of them in detail.
1. Improve Your Language Test Scores
Improving your language test scores significantly boosts your chances of qualifying, as this score plays a crucial role in your Comprehensive Ranking Score for Express Entry.
The language tests for Canada PR include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.
Tips for Improvement
- Enroll for preparation courses to enhance your skills
- Use online practice tests, language apps, and study materials for continuous learning and improvement
- Consider retaking the language test, in case your initial score has scope for improvement.
2. Gain Work Experience
Adding relevant work experience is yet the best thing to do while waiting for the next Express Entry draw. While you await your Invitation to Apply (ITA), continue to gain work experience, preferably for occupations in-demand in Canada.
Tips for Improvement
- Opt for job roles that align with your education, skills, and NOC codes relevant to targeted draws
- Try gaining promotions and additional responsibilities to help upgrade your professional profile.
- Ensure to add a detailed record of your job roles, achievements, and work experience certificate & documents in your Express Entry profile.
Also Read: Occupations in Demand in Canada for International Skilled Workers in 2025
3. Consider Pursuing Higher Education
Having master's or doctoral qualifications can significantly boost your CRS score and make it one of the crucial waiting for the next express entry draw things to do factors.
Tips for Improvement
- Try enrolling for a master's program or professional certifications that are relevant to your field and that also qualify for provincial nomination.
- Ensure to get your Education Credential Assessment report from the designated organisations as per your qualifications for the Canadian equivalency
4. Secure a Job Offer in Canada
Gaining a job offer from a Canadian employer greatly increases your CRS score and expedites changes to Canada immigration.
Tips for Improvement
- Leverage job portals like Canada Job Bank, LinkedIn, etc, to find active job vacancies in Canada
- Connect with professional networks online and through industry associations
- Consider seeking recruitment agencies that specialise placement of foreign workers in Canadian companies.
Check Out: How to Get a Job in Canada from India in 2025?
5. Gather All Your Documents
Ensure to prepare and organize all the relevant documents to avoid last-minute rushing and stress.
Tips for Improvement
- Ensure to have the necessary proof of funds for Canada to support your stay
- Ensure to have your Police Clearance Certificate from the places where you have lived for 6+ months after turning 18 years.
- Medical examination clearance certificate by an approved IRCC panel physician
- Ensure to organize all your Academic transcripts and work experience certificates, ECA, etc, to authenticate your education and work credentials.
Explore: How to Show Proof of Funds for Canada Immigration in 2025?
6. Try Getting a Provincial Nomination
With PNP Canada, you can immediately benefit from 600 CRS points. Securing a Provincial Nomination could be one of the fastest pathways to PR in Canada.
Tips for Improvement
- Research each province's criteria and application process, in-demand jobs list for the right provinces with your profile
- Submit an Expression of Interest to the selected provinces and follow their application procedures
- Do not miss out on the latest updates and requirements of the province so that you can ensure that your profile submission is up to date.
7. Build and Grow Personal and Professional Networks
Strengthening your network can provide valuable support to you in Canada immigration and navigating through your integration.
Tips for Improvement
- Reach out to the people who have already immigrated to Canada to gain insights and advice
- Participating in industry-specific associations and online forums can help expand your professional network.
- Consider engaging or volunteering in local community groups to build connections and easy integration on arrival in Canada
8. Stay Updated on Immigration News
The Express Entry System has been improving time and again to meet the growing labour demand and stabilise the nation's prosperity. This is a must-note while waiting for the next Express Entry draw, what to do list.
Tips for Improvement
- Sign up for newsletters from trusted immigration consultants like GetGIS newsletters for insights into the changing immigration trends in Canada.
- Regularly check out the official IRCC website for up-to-date information.
- Participate in online forums and social media groups dedicated to Canada immigration
9. Gear up for the Canadian Job Market
To be visible among the competing job seekers in Canada, you ought to be better. So, be sure to gain a concrete understanding of the Canada Job Market to help tailor your resume and cover letter, along with building the required skill set for increased chances of securing employment in Canada
Tips for Improvement
- Research industry trends, in-demand skills, and the best location for job opportunities in the field
- Tailor your resume and cover letter as per the Canadian format, and ensure to highlight the right skills and expertise
- Practice mock interviews, search for common questions and suggestions to attempt, etc, to build your confidence.
Quick Read: Employment Opportunities in Canada in 2025
10. Carefully Plan Your Settlement in Canada
While preparing for your move to Canada, ensure that you are familiar with the requirements, as it will help with a smoother transition into the Canadian nation.
Tips for Improvement
- Research housing options for families or individuals in your preferred cities or locations.
- Familiarizing yourself with the healthcare system in Canada could be helpful, and the process of obtaining health insurance
- Research the education system in Canada– schools and options available in your chosen location for your children
- Prepare to open a Canadian bank account and carefully plan your finances to cover your initial days after entering Canada
Also Read: Cost of Living in Canada 2025: For Students & Immigrants
Top Mistakes to Avoid While Waiting for the Next Express Entry Draw
Even a strong Express Entry profile can be affected by avoidable mistakes during the waiting period. Overlooking key details like document validity, missed updates, or inactive CRS improvement can cost you an ITA.
- Not Updating Expired Documents: Language test results, police clearance certificates, and passports must be valid at all times. Expired documents can make your profile ineligible or delay ITA processing.
- Ignoring CRS Score Improvement Options: Many applicants stop working on improving their CRS after submitting the profile. Upgrading your language test scores or completing short-term certifications can significantly raise your score.
- Missing Provincial Nomination Opportunities (PNPs): Failing to monitor and apply for active PNP streams can mean missing 600 additional CRS points. Regularly check province-specific portals for open intakes relevant to your NOC.
- Entering Incorrect Job Roles or NOC Codes: Using mismatched or outdated NOC codes can lead to profile rejection. Always verify that your job duties align with the correct NOC under the latest TEER system.
- Not Monitoring IRCC Announcements and Draw Trends: IRCC introduces category-based draws and frequent changes in eligible occupations or CRS cutoffs. Missing these updates can prevent you from tailoring your profile to match current priorities.
Read the Latest Update: Canada’s Express Entry Draws Trend and Changes
Plan Your List of Things to do While Waiting for Next Express Entry Draw With GetGIS
Waiting for the next Express Entry draw is the perfect time to actively improve your profile and prepare for a smooth transition to Canada. By avoiding common mistakes and focusing on key areas like language skills, work experience, and documentation, you can maximize your chances of success.
For personalized guidance and dedicated Canada immigration assistance, trust GetGIS. For a while, we have been the trusted partners for aspirants aiming to immigrate to Canada, making it their new home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get an invitation to apply after an express entry draw?
How can I increase my CRS score?
an I stay in Canada while waiting for an ITA?
What is tie breaking rule in Express Entry?
What is the minimum score required for Express Entry?
