Express Entry Isn’t Always “Express”: How Our Relentless Follow-Up Helped John from Colombia Secure First-Stage Approval

When people hear “Express Entry,” they often assume a quick and straightforward path to Canadian permanent residency. But sometimes, even a well-prepared application can stall, especially when bureaucracy and third-party processes come into play.

This was the case for our client John, a skilled professional from Colombia, applying through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. With the support of our team at Immigria, John’s application moved past a significant roadblock and reached first-stage approval, thanks to our unwavering follow-up and willingness to challenge vague answers from the immigration authorities.

The Plan: A Solid Case for Express Entry Through CEC

John had already gained eligible Canadian work experience, making him a strong candidate for the CEC program. We submitted his Express Entry application in February 2024, fully in line with IRCC guidelines and confident in the strength of his profile.

The Delay: A Complication with the Colombian Police Certificate

Several months later, IRCC requested a re-submission of his Colombian police certificate, even though it had already been requested and processed through the required third-party agency.

In Colombia, police certificates must be requested through one of the dedicated 3rd-party agencies, who then send the certificate directly to the visa office. The agency confirmed they had sent it. Then, in a twist that created confusion, IRCC’s call center initially confirmed that the document had been received.

But something didn’t add up. So we dug deeper.

Our Role: Persistent Follow-Up, Clarifying Contradictions

Rather than accepting generic responses or waiting in limbo, our team took action. We reached out to IRCC repeatedly through webforms and phone calls, and asked pointed, specific questions, sometimes more than once.

Eventually, we discovered the truth: IRCC had not received the actual police certificate, but rather had only received our explanation and confirmation emails provided by the 3rd-party agency. It took repeated questioning and pressure to get a clear answer. If we had simply accepted the earlier confirmation at face value, John’s file would have remained stalled.

Thanks to our persistence and attention to detail, we coordinated with the agency again to ensure proper delivery, tracking, and acknowledgment of the document.

Another Hurdle: Military Service Documentation

Shortly after that issue was resolved, IRCC requested details regarding John’s military service history. We acted quickly, gathering the necessary forms, ensuring translations were in place, and verifying alignment with the rest of the application.

Thanks to this proactive approach, John has now received his initial approval and his confirmation of permanent residency is well on its way.

The Takeaway: Submitting a Strong Application Is Only the Start

John’s case highlights an important truth: even the strongest Express Entry applications can run into unexpected obstacles. IRCC procedures, third-party processes, and inconsistent communication can all delay an application if not handled carefully.

At Immigria, we don’t stop at submitting forms, we stay actively involved, advocate for our clients, and never settle for “just wait.” Sometimes, it takes asking the right questions, and asking them again, to get answers and keep things moving.

If you're navigating Express Entry or any other immigration pathway, know that having an experienced and certified immigration team besides you who follows through matters just as much as the application itself.

📩 Ready to start your Canadian immigration journey?

Book a consultation with Immigria today and receive personalized guidance from certified professionals who understand the details that make a difference.

📌 Disclaimer

This blog reflects the most accurate information available as of the date of publication. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change by the Government of Canada. Always consult a licensed immigration consultant or official sources for the latest updates.