Thinking about moving to Canada and achieving permanent residency in Canada? You must have come across the terms “Express Entry Canada” and “permanent residency in Canada.” This blog will give you a comprehensive understanding of these regarding a Pakistani audience. In the end, this will help in providing you with much more clarity regarding the process and how best to enhance your chances of success.
What is Express Entry Canada?
Express entry is an initiative immigration system of Canada that online manages permanent residency applications. It chooses skilled workers that can be of great benefit to the economy of Canada. It works under three broad categories of economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
It is a fast and efficient system, where, more often than not, applicants are processed much faster than the other traditional means.
How Does Express Entry Canada Work?
Express Entry Canada processing starts when you create an online profile within the Express Entry system. This shall be evaluated based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, etc.
Key Components of the Profile:
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: You will be given a CRS score, which will then rank you against other candidates in the pool. The higher your score, the better the chances of you getting an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements: Each of the three programs that come under the ambit of Express Entry has certain requirements. Ensure that you meet the criteria of the program you are applying under.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): Invitation: You will be issued an ITA if your score is high enough, after which you can submit a full application for permanent residency.
Steps to Apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry
1. Check Your Eligibility
You need to ascertain that you’re qualified for at least one of the three programs before you even create your Express Entry profile. Requirements vary for each program:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: For those who have work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical occupation.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: This is for individuals who have experience in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class: This includes individuals who have previously worked in Canada.
2. Gather Required Documents
You will need some documents to fill out your profile and application accordingly:
- Language Test Results: These include proofs of your language skill in either English or French.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Your credentials have to be assessed if educated outside Canada.
- Proof of Work Experience: Detailed record of work experience.
- Passport: A valid passport is needed.
3. Create an Express Entry Profile
After gathering all the documents, you will make your profile online. You will fill in the information regarding your work experience, education, and language skills, as well as some personal information. You will have a CRS score, summing up all the above information.
4. Get Ready for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is high enough, you will get an ITA in any of the periodic draws an IRCC may conduct. These can change in terms of frequency and cut-off score, so one must watch out for updates periodically.
5. Submit Your Application
Once you have an ITA, you will need to submit an application for permanent residence with detailed information. In this application, you will be asked to provide:
- Personal Information: Information about you and your family members
- Medical Exam Results: Medical tests are compulsory as it is a mandatory requirement to meet minimum health standards.
- Police Clearance Certificate: It allows checking of your criminal history.
Tips for Improving Your Chances
Enhance Your CRS Score
Improve Language Skills: A language test score acts as a magic wand to boost your CRS score. Attend language training classes if needed.
Gain More Work Experience: The more work experience you have, the better your chances of qualifying for a higher CRS score.
Obtain a Provincial Nomination: Some provinces in Canada run their own nomination programs. Getting a nomination can earn you additional points for your CRS score.
Stay Updated
Immigration policies and Express Entry draw trends change often. Check the IRCC website periodically to stay up-to-date on any changes that will impact your application.
Common Questions About Express Entry and Permanent Residency
How Long Does It Take to Process an Express Entry Application?
Processing times may vary, but after you have received your ITA and submitted your application, it will take about six months to process your permanent residency application.
What If I Do Not Receive an ITA?
If you do not receive an ITA within a stipulated period, then an improvement in CRS score and entry into the pool, again, or other immigration options may have to be pursued.
Can I Apply for Express Entry if I Have a Job Offer in Canada?
Yes, with a valid offer of employment from a Canadian employer, you can become more likely to receive an ITA, since this can drastically improve your CRS score.
Conclusion
Though the Express Entry System and application for permanent residency may sound overwhelming, proper information and adequate preparation might make this process not so daunting. Knowing and ensuring proper requirements, obtaining appropriate documents, and keeping current with immigration policies will help optimize your opportunities to succeed.
In case you have more questions or would like some tailored assistance, consider reaching out to the immigration experts who will walk you through the process. Remember, patience and persistence are paramount if you really want permanent residency in Canada.
