One of the most prized destinations is Canada, for its better quality of life, excellent career opportunities, and a secure future for families. For Pakistani audiences, the most popular pathway to making this a reality is through the Express Entry Canada system. In 2015, the government introduced an electronic platform for managing applications for permanent residency in Canada. This blog will help you know every nook and corner of Express Entry Canada. It will arm you with essential information to have permanent residency.
What is Express Entry Canada?
Express Entry Canada is an online application portal the Canadian government uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. It is one of the quickest and most effective means to obtain permanent residence in Canada. The system was enacted in 2015, and ever since, it has presented the foundation by which most skilled immigrants have been in a position to move into Canada.
How Does Express Entry Canada Work?
Express Entry supervises three main programs for economic immigration:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
CEC—Canadian Experience Class. Each of these programs targets different types of skilled workers, and you could be eligible for one or more based on your education, work experience, and language proficiency.
The application process is initiated by creating an Express Entry profile; after that, you will be ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System algorithm. It evaluates the candidate on age, education, work experience, and language skills. Your CRS score has to be high to have a good chance of getting an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Express Entry Canada Process
Determine Your Eligibility
Before you create an Express Entry profile, you should determine if you’re eligible. Most (but not all) Express Entry pool programs generally require you to have at least one year of continuous full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience:
- Proficiency in either English or French.
- Your education credential should be assessed by an authorized body.
- Enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada.
- You can check whether you are eligible or not by the use of an online tool designed for that by the IRCC.
Create an Express Entry Profile
In case you are found eligible, the next step will be to create an Express Entry profile. This means that you are showing interest in immigrating to Canada. Detailed information will be required about your skills, work experience, language abilities, education, and other related aspects.
Get Your CRS Score
After you have created your profile and submitted it, then you will be given a CRS score. Your ranking in the Express Entry pool is based on this score. Some of the factors that the CRS considers are as follows:
- Age: The younger the age of the candidate, the higher his score.
- Education: The higher the education level of the candidate, the better his score is considered.
- Work Experience: Work experience from Canada scores high, but foreign work experience also does contribute to your score.
- Language Skills: Proficient English or French can hugely help your score.
- Additional Factors: A job offer from a Canadian employer, a provincial nomination, or even having a sibling in Canada will also improve your CRS score.
Improve Your CRS Score
If you have a CRS score below your expectations, then don’t worry. There are many ways to increase the score:
- Enhance Language Proficiency: Try taking language tests again to get better scores.
- Gain More Work Experience: More work experience can contribute to a higher score.
- Further Education: Higher qualifications can be obtained to contribute more points.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Apply in a PNP to score 600 more in CRS.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The Canadian government conducts a regular draw from the Express Entry pool. In these regular draws, invitations are extended to the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. You will have 60 days to submit your complete application if you receive an ITA.
Securing Permanent Residency
Once you have obtained an ITA, securing permanent residency is on the final run. Here is what to do:
Gather Necessary Documents
You will need to submit the following documents as proof of work experience, educational qualifications, language proficiency test results, medical examination, and police clearance certificate:
- Proof of Work Experience: Reference letters from previous employers.
- Educational Credentials: Degrees, diplomas, and their evaluations.
- Language Test Results: IELTS or CELPIP test results.
- Medical Examination: Health check conducted by an authorized panel physician.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Background check from each country where you lived more than six months after attaining the age of 18 years.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence that you can support yourself and your family.
Submit Your Application
With the above documents ready, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada through the IRCC online portal. Ensure all information provided is complete and accurate to avoid unwarranted delays.
Wait for Application Processing
The average Express Entry processing time is usually six to eight months. IRCC may request more information or documents during the application processing period.
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residency in Canada (COPR)
If you are successful, you will be granted a Confirmation of Permanent Residency, COPR. Carry a copy with you and present it to the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada at your port of entry.
Land in Canada
After receiving your COPR, now you are all set to travel to Canada. When you enter, you will become a permanent resident of Canada.
Benefits of Permanent Residency
There are many advantages to becoming a permanent resident of Canada, such as the following ones:
- Access to Social Benefits: Like health and education.
- Right to Live, Work, and Study Anywhere in Canada: Free to choose any place to live or work.
- Pathway to Canadian Citizenship: You can obtain Canadian citizenship after staying in Canada for three years out of five.
- Protection Under Canadian Law: Permanent residents enjoy all the legal rights that a Canadian citizen has.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Immigration to Canada for permanent residency can be tough, but the right approach can help you conquer these challenges:
- Language Barriers: Take English or French language courses to excel in the language.
- Financial Requirements: Plan early and seek scholarships if you intend to study in Canada.
- Application Delays: Ensure that your documents are error-free and complete so that your processing isn’t delayed.
Conclusion
The Express Entry system offers fast and effective ways for skilled workers from Pakistan to permanently live in Canada. First, understand the process, work on improving your CRS scoring, and then take the correct approach to preparing your application. You should know that permanent residency in Canada is not all about the criteria that make you eligible; it’s about presenting yourself as that ideal candidate who could add value to the economy and society.
The trusted immigration expert can guide you through the application process in case you have any questions. Be determined, and with the right support, you shall live your dream of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
