If you are aspiring to immigrate to Canada, it is the first step to understand the PR (Permanent Residency) process. At first it can seem daunting, but it’s not that complicated. Let’s show you how we do it step-by-step.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is the primary system in Canada to process applications for economic immigration (permanent) visas. To apply for Canada PR through Express Entry, you first need to submit an online application, providing information on your age, education, work experience, and language skills.
This provides a score that, if good enough, will lead to a candidate being invited to apply for PR.
Express Entry has three primary programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): for candidates with work experience in other countries who have skill and language requirements.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): for individuals with practical, technical or skilled trade occupations, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, etc.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This is crucial and many newcomers to the process often forget. It’s designed for those who already have professional work experience in Canada, typically obtained through a work permit or study permit program. For many, the Canadian work experience will be one of the quickest and easiest ways to achieve PR, as you already know the Canadian job market and the government will view you as a low-risk applicant.
What is CRS and why is it important?
An invitation depends on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Applicants can use a CRS score calculator Canada to estimate their scores according to their age, education, language test results, work experience and other considerations such as provincial nomination and a sibling in Canada.
It’s a good idea to work this out early on to see if you should enhance your profile before applying, perhaps by increasing your language level or experience.
Why It’s Gotten More Competitive
In recent years Canada has made a major change in its immigration policy, reducing the number of permanent residents admitted overall.
- This has contributed to making Express Entry draws somewhat more competitive, with higher CRS cutoffs than they may have encountered in the past. Don’t worry, if you don’t think it is “high enough” initially; just work to truly improve your profile.
- A significant change is that the selection process is now focused on individuals who are already living and working within Canada and not on those who have applied from overseas.
- Moreover, some occupations are receiving greater emphasis than others, such as those for health care workers, tech workers, skilled trades workers, and French speakers. If you are in one of these categories, it’s worth keeping a keen eye out for category draws because you could be significantly more likely to win.
Processing Time
The Canada PR processing time is different for various programs and also depends on the completeness of the application. Applications that are complete without any red flag appear quicker, on the whole.
Typical reasons for delays in applications are that they are incomplete, or the medical examination is delayed, or the background check is delayed. The organization and honesty in your application make a difference.
Do You Need a Consultant?
This is a very common question that depends on your preference for paperwork and research. If you choose to hire your immigration consultant, please ensure that they are registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), particularly if you are looking for the best immigration consultant in Delhi. This is now required and all consultants working with Canadian immigration law must be CICC-registered. Unregistered agents can be a huge risk to your application, so always check the credentials before paying an agent.
Don’t forget that the government application fee has increased in recent times, so plan accordingly; it will be a bit higher than what you might read in older guides or forums.
Conclusion
Canada PR process values preparation. Know what program you should go with, whether Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class, and score accordingly, understand which program(s) are being called on; and if you need assistance, ensure that the program is correctly certified. It takes time and patience but thousands of people make it every year and, with the right mindset, you’ll too.