You may already be interested in the Express Entry Canada system and a path to permanent residency in Canada if you are considering a new life in Canada as a citizen of Pakistan. One has to think that with proper guidance, traveling through Canada’s immigration process is a possible task. This guide, however, hopes to arm you with all the necessary information, thereby giving you a clearer and more simplified way to take it.
What is Express Entry Canada?
Express Entry Canada is an electronic system that the Canadian government has put in place to handle applications from skilled workers who would like to become permanent residents. It was enacted in the year 2015, and the main aim was to offer a swift and efficient immigration process for applicants who, upon meeting the criteria, are likely to be able to support themselves. The following are the three federal immigration programs administered under this system:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class
These programs cater to various skilled workers who can take up employment, which will contribute to the Canadian economy. How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry Canada is based on a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS. Upon completion of an Express Entry profile, you are granted points for the following factors amongst others:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language abilities in either English or French
- Adaptability, such as having a family member in Canada
After this, you will be placed in a pool with other candidates and ranked based on your CRS score. Periodically, a draw is made by the government of Canada from this pool of candidates, and invitations to apply are sent to the best-ranking candidate. On receiving an ITA, you get 60 days for the application for Permanent Residency to be completed.
Understanding the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the most popular streams under Express Entry, especially for Pakistani professionals. For eligibility, a candidate needs to address certain requirements, such as:
- Skilled work experience: At least one year of continuous, full-time work experience in a skilled occupation.
- Language ability: The minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for language, that is CLB 7 in either English or French, is necessary.
- Education: Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or a written ECA report proving that the foreign education credentials are equivalent to completion of secondary or post-secondary education in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) for Tradespeople
The FSTP is specifically given to skilled trade individuals. This program awards them permanent residency in Canada. To be included in this pool of candidates, you need to have:
- Have job offers: Two job offers of at least one year of full-time work or a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian authority.
- Language ability: Meet the required language levels for each ability of speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
- Skilled trades experience: At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the last five years.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for Those with Canadian Work Experience
If you have already been working in Canada, then it could be the most suitable and easiest way to become a permanent resident in Canada. Key requirements include:
- Canadian work experience: At least one year of skilled experience in Canada, gained within the three years before applying.
- Language ability: You must meet the National Occupational Classification (NOC) level requirements for your job category.
Improving Your CRS Score
Your journey to permanent residency depends on your CRS score. If the initial score doesn’t come high enough, here are methods that will increase your score:
- Gain more work experience: more years of work experience will add to your points.
- Improve your language scores: Retaking language tests, such as IELTS, may yield better scores.
- Obtain a job offer: A genuine job offer from a Canadian employer will surely enhance your CRS score.
- Pursue further education: Additional studies, whether in Pakistan or Canada, are worth additional points.
Permanent Residency in Canada: What You Need to Know
Embarking on a journey to obtain permanent residency through Express Entry is what most people living in Pakistan think of as a dream. Some of the advantages attached to permanent residency include:
- Live and work anywhere in Canada: not bound to a specific province; free to work anywhere in any position.
- Access to healthcare: Permanent residents fall under the Canada Health Care Act which means one of them.
- Educational opportunities: You can have an education from Canada at any level, and your kids are eligible to learn in schools without giving fees to international students.
- Path to citizenship: May apply to be a Canadian citizen after three years of permanent residency.
How to Apply for Express Entry Canada
The immigration procedure to follow for Express Entry Canada can be logically divided into some essential steps:
- Check your eligibility: The very first thing to do is to make sure that you are eligible for one of the three federal schemes.
- Create an Express Entry profile: This is where a candidate inputs details on skill, work experience, education, and language.
- Obtain a job offer or provincial nomination: Ideally, a provincial nomination or any job offer from a Canadian employer is bound to multiply your CRS score.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): A candidate will receive an ITA if his/her profile is ranked high.
- Submit your application: When issued with an ITA, one needs to lodge a detailed application together with all information provided to the candidate within 60 days.
- Wait for approval: The Canadian immigration authorities will process your application, and if successful, you will get permanent residency.
Tips for a Successful Express Entry Application
Apply for Express Entry only after careful planning. Here are a few points to help enhance your chances:
- Keep your documents up to date: Make sure all your certificates, language test results, and other documents are updated and not void.
- Stay informed: Immigration rules and procedures can change, so one should get updated with the current information.
- Consider professional help: This process sometimes can become overwhelming; if that is the case, you should consider seeking help from an immigration expert who can guide you through the process.
Conclusion
The Express Entry of Canada is a pathway brimming with opportunities for the right candidates from Pakistan to find their way into the provincial and regional dominions. Know the system, prepare well, and be persistent: get your Canadian dream—be it for improved career opportunities, quality of life, better place to stay while studying, etc. The country is very friendly to migrants.
The process may be hard, but the rewards will surely make all the efforts worthwhile. So, take your first step now, get down to it, and shortly you could be on your way to start your life in one of the most versatile and flourishing nations in the world.
