Your Guide to Express Entry Canada: Insights for Pakistani Applicants

Want to immigrate to Canada? The Express Entry Canada system might be a great way to go. Express Entry Canada was actually specifically built to attract skilled workers from all over the world, so it is efficient and effective in earning permanent residence. This guide shall equip you with all the necessary details you would need to know, focusing on Pakistani applicants. From the basics of Express Entry to the application process, let’s make this journey as painless as possible.

What is Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry Canada is an online immigration application process introduced by the Canadian government in 2015. It manages applications for the following three federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The system gives a score and ranking under a Comprehensive Ranking System to candidates based on factors like age, educational level, work experience, and language proficiency.

Eligibility Criteria

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The eligibility criteria for the same include the following points:

• Work Experience: You must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time skilled work experience in the last ten years.
• Language Ability: You need a minimum score of CLB 7 in English or French.
• Education: You have a foreign degree, diploma, or certificate equal to a Canadian credential.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is for skilled tradespeople with:

• Work Experience: A minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
• Job Offer: Full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade from a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority issued.
• Language Ability: A minimum score of at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

To be eligible for the CEC, you must have:

• Work Experience: At least one year of work experience in Canada within the past three years in a skilled occupation, with full-time work experience gained through a valid work permit.
• Language Ability: A minimum score of CLB 7 for occupations in NOC 0 or A and CLB 5 for occupations in NOC B.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a point-based system. Key human capital factors include:

• Core/Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: Their education, language proficiency, and work experience.
• Skill Transferability Factors: Combinations of education and work experience.
• Additional Points:  For a valid job offer, provincial nomination, or Canadian education.

Steps to Apply for Express Entry Canada

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Check your eligibility to one of the Express Entry Canada programs with the help of the Government of Canada eligibility tool.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Create an online profile and give all the necessary information about your skills, work experience, language ability, and education, among others. Make sure all the information given is complete and correct.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you are eligible and have a competitive CRS score, you may be issued an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. The best candidates are invited at the discretion of the minister through frequent draws.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Upon receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency and supporting documents such as proof of work experience, language test results, police certificates, and medical exams.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Your application will then be processed in less than six months. If you are selected, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence and, if necessary, a permanent resident visa.

Tips for Success

Improve Your CRS Score

• Enhance Language Skills: Acquire English or French to add to your score.
• Continue Education: Obtain higher qualifications.
• Gain Canadian Work Experience: Increased work experience in Canada will attract more points.

Be Honest and Accurate

Be honest and accurate while filling information in your profile and application. Misrepresentation will amount to prohibition of reapplication for a few years.

Stay Updated

Check the recent updates to the Express Entry system and the latest CRS cut-off scores on the IRCC website.

Common FAQs

How often are Express Entry draws held?

Express Entry draws are typically conducted biweekly. The date, frequency, and size of the draws may vary.

What is the minimum CRS score needed?

The minimum score differs from one selection round to another. Therefore, it is important to achieve a high score to have the best possible chance of being invited.

Can I update my Express Entry profile after submission?

Yes, you can log in to your account to update your information at any time if your situation improves, for example you obtain a higher language test score or you gain more work experience.

Conclusion

The Express Entry Canada route is sure to be valid for permanent residence for a skilled worker irrespective of any part of Pakistan. Knowing the eligibility, how to get a good CRS score, and keeping updated with the latest developments are some of the ways you can improve your chances of success. You can use this article to help in trying to immigrate into Canada. Patience and hard work are everything; if you want to live and work in Canada.