Canada has been a dream destination for most immigrants owing to the quality of life, high economic standards, and friendly multi-cultural setting. For Pakistani applicants, the Express Entry Canada system represents an express route through which individuals can make a move and acquire permanent residency in Canada. This post is a guide on Express Entry Canada, where the eligibility criteria, the application process, and general tips to increase your chances of being selected will be covered. Whether you’re just starting out researching or you’re ready to apply, this guide will give you invaluable insight into the process.

What is Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry Canada is an online management application for permanent residency by the Canadian government. It was set up to select the skilled workers who have the best possibilities of succeeding in the labor market in Canada. Three major immigration programs are held within the system:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

When you create an Express Entry Canada profile, you are entered into a pool of candidates that will then be ranked against each other based on factors such as your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Eligibility Criteria

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

You must meet the following basic requirements to be eligible to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker:

• Work Experience: You must have at least one continuous year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in the last ten years in a skilled occupation.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum score of CLB 7 in either English or French in all four language abilities, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Education: Completion of a Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or its equivalent foreign credential.
• Proof of Funds: Enough funds to support you and your family members in Canada.
• Points Grid: Score at least 67 points on the FSWP points grid for age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is for individuals with work experience in skilled trades. The eligibility requirements for this program are as follows:

• Work Experience: A minimum of two years of full-time work experience within the five years before applying in a skilled trade.
• Language Proficiency: At least CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
• Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: The applicant must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in his skilled trade from a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
• Proof of Funds: Proof that the applicant has sufficient funds to support himself and his family in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is the category for those with work experience gained in skilled fields in Canada. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Work Experience: The applicant needs to have at least a year of work experience in skilled fields in Canada within the last three years preceding the date of application.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum language proficiency would be CLB 7 if applying to NOC 0 or A occupations and CLB 5 if applying to any occupation falling under NOC B.
• Education: There are no minimum educational requirements for CEC.

The Express Entry Canada Process

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before making an Express Entry Canada profile, you must find out for which program you are eligible. Check from the above-mentioned eligibility criteria and use the Come to Canada tool, which is available on the IRCC website, to check for your eligibility.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need the following documents at the time of creating your Express Entry profile:

• Passport or travel document
• Language test results
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Proof of funds
• Job offer (if applicable)
• Provincial nomination (if applicable)

Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Canada Profile

After you have all your documents ready, you can finally create an online Express Entry Canada profile. This step will require you to fill in information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details.

Step 4: Get Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

Once you’ve submitted your profile, you’ll then get a CRS score. The CRS is a ranking system that ranks your profile against others, using many factors such as your age, education, work experience, and proficiency in languages. The higher your CRS score, the higher the possibility of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score

If the CRS score is too low to receive an ITA, these are some ways to improve it:

• Improve your language scores: improve them by retaking additional language tests with better scores.
• Gain more work experience: get more skilled work experience in your field.
• Get a job offer: get a valid offer for employment from a Canadian employer.
• Apply for provincial nomination: Obtain a nomination from the province or state of Canada that interests you, and this can boost your CRS rating significantly.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The IRCC periodically invites candidates with the best CRS score within the Express Entry pool to apply for permanent residency. If you are handed an ITA, then you should file your full application for permanent residence within 60 days.

Step 7: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residency

In case of an invitation to apply, you will be required to complete your online permanent residency application, along with all documents and payment of the required fees. IRCC targets processing most Express Entry applications within six months.

Tips for Pakistani Applicants

Understand the NOC System

Classify your job according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system used in Canada. Ensure that work experience is only in those occupations that have NOC codes 0, A, or B, which are classified as skilled occupations.

Improve Language Proficiency

One of the highest-weighted factors in the CRS score is language proficiency. Take language classes to improve your scores by re-taking the IELTS or CELPIP test.

Get Your Educational Credentials Assessed

Get an ECA from a designated organization to get your foreign credentials accredited in Canada.

Stay Updated on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Most of the provinces in Canada run their immigration programs. Most of these are aligned with Express Entry. Stay informed about the latest PNPs and apply for a provincial nomination to boost your CRS score.

Be Prepared for Proof of Funds

Make sure that you can support yourself and your family in Canada. The required amount varies based on the size of your family.

Conclusion

Properly going through Express Entry Canada is not an easy process; however, with proper guidance and preparation, one could always be better equipped for the task at hand. Knowing eligibility criteria, getting the right documents, and upgrading your CRS score are all important if you want to start this permanent residency process in Canada. Be informed, be prepared—into the bright future of Canada.