Express Entry Canada: A Comprehensive Guide for Pakistani Applicants

Via its Express Entry Canada system, Canada has emerged as a platform for the immigration of skilled migrants from all across the globe, including from Pakistan. If you were to consider migrating to Canada to enhance your job prospects, improve your standard of living, and be greeted warmly, then Express Entry Canada may be the way to pursue. Everything concerning the program, eligibility criteria, through the application process, to important tips that will make one successful in the process, shall be fully covered.

What is Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry Canada is an online-based system for immigration. The Canadian government introduced it in the year 2015. It seeks to make life easier during the process of immigration for skilled workers and to bridge labour gaps across sectors. The system caters to applications under these three federal economic immigration programs:

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

You create an Express Entry profile that puts you in a pool ranked according to your many skills, work experience, education, and other factors; the top-ranked candidate across this pool gets invited with an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry

One becomes eligible for Express Entry Canada when he/she meets the requirements of at least one of the aforementioned three federal immigration programs. Here is a very brief view of what comprises the eligibility criteria for each of the programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Work Experience: The required work experience includes at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in a skilled occupation—NOC 0, A or B—within the last 10 years.
• Language Skill: To have at least the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7 in either English or French.
• Education: Any Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree at the secondary or post-secondary level or its equivalent in another country that has acquired an Educational Credential Assessment.
• Other: Films: Age, arranged employment in Canada, adaptability.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Work Experience: Two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade as per NOC B within the last five years.
• Language Skill: Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing in either English or French.
• Job Offer: The candidate must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Work Experience: A minimum of one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada, which includes NOC 0, A, or B, in the last three years.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC B occupations in either English or French.

How to Apply for Express Entry Canada

The application procedure for Express Entry Canada goes through manifold steps. The following will help you go through it step by step:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before you create an Express Entry Canada profile, answer a few questions online to see if you meet the criteria for at least one federal immigration program:

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

To fill out your Express Entry Canada profile, you will need the following documents and information. You will need to upload them when you submit your profile.

• Passport or travel document
• Results of language test IELTS or CELPIP in English and TEF or TCF in French
• Educational Credential Assessment Report for Foreign Education
• Work experience proof
• Job offer, in case you got one
• Nomination by province, in case applicable

Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Canada Profile

Create an online profile on the IRCC website with information regarding work experience, language proficiency, education, and other personal skills. You will receive a CRS score based on that information.

Step 4: Improve Your CRS Score

There are some things you can do while waiting for an ITA that may improve your CRS score. Consider the following strategies:

• Improve your language proficiency: The higher the test score in language, the higher the CRS score.
• Gain more work experience: Additional years of work experience may increase your points.
• Higher level of education: A degree, diploma, or certificate from a Canadian institution can add extra points for an applicant.
• Get a job offer in Canada: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can earn up to 200 additional points in the CRS score.
• Apply for provincial nomination: If a Canadian province or territory nominates you, an additional 600 points will be added to your score. Virtually, this makes you Certain to receive an ITA.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC draws regularly from the Express Entry pool, offering an opportunity for permanent residence to the highest-ranked candidates. If you are invited to apply, then you will have 60 days to submit a full application.

Step 6: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence

This step requires you to prepare and submit an online application for permanent residence. You will need to give detailed information and requisite documents such as:

• Police certificates
• Medical exams
• Proof of funds
• Digital photo
• Other required documents

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Your application will be assessed from the time you apply, and then IRCC will give a decision. The processing time is not fixed; however, at present, many applications are ready within six months.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is successful, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence and a permanent resident visa if you are from a visa-required country. You will then be able to travel to Canada and complete the landing process for permanent residence.

FAQs

What is the minimum CRS score required for Express Entry Canada?

• The minimum CRS score differs for each draw. Recently, the competitive scores have ranged between 450 and 500.

How long does Express Entry take?

• The processing time for Express Entry applications typically takes six months from the day your complete application is received.

What if my CRS score is too low?

• Improve your language test scores, gain more work experience, or secure a job offer or provincial nomination for more points if you think your CRS score is too low.

Am I necessary to have a job offer for Express Entry?

• No, you do not need a job offer to apply for express entry. Having a valid job offer will substantially improve your CRS score, however.

Conclusion

Express Entry Canada provides a streamlined and efficient pathway to Canada for skilled workers from Pakistan who dream of such opportunities. You can increase your chances of success by knowing the eligibility criteria, how to improve your chances using the Comprehensive Ranking System, and how to watch out for updates. Get started today and initiate your journey to land bright opportunities in Canada.