Your Guide to Express Entry Canada and Permanent Residency in Canada

Editorial Team

You are a Pakistani national looking to move to Canada permanently, whereas you are not the one in the herd! Through the shining quality of life, energetic local societies, and endless opportunities, Canada has gained much more attention as the most sought-after country for aspirers who dream of a better future. Perhaps, the most popular way for this dream is with the Express Entry Canada system, which leads to permanent residency in Canada. You will be taken through all you need to know about Express Entry Canada, its benefits, and what to put you through to secure a place in this beautiful country.

What Is Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry Canada is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residence, intending to make immigration faster and more responsive, particularly for skilled workers. With an Express Entry profile, you become a candidate for many Canadian immigration programs, such as the

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

These programs are tailored to different levels of skills and experience, ensuring the selection of only those people for Canada who would make a positive impact on its economy and society.

How Does Express Entry Canada Work?

The Express Entry Canada system is based on a system of points, better known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your profile will be assessed according to your age, education, work experience, proficiency in French and English, and other criteria. The higher the CRS score, the higher the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.

Steps to Apply for Express Entry Canada

  1. Determine Your EligibilityFirst of all, you’ll need to identify under which program you can apply, as every program has its own defined requirements, and you must thoroughly review the criteria.
  2. Create Your Express Entry ProfileAfter ensuring you qualify for the program, you are fully prepared to go through creating an online Express Entry profile. You need to have detailed information about your skills, your education, work experience, language abilities, etc.
  3. Get Your CRS ScoreAfter you submit your profile to the pool, you will be given a CRS score, based on which your placement will be done in the Express Entry pool. So, you can strive to improve your score with an improved qualification, like a better score on the language test or more work experience.
  4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)If your CRS score is high enough, you will find yourself receiving an ITA during one of the regular draws conducted by the Government of Canada. Upon the receipt of an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residency.
  5. Submit Your ApplicationAfter the invitation to apply through ITA, you will be expected to present the application in full and the necessary documents, which include police certificates, medical examinations, and proof of funds. In most cases, Express Entry applications are processed in under six months.

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada

There are several benefits of being a permanent resident in Canada under the Express Entry. Some of the benefits include:

  • Access to Social ServicesYou will receive world-class health care systems and social services in Canada, assuring you and your family of your well-being.
  • Right to Live, Work, and Study Anywhere in Canada can be a resident of any province or territory in Canada, so you can do anything you want and have all sorts of opportunities according to your interests.
  • Pathway to Canadian CitizenshipPermanent Residency: This is the beginning of your process for being a Canadian citizen. Once you have been in a permanent residency for a certain period and you meet the definite residency requirements, you shall then be able to apply for citizenship and enjoy all the rights.
  • Family Sponsorship Since you have permanent residency, you can sponsor your family members to come and join you in Canada. This also helps you reunite with loved ones.

How to Improve Your CRS Score

A higher CRS score greatly enhances your chances of being invited to apply for immigration. Therefore, adopt the following techniques to improve it:

  • Improve Your Language Skills
  • Your language proficiency level in English and French provides you with significant points on the CRS point generator. You could take additional tests on the languages for some more points or consider retaking the tests to improve your scores.
  • Gain More Work Experience
  • If you have less than 3 years of experience, you should try and gain more as this will increase your CRS score. Doing this in Canada, more specifically, would be a great idea.
  • Pursue Further Education
  • Higher education levels such as getting a master’s degree or a PhD can increase your CRS significantly. You may also consider getting a credential from any Canadian education institution.
  • Obtain a Job Offer in Canada
  • While a job offer is not strictly required for the Express Entry, a valid one may add some extra points to your application.
  • Apply with Your Spouse or Partner
  • If you’re married or in a common-law relationship, it’s possible to bring additional points to your CRS score by trying to consider the qualifications of your spouse or partner. If their qualifications are stronger, you can decide to apply as a principal applicant.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Express Entry is difficult, particularly for those who don’t understand how it works. But, once you know of such regular roadblocks to your path, then you will always have a better chance of going through the process successfully.

Low CRS Score

It can be frustrating to have a CRS score that is lower in comparison to the typical cutoff. But with the strategies detailed below, you can still boost your score, or you can apply through different immigration paths such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Incomplete Documentation

This may delay your application or even get it rejected. Make sure you collect all the necessary documents in advance and check everything a second time.

Understanding the Requirements

Possibly, all the programs based on immigration contain complex requirements. Make sure to thoroughly research and make sense of the particular criteria necessary for the program for which you apply.

The Role of Immigration Consultants

Although an applicant is free to navigate through the Express Entry system on their own, most applicants opt to work with a professional immigration consultant. An experienced, skilled consultant will give you very valuable advice, help to avoid common errors and improve your chances for success. An immigration consultant can help you with:

  • Eligibility Assessment
  • Profile Creation
  • CRS Score Improvement
  • Document Preparation

Final Thoughts

Applying for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry could truly be a good chance to change your life and that of your family. Enhance your understanding of the process by enhancing your CRS scores and avoiding common flaws. Success in this matter grows manyfold, the day your dream of making Canada a home comes true, be it by yourself or with the help of an immigration consultant.

 

If you are a national of Pakistan and are ready to take your first steps towards permanent residency in Canada, then check your eligibility and make an Express Entry profile today. With the right preparation and determination, you can make Canada your new home and enjoy the countless benefits it offers.