A new life is waiting for you in Canada! Snowy streets, wonderful people, great healthcare system, worldwide job opportunities… the list is endless. For skilled professionals, Canada PR through Express Entry is the fastest and most efficient way to go.
If terms like CRS score, ITA, or Express Entry seem confusing to you, don’t fret! We will break that down simply for you so you know exactly what to do.
Step-by-Step Guidance to Apply for Canada PR
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before getting into the specifics, step one is to see if you are eligible for Express Entry. Canada is very picky about whom it allows, they want people who will add value to the Canadian economy.
To be eligible, you usually need to have:
- One year of skilled work experience full-time
- Language proficiency in English or French (with IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Educational credentials, evaluated and assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment if you obtained your degree outside of Canada
- Proof of funds stating that you will be able to support yourself (and the family members, if they are accompanying)
Once you have ticked all of the above boxes, you are ready to calculate your CRS score in the next step.
Step 2: Calculate Your CRS Score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based ranking system used for the Express Entry pool and candidates with higher CRS scores stand better chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Factors that are considered while calculating the CRS include:
- Age: Younger candidates get more points.
- Education: Higher degrees get higher scores.
- Work Experience: Both Canadian and foreign experience count.
- Language Skills: IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores matter a lot.
- Job Offer or Provincial Nomination: This adds a lot of points.
- Adaptability: Factors such as a spouse’s education or relatives in Canada can contribute points.
You can clarify how many points you score using the Canada CRS Points Calculator. It will give you an estimate with close to your actual score and give you an idea of how competitive you are in the pool.
Step 3: Increase Your CRS Score
Few will have enough marks to receive an ITA immediately. Well, the brighter side is that there are many ways to enhance one’s CRS score:
- Retake Language Tests: A small increase in your IELTS or CELPIP score can increase a large number of points.
- Learn French: Learning French adds a lot of points via TEF.
- Get a Provincial Nomination (PNP): This nomination gives an extra 600 points, virtually ensuring an ITA.
- Gain More Work Experience: Extra years of skilled work help.
- Upgrade Education: Adding a recognized higher academic degree or diploma earns points.
- Include Your Spouse’s Profile: If married, your spouse’s qualifications and language test results contribute more points.
The Best Immigration Consultant in India will help you to navigate how best to ramp up your CRS points.
Step 4: Make Your Express Entry Profile
Once you are fairly certain of your eligibility and CRS score, the next step is to create your Express Entry profile online. You will need to enter:
- Personal information (age, marital status, family information)
- Educational qualifications (with ECA if applicable)
- Work experience information
- Language test results
- Job offer or provincial nomination (if any)
Once submitted, your profile enters the Express Entry pool, which will be valid for 12 months. If you improve your CRS score at any time during that period, you may also update your profile.
Step 5: Wait for the Express Entry Draw
Canada conducts draws for Express Entry every few weeks. If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off for that draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
To get ITA is a lifetime achievement, it means Canada really wishes to see you as a permanent resident!
Step 6: Submit Your PR Application
Once you receive the ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your comprehensive PR application. This consists of:
- Medical checkups
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of funds
- Digital photographs and forms
- Supporting documents detailing your degrees, letters of employment, and results of language tests
Everything here needs to be perfect. Small, careless mistakes can amount to delays or even rejection.
Step 7: PR Approval
Once your application is scrutinized and approved, you will get Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) that permits you to move to Canada to live, work and study as a permanent resident.
Why You Should Consider a Consultant
While, on paper, the Express Entry process can sound simple, it’s very much overwhelming. The Best Immigration Consultant in India is helpful here. They take you through:
- Correct calculation of your CRS score upon entry
- Enhancing your profile with an efficient chance in the draw
- Proper documentation and submission without any mistakes
- Updated information about the PNP and ITA trend
A good consultant will not only save time but also enhance the chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Getting Canada PR through Express Entry is possible if you gain insights and plan logically. Some primaries include checking your eligibility, calculating your CRS score via the Canada CRS Points Calculator, and purposefully enhancing your profile.
The key is preparation and patience, whether you choose to go solo or take counsel from the Best Immigration Consultant in India. With the right approach, your dream of residing and profiting in Canada may just be a reality far sooner than you expect.