Guide to Express Entry Canada for Pakistanis

Canada has traditionally been a favorite destination for immigrants across the world, and for Pakistani citizens, the promise of a superior quality of life, plush job prospects, and high standards of education is too hard to resist. Of the many routes to permanent residency in Canada, one of the most efficient and popular is the Express Entry Canada system.

This blog shall delve into the nitty-gritty of Express Entry Canada, with a detailed guide on how Pakistani audiences could weave their way through this system and attain permanent residency in Canada.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residency for skilled workers. It is not a visa itself but a faster way of applying for many economic immigration programs like the following:

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

The Express Entry Canada point system ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and linguistic ability. The higher your CRS score, the higher will be your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply and get permanent residency in Canada.

Key Components of the Express Entry System

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is the backbone of the Express Entry system. It assesses and scores your profile looking for those candidates who have the most potential to succeed in Canada. The CRS assesses candidates, among others, based on the following factors:

• Age: It gives more points to younger candidates.
• Education: The higher the level of education, the higher the CRS score will be.
• Work Experience: Work experience from Canada and foreign countries is valued.
• Language Skills: Passing ability in one or both official languages, either English or French.
• Adaptability: Having a sibling living in Canada or previous work experience/studies in Canada can improve the score in Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The FSWP is the most popular stream within Express Entry. It is for skilled workers with work experience from abroad, seeking permanent residence in Canada. You will need to meet minimum requirements about work experience, language ability, and education.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

While the FSWP is operated directly by the federal government, the PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate people who wish to move to a specific region. Each province has its requirements and streams. Obtaining a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing that you will get an ITA.

Steps to Apply for Express Entry Canada

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

2. Gather Necessary Documents

Collect all required documents such as language test results, educational credentials, and job offers if applicable.

3. Create an Express Entry Profile

Register on the official Canada immigration website and create your Express Entry profile. This step requires detailed information about your background.

4. Submit Your Profile

After filling in all the details, submit your profile. Your application will be placed in the Express Entry pool, where you’ll be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you have a competitive CRS score, you may receive an ITA. Upon receiving it, you have 60 days to submit your permanent residency application.

6. Apply for Permanent Residency

Submit all the required documents along with your application for permanent residency. Ensure that everything is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

7. Wait for Processing

The processing time can vary, but generally, you’ll receive a decision within six months. If your application is approved, you’ll receive confirmation of permanent residency (COPR).

8. Move to Canada

After receiving your COPR, you can make plans to move to Canada. Be sure to prepare for your new life in Canada, including finding housing and understanding the local culture.

Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada

Permanent residency is a highly preferred status for many Pakistani citizens to apply for Canada, mainly due to its many advantages. This would include some of the following key benefits:

• Access to Social Services: Permanent residents enjoy almost all the social benefits availed by Canadian citizens. This also includes health care coverage.
• Work and Study Freedom: You can reside, work, or study anywhere without any restrictions in Canada.
• Pathway to Citizenship: You can become Canadian after three years of residence in Canada within five years.
• Family Sponsorship: You are allowed to sponsor eligible family members to come to Canada once you become a permanent resident.
• Protection Under Canadian Law: Permanent permanent residents are protected by Canadian law and under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Challenges to Consider

While the Express Entry system itself is efficient, some challenges come with it. Some of these more common challenges include:

• High CRS Score Requirement: In recent draws, the CRS score that will make one eligible to get an ITA has been quite high, and as such, it may be a little difficult for some candidates.
• Documentation: There’s a lot of documentation involved in the application process; any errors or missing fields can result in delays or rejections.
• Language Proficiency: High language test scores can be a problem for most people, especially those who are not fluent in either English or French.

Tips for Pakistani Applicants

The following are some tips that will help you acquire the best possible chances of succeeding in the Express Entry Canada process:

• Start Early: Start preparing your documents and improving upon your qualifications at least a year before applying.
• Seek Professional Help: Consult a certified immigration consultant who can guide you properly through the process.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated about the recent and further Express Entry draws and future changes in immigration policy.

Conclusion

Express Entry Canada stands as one of the most feasible ways to permanent residency for citizens of Pakistan. Once you understand the system, get prepared, and take proactive initiatives to improve your CRS score, you can pretty much be sure about getting an ITA and fulfilling your dream of moving to Canada.

Whether you are a skilled worker, tradesperson, or a professional with Canadian work experience, Express Entry gives you a fast and transparent way to settle down and start a new chapter in your life in Canada.