Due to better opportunities, quality education, and a high standard of living, Canada has emerged as a frontier for Pakistanis. This country’s welcoming attitude towards immigrants and its diversity make it an ideal place to live in for many. If you’re planning a move to Canada, then understanding the Express Entry Canada system and attainment of permanent residency in Canada is a must. This blog provides detailed information regarding the same to the Pakistani audience for making it through this journey.
What is Express Entry Canada?
One of the most popular immigration systems used by the government of Canada to manage applications for permanent residency is Express Entry Canada. A points-based scheme attracts skilled workers from all over the world, including Pakistan.You can apply for one of three federal economic immigration programs through the creation of an Express Entry Canada profile:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
This program is for professionals who have experience in certain skilled occupations that are not operating businesses in Canada. If you have relevant work experience and belong to one of the occupations that are in demand in Canada, then this could be the program for you.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP targets individuals with experience in skilled trades, particularly in construction, plumbing, and electrical work. If you are a tradesperson in Pakistan, that can provide an opportunity to gain permanent residency.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This program is for individuals who have gained work experience in Canada temporarily. If you have worked in Canada previously, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa under this program.
How Express Entry Canada Works
This is under the Comprehensive Ranking System, which awards your profile points on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. These set the rank in the Express Entry Canada pool. Consequently, the higher your CRS score, the better the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
Steps to Apply through Express Entry Canada
Create an Express Entry Profile
You are required to fill out an online profile that contains information regarding your skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other details. Be sure that the information provided is honest since it is going to form the basis through which your CRS score will be calculated.
Have Your Educational Credentials Assessed by an Evaluator
One of the listed organizations must assess your educational credentials. This is to make sure your qualifications are verified in Canada.
Take a Language Test
You will have to take an approved language test, like IELTS, to demonstrate that you have enough language capability in either English or French. Your language test results will have maximum weight in your CRS score.
Enter the Express Entry Pool
After you complete your profile, the system will enter you into the Express Entry pool.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you have a high enough CRS score, the Canadian government will invite you in one of the periodic draws, allowing you to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
It’s a point-based system designed to grade your Express Entry profile. Knowing how it works will help maximize your score, thus increasing the chances of getting that ITA.
Factors Affecting Your CRS Score
Age
The age factor seems to favor the younger applicants. You will get maximum points if you are between 20 and 29 years old.
Education
The more your educational qualifications, the more points you will score. Having a master’s degree or Ph.D. can significantly raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
Work experience from Canada and foreign work are taken into consideration. However, the Canadian work experience seems to hold more significant weight in the CRS.
Language Proficiency
Mastering either English or French is important in the attainment of high scores in the CRS. In reality, achieving high scores in all four sets of language skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – can greatly improve your ranking.
Additional Points
Extra points will be awarded to you if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or provincial nomination, or if you have completed a post-secondary education program in Canada.
What is Permanent Residency in Canada?
Permanent residency allows one to live, work, and study anywhere in the country. As a permanent resident of Canada, you have many rights similar to those that Canadian citizens enjoy over health, education, and other social rights. At the same time, you shall retain citizenship from your homeland state, which, in this case, will be Pakistan.
Benefits of Permanent Residency
Access to Universal Healthcare
As a permanent resident, you and your family will gain access to the world-renowned Canadian system of health care.
Educational Opportunities
Permanent residents are eligible for reduced tuition fees while pursuing an undergraduate degree at any Canadian university or college, and they have other scholarship opportunities available.
Social Benefits
Permanent residents may be entitled to several social advantages, including unemployment insurance, childcare benefits, and retirement pensions.
Pathway to Citizenship
However, after spending some time in Canada, you can apply for Canadian citizenship, an option quite desirable for many Pakistani immigrants eager to gain complete integration into Canadian society.
How to Maintain Permanent Residency in Canada
These residency requirements must be met to keep your permanent resident status. More specifically, you are required to physically be present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) within any five years. Permanent residence status will be lost if one has not adhered to such.
Tips for Pakistani Applicants: Maximizing Your Chances
Improve Your Language Skills
Since the CRS is based on language proficiency, it is necessary to improve your English or French as the case may be. You could pursue language courses or take the IELTS again to pull off better scores.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
It is important to get work experience, if possible, in areas that are in demand in Canada. This would not only help to boost your CRS score but also increase your chances of finding employment once you get to Canada.
Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In addition to the Express Entry route, you should keep your options open for Provincial Nominee Programs. Some provinces have streams for skilled workers coming from Pakistan and can award extra points to your CRS score.
Stay Updated on Immigration News
Policies and programs related to Canadian immigration keep evolving. With current information about changes in Canadian law, you will be in a better position to prepare your application and keep yourself at the top of the list for new opportunities.
Seek Professional Guidance
The immigration process in Canada is quite complex. The help of a certified Canadian immigration consultant in Pakistan may be considered. They shall help you with personal advice and avoid the common pitfalls in applications.
Conclusion
Permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry system can be very achievable for many Pakistanis. If one understands the process, maximizes his or her CRS score, and keeps himself or herself updated, success will most likely be achieved. Canada has so much more to offer in opportunities to those who are determined to make a difference in their lives, and with the right approach, you shall make Canada your new home.
