There are several pathways to becoming a permanent resident in Canada and the express entry programme is one of the most common routes for millions of individuals to immigrate there. This programme is known as the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, enables you to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, meaning that your educational background and professional experience have an impact on your ability to become a permanent resident. 

How does express entry work?

Express entry is a point-based system where your eligibility is based on your age, level of education (diploma, BS, MA, Ph.D.), and the number of years of work experience. Your CRS score increases with your education level and years of work experience. You can boost your CRS score in the following ways :

• Writing both English and French Language Tests
• Having more than one degree
• Job Offer in Canada
• Provincial Nomination from any of the provinces in Canada
• Canadian Degree
• Having a sibling in Canada who is a PR or Citizen
• Having a spouse / common law partner in Canada who is a PR or citizen 

 

How to Become A Permanent Resident in Canada via Federal Skilled Worker Program  

Here’s the step-by-step guide to becoming a permanent resident in Canada:

1) Write Your Language Proficiency Test 

You will need to write at least one of the language proficiency tests required which could be in English or French. Some of the language bodies include  TEF, TCF, IELTS and CELPIP. Ensure you study hard and use these  IELTS resources to pass with flying colours.

2) Calculate your CRS score

By utilizing the CRS score calculator, you must first assess whether you are eligible to apply for any express entry programme. You can view your score and the programmes you are eligible for after entering your information including your IELTS score.

3) Start your Education Credential Assessment  (ECA) evaluation

If your degree is from a foreign country, it must be evaluated by an ECA. The complete list of organizations that assess foreign degrees for Canada immigration, find the organization that works for you. The most popular bodies are WES, CES and IQAS

4) Submit your express entry profile

You need to create an express entry profile, this is where you will enter essential information, including your language proficiency score and NOC code for your work experience. After submitting your express entry profile, make sure your CRS score corresponds to what you got in Step 2. You are not required to submit any supporting documentation at this time. 

You need your NOC code for the work experience you are claiming points for in order to submit your profile. People often find it challenging to know their NOC code. The key to solving this problem is to start by determining which job role best describes your position. Occasionally, your actual title may not correspond to the job title that best describes your position on the NOC directory. 

5) Now, you have to wait till you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The express entry pool’s score distribution determines the number of people to be invited and the frequency of draws, which are typically conducted every two weeks. Your chances are better the higher your score. Obtain the following documents, which are needed to apply:

• International Passport
• University Degree & Transcript
• Language Proficiency Test Result
• Police Certificate
• Proof of Employment for all work experiences paid such as pay stub, employment letter etc
• Proof of Funds
• Medicals
• Education Credential Assessment.

Here’s the document checklist for express entry from Canadian immigration.

6) Submit all the documents required for your permanent residency application

Once you receive an ITA, you will need to complete further forms and submit all supporting documents.

7) Wait for  a decision on your application 

The processing time could take anywhere from a few weeks to years.

8) Go for your biometrics

You will need to visit the closest Canadian Embassy to you at some point in the application process to get your biometrics taken.

9) Submit your Passport 

Once your application has been approved, Canada Immigration will send a request for your passport, which you must then submit in order to get a travel visa.

Once you have your passport, you can leave for Canada and begin living there permanently. On average, it takes three out of five years to meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship.

 

How much does it cost to be a Permanent Resident in Canada?

• Education Credential Assessment  (ECA) evaluation – $200+ CAD
• Language Test – $309+ CAD
• Application Fee
  • Application and Right of permanent residence – $1365
  • Biometric Fee – $85 per person or $174 per family
  • Dependant Fee and Right of permanent residence –  $1365
  • Application Fee per child – $230/child
• Medicals – $250 / person
• Police Certificate – Depends on your country
• Proof of Funds for 1 person: $13,757

 

** This information is accurate as of when writing this post.