Thinking of moving to Canada? You are not alone. Many people from Pakistan are looking at the options Canada provides to start a new life, due to its strong economy, quality education, and diverse culture. One of the most popular routes for Canadian immigration is through Express Entry Canada, which offers permanent residency in Canada.
What is Express Entry Canada?
Express Entry Canada is an online immigration application system launched by the Canadian government in the year 2015. Every skilled worker from across the globe, including Pakistan, has the option to apply for permanent residency with the help of their eligibility assessed on factors like qualifications, work experience, and so on.
How Does Express Entry Work?
In other words, Express Entry is a point-based system, which is under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You will need to make an online profile that will be ranked according to factors like
- age
- education
- work experience
- language ability
- adaptability
Each contributes to your overall CRS score. The higher your score, the better the chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency. Regularly, the government draws from the pool, calling on the candidates with the highest scores to apply.
Why Should You Consider Express Entry Canada?
Everybody who utilizes the Express Entry Canada system while they are seeking permanent residency enjoys the following benefits:
Speed and Efficiency
Express Entry is fast. The majority of applications are processed within six months, referred to as the quickest way to gain permanent residence status in Canada.
Transparency
The system is transparent and points-based, so you will know your prospects of success before you apply. You can also increase your CRS score by improving your qualifications, say, by enhancing your language skills or gaining experience.
Multiple Opportunities
If you do not receive an ITA at once, your profile stays in the pool for another year. Now, you can work towards improving your CRS score and re-entering the pool to improve your chances.
Understanding Permanent Residency
Permanent residency attained through Express Entry into Canada is of huge importance. It has several benefits that attract immigrants to this North American country.
What is Permanent Residency?
A permanent resident is someone who has been given the right to live and work in the country permanently. As a PR, you have most of the rights and responsibilities of a citizen, including
- The right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
- Access to social benefits, including healthcare
- Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
However, it is to be noted that permanent residents do not have the right to vote in the federal elections, and permanent residents cannot qualify for some of the High-Level Security Clearance jobs.
The Path to Canadian Citizenship
The eventual application for Canadian citizenship is among the most attractive features of permanent residency. Permanent residents of Canada may be eligible to apply for this after having resided in the country for three of the last five years, subject to language proficiency and other eligibility criteria, including passing a test on knowledge about the country.
Steps to Apply for Express Entry Canada from Pakistan
The different steps, and carefully fill in the application form for Express Entry Canada by a Pakistani. Therefore, a supported application depends upon care and attention to detail.
Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin your application, an applicant should assess whether they are admissible to apply under one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry for:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
There are several different programs, and each has different eligibility criteria, so make sure to determine for which one you are profiled.
Create an Express Entry Profile
After determining your eligibility, the next thing you need to do is fill out an online Express Entry form. You will have to give in-depth information about your:
- Educational Background
- Work Experience
- Language Skills either in English or French
- Adaptability Factors
Besides obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment, or ECA, to be performed in the verification of your foreign education credentials, you will also have to sit for an approved language test, for instance, the IELTS.
Improve Your CRS Score
This is where the importance of the Comprehensive Ranking System score was mentioned above. There do exist quite a few ways through which you can go on to boost this score, and they go something like the following:
- More work experience
- Higher language test results
- A higher education level
- Get a job offer from a Canadian employer
- The higher your score, the more likely you’ll get an ITA.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
In the event your CRS score is sufficient, you’ll receive an invitation during one of the periodic Express Entry draws. If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Submit Your Application
After receiving an ITA, all the required documents, including police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds, among others, would need to be submitted. By the way, it’s worth noting that the application should be very correct, accurate, and clear because the lack of any sort of information or any other mistake may lead to delay or disapproval.
Challenges and Considerations for Pakistani Applicants
Even though the Express Entry system is a very simple method for permanent residency in Canada, some challenges are usually being faced by Pakistani applicants.
Language Proficiency
This will be one major challenge in terms of achieving a good language proficiency requirement. Language in English will be a key part of the CRS scoring, and in most instances, most applicants from Pakistan will have to use more resources and time in trying to improve their language skills.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Another factor is the Educational Credential Assessment, a process during which your foreign educational qualifications are compared to Canadian standards. Knowing how to get your credentials recognized the right way may be a very troublesome process, and one would need careful planning and research.
The Role of Canada Immigration Consultants
Although applying for immigration has somewhat been simplified through the use of the Express Entry system, at times, some navigations, especially for beginners, may be complicated. This is where you will require Canada immigration consultants to smoothly help you go through the entire process to avoid some of the pitfalls common to many and increase your chances of success.
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Consultant
- Expert Guidance: Immigration consultants are highly qualified, and they have full knowledge of the Express Entry system in and out, which makes them suitable for their professional guidance.
- Document Preparation: Consultants can help prepare and submit documents on your behalf, ensuring that everything is in order.
- Maximizing CRS Score: A consultant can help you to know where to improve your CRS score, such as in the enhancement of language skills, or in matriculating a job offer.
Final Thoughts
Express Entry into Canada is the most excellent opportunity for Pakistani candidates to put forward an application for permanent residency in Canada. Enlightened by the process, elevating your CRS score, and considering the professional help of an immigration consultant can make one increase their probability of making Canada a new home. Remember, although the path might be tough, the reward of abiding in a country like Canada is worth the cost.
It’s now time to create your Express Entry profile if you are serious about moving to Canada. Good luck in your pursuit of a brighter future in Canada!
