HOW TO APPLY FOR IMMIGRATION TO CANADA
A brief guide on how to apply to Canada through the Express Entry System and the steps involved.
As we all know, Canada welcomes millions of immigrants via its range of immigration streams. If you are wondering whether or how you would also be one of the invited, then do not fret, here is your answer. Our team of experts is committed to making things simple for you. Below is a list of key steps eligible candidates must take while navigating through the process of migration from their country.
One of the main immigration programs that applicants apply to other than for Study Permit is the Express Entry System.
Below are the steps involved in applying to the Express Entry Program.
If you have already applied to the program and are waiting for an invitation to apply here is a list of things you can do while you are in the pool are waiting for an ITA.
CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
The first step to any application is to check the eligibility. Different programs have different requirements to be eligible to apply; the same is the case for Express Entry. Under the Express Entry System there are three programs, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Workers Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades program to which applicants can apply. Recognizing which program you are eligible for is very important.
GET A LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE
Under the Official Languages Act of 1969, Canada has both English and French as its official languages. To apply to Canada under the Express Entry System, an applicant should meet the language requirements presented in the category they are applying for. You can read about the language requirements here.
GET EDUCATION CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT
Educational Credential Assessment is required for applicants with education from a country other than Canada. It helps establish a relation between their education and its equivalency as per the Canadian Education System and requirements stated by the Immigration Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
GET CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION/LICENSE
This is applicable to those whose professions/trades are regulated by the Canadian Federal government or the Provincial government. Some professions or trades require a certificate or license to work. While some licenses are mandatory, there are also some occupations that can get a license on an optional/voluntary basis. Getting a Certificate of Qualification would definitely help you with your application and also give you additional points.
ARRANGE ALL DOCUMENTS
Before you start your application, you should collect and gather your documents. This is a self-explanatory step and obviously one of the most important step. You should gather all your documents as per the requirements of the program you are applying to. The important part to rememebr is that all your documents should be in either English or French.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
After you have gathered all your documents, you will then submit an application to the immigration program in the Express Entry system you have been preparing for. At this stage you will enter the Express Entry pool and will be given a point value (score) following the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your CRS and your qualifications. You can check the latest rounds of invitations issued under the Express Entry System here.
SUBMIT MEDICAL TEST RESULTS, PCC REPORTS, AND BIOMETRICS
The next step is to get a medical test report from a hospital recognized by the Canadian Embassy in your country, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and submit your biometrics at a Visa-Application-Center in your home country. You will be required to submit your biometrics after you are issued an Invitation to apply to Canada.
SEND PASSPORT FRO VISA STAMPING
You will then be issued an instruction letter, requesting you to submit your passport for stamping. Your passport will be returned to you with a single entry visa stamp, along with a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).
MAKE YOUR MOVE
Once you receive your entry visa and CoPR, you are set to pack and move to Canada and start your new journey. There are many organizations funded by the Government of Canada which help newcomers adjust and adapt to the country and help them with their new lifestyle.