Canada PR: Simplified for STEM Professionals

Posted by Sneha chawla on October 16th, 2023

Are you a STEM professional seeking permanent residency in Canada? Fret not! Canada has a high demand for individuals with STEM backgrounds and thus, offers welcoming immigration policies and strong job prospects. However, to apply for PR through Express Entry and get an invitation from IRCC, you must fulfill the eligibility requirements and submit the complete list of documents required for Canada PR.

In this post, we'll simplify the process of obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency for STEM professionals.

In-Demand Occupations for STEM Professionals 

If you wish to move to Canada as a STEM professional under Express Entry, your occupation must be listed under the STEM category, which includes - 

• Architects (NOC 21200)

• Business systems specialists (NOC 21221)

• Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)

• Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311)

• Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230)

• Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220)

• Data scientists (NOC 21211)

• Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223)

• Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310)

• Industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321)

• Information systems specialists (NOC 21222)

• Land surveyors (NOC 21203)

• Landscape Architects (NOC 21201)

• Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 21210)

• Metallurgical and materials engineers (NOC 21322)

• Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants, and program officers (NOC 41400)

• Software developers and programmers (NOC 21232)

• Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)

• Urban and land use planners (NOC 21202)

• Web designers (NOC 21233)

• Web developers and programmers (NOC 21234)

• Architecture and science managers (NOC 20011)

• Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012)

• Engineering managers (NOC 20010)
  
  

The Process of Canada PR for STEM Professionals 

Step 1: Determine your Eligibility

Before starting your Canada PR journey, you must check your eligibility. The most preferred immigration pathway for STEM professionals is the Express Entry system. To qualify under this, you need to meet certain criteria, including age, language skills, education, and work experience.

• Age 

Your age must be between 18 and 35 years of age to obtain the maximum points. The maximum age to qualify for PR is 45 years and after 35, you get fewer points with each passing year. 

• Education 

Your educational qualifications must be similar to the higher secondary education of that under Canadian standards.

• Work Experience 

You must have at least one year of full-time work experience to get minimum points. You must have the relevant experience required in these occupations in demand in Canada, which will increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

• Language Proficiency

You must score a minimum of 6 bands in your IELTS test. The score should be less than 2 years old. If you have proficiency in the French language, you will get additional points. 

Step 2: Create your Express Entry Profile

Once you know you are eligible to apply, you must create an Express Entry profile. Ensure that the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. 

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The highest-scoring candidates in the Express Entry are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for Canada PR. These ITAs are provided through regular Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). When you get an ITA, you will be given a specific timeframe to submit your complete PR application. 

Step 4: Submit your PR Application

Once you have your ITA, you must submit your application along with the list of documents required for Canada PR, which include -

• Passport

• Educational Credentials

• Proof of funds

• Language test score results

• An employment letter from a Canadian employer 

• PNP or territorial nomination certificate

• Reference code

• Marriage certificate or divorce certificate 

• Express Entry profile number

• Medical examination report

• Job seeker Validation code

• Police Clearance Certificate 

• Birth Certificate 

• Recent photographs 

• Letter of recommendation from previous employers 

Step 5: Wait for PR Approval

Once you have submitted your application with documents, wait for the IRCC to review your case and make a final decision. The processing time for Canada PR takes about 5-8 months, so you must be patient during this stage. You can check your application status online and receive updates.

Step 6: Receive your PR Confirmation

After IRCC reviews your application, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR). 

Step 7: Travel to Canada

Now that you have your CoPR, it's time to make your move to Canada and start working as a STEM professional. You'll need to land in Canada before the expiration date on your CoPR to officially become a Permanent Resident. Upon landing, you'll receive your PR card.

How to Improve Your Express Entry Score for Canada PR?

The Express Entry system ranks your profile based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To increase your chances of being invited to apply for PR, consider the following tips:

• Aim for a higher language proficiency score by improving your language skills.

• Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove the equivalence of your foreign degree.

• Gain additional work experience in your field, which can significantly boost your CRS score.

• If applicable, have your spouse or common-law partner improve their language skills and/or obtain an ECA to add points to your CRS score.

• Explore PNP options, as some provinces have specific streams for STEM professionals.

Remember that the process of obtaining Canada PR for STEM professionals can be complex, and the rules and requirements may change. If you wish to achieve your dream of becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident as a STEM professional, consult one of the best Canada immigration consultants in Bangalore, Nationwide Visas. With successfully assisting thousands of individuals move to Canada, Nationwide Visas is your one-stop solution for all immigration needs. Start your journey towards PR today!