Steps to apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry program?

Posted by Sneha chawla on August 12th, 2023

Every year, many skilled immigrants apply for permanent residency in Canada, with the aim of living and working there. There are many reasons why people choose Canada, such as the high quality of life, the freedom to work and live anywhere in the country, the ability to sponsor relatives, the opportunity to become a Canadian citizen, free healthcare, free education, social security, protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, diverse culture and more. If you're interested in becoming a permanent resident of Canada, it's important to apply for Canada PR from India to get a visa on time.

Fastest Way to Apply for Canada PR 

The Express Entry program is the fastest way to get a PR visa for Canada. The process is simple and easy to understand and candidates who choose Express Entry to submit their Canada PR applications have higher chances of selection. 

Out of the three immigration streams under Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the most famous. It is for skilled workers with foreign work experience and one must meet the eligibility criteria to be eligible. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade and Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience.

If you’re eligible for one of the Express Entry programs, you can also apply for the Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry. If you get nominated, you’ll get extra points.

The Process to Apply for Canada PR through Express Entry

Here is the step-by-step process to apply for permanent residence in Canada - 

Step 1 - Check Eligibility

The first step to getting Canadian permanent residence is to check eligibility using a CRS Score Calculator. You must achieve a minimum score of 67 out of 100 in the FSWP point assessment grid. 

The factors which determine your eligibility are as follows - 

• Age - Those between 18 and 35 will get a maximum of 12 points. After 35, you will lose points with every passing year. 

• Education - If you possess a master’s or doctorate degree, you can get a maximum of 25 points. 

• Work Experience - At least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation under NOC Skill type levels A, O, and B is required to obtain 15 points. 

• Language Skills - 6 bands in the IELTS exam are needed to get maximum points. If you know the French language, you will get additional points. 

• Arranged Employment - If you get pre-arranged employment from a Canadian employer, you will get 10 extra points.

• Adaptability - If you have close relatives or siblings currently living in Canada, you will get extra 10 points. 

Step 2 - Get Educational Credentials Assessed

You must get your educational credentials evaluated by a recognized assessing Canadian body to check the equivalency of your educational degree as per Canadian standards.

Step 3 - Take the Language Test 

To prove your proficiency in the English language, score a minimum of 6 bands in your IELTS exam in each module, including Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. 

Step 4 - Create a Profile under Express Entry 

Make an online Express Entry profile under the Express Entry program of the federal government and submit it to the Express Entry pool. 

Step 5 - Apply for PNPs (Optional)

If you want to settle in a specific Canadian province, you can apply for a Provincial Nominee Program. Wait for an NOI (Notification of Interest) or interest letter to apply.

Step 6 - Get Medical Examination and Police Clearance

A medical examination is mandatory for candidates to prove they are physically and mentally stable to immigrate to Canada. Also, get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to show you are not previously or currently involved in any criminal activity.

Step 7 - Get an Invitation to Apply 

In the Express Entry pool, your profile will be ranked against other candidates and if your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is higher, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) will invite you to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Once you have your ITA, you will get 60 days to submit the application to IRCC with all required documents.

Here are the documents required for Canada PR - 

• ECA (Education Credential Assessment)

• IELTS Score Card

• Medical & Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

• Travel documents like passport

• Work experience letter (reference letters)

• Other documents (if applicable)

Step 8 - Application under Review

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess your visa application, check your background, and evaluate all the documents you have submitted. This process will take around 4 to 6 months. 

Step 9 - Pay the Biometric Fee

You will receive a request for biometrics and fingerprints for which you need to submit the required fee.

Step 10 - Submit your Passport & get confirmation

You will get a request to submit your valid passport for visa stamping. Soon, get the Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR).

Express Entry Draws

If you are applying for Canada PR through Express Entry, keep an eye on the latest Express Entry draws. 

IRCC conducts draws every 2 weeks. The latest Express Entry draw was held on 12th July 2023, which invited 3,800 invitations. As per the estimation, the predicted Express Entry next draw is on July 28th, 2023.

Settle in Canada as a permanent resident to live and work anywhere in the country. Choose the best immigrant consultants, Nationwide Visas, who will suggest the most suitable course of action as per your profile. From filling out the application and documentation to IELTS preparation, and one-on-one counseling sessions Nationwide Visas offer various services. Connect with experts today.