If you wish to live in Canada permanently, the fastest way is through the Express Entry route. Arguably the most advanced immigration system around the globe, this is a quicker process to sift through applicants who wish to gain permanent Canadian residency.
In this system, the Canadian immigration puts applicants in a pool and scores them based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Once the highest-ranking applicants are determined, the government sends out invitations for permanent residence to those belonging to the Skilled Worker Class, Skilled Trades Class, or the Canadian Experience Class programs, whichever applies.
Ready to work, live, and enjoy Canadian life? Follow these three tips to help boost your CRS score:
1. Apply as a Skilled Worker
Applying as a skilled worker in Canada is the most preferred option for applicants through the Express Entry System and can be done via two programs: the Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Securing a job in Canada can be challenging, yes, but it will be worth it. Once you do get a job, you will gain as much as 200 points and a better chance of receiving an invitation from the Canadian government.
While you may opt to hire liaison services or send out applications for employment online, the single best way to do this is to conduct a comprehensive job search and visit the country to meet and greet potential employers. Not only will this provide you with a greater chance of getting hired, but it will also help you get a glimpse of how working and living would be like in Canada.
2. Acquire Provincial Nomination
To jump to the top rank of the pool, you have to earn as many points as you can. One of the fastest ways to achieve this is by getting a provincial nomination.
As mentioned earlier, PNP is one of two routes in the Federal Express Entry System. It is also believed to be the only possible way you can gain 600 points since policy changes took effect in November 2016.
To succeed in this endeavor, you have to make sure you remain organized in terms of filing your application and other related tasks. Having an employer to sponsor you could also boost your chances of getting nominated.
Remember that different provinces have varying priorities when it comes to skilled workers, not to mention the list changes all the time. This means you have to monitor categories that open and close per province, which often occurs in a matter of days or even hours (as in the cause of Saskatchewan).
Once you find an opening that suits you, send your application immediately. To do this, you must make sure that your job application documents are updated and ready to send at a moment’s notice.
3. Improve Your Score in More than One Area
Too often, candidates who are focused on increasing their score in a single factor end up failing to rank high in the pool. If you want to become a Canadian citizen fast, it is crucial that you avoid making the same mistake.
Remember that all areas are crucial in increasing your score. Here are some tips for you to improve your score in certain areas in the CRS:
Retake the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Exam
Improving your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score is one of the best ways to rack up points as it can get you as much as 260 points. Remember to register for the exam early to give you more time to retake the test should you fail to earn the number of points you need right away.
Stack Up on Work Experience
Having a Canadian work permit visa is leverage you should never take for granted. Although you can gain experience from your home country, working in Canada is still a faster way to get a higher Express Entry score. Just keep in mind that the system utilizes the National Occupational Classification (NOC) matrix when assigning points, so you must choose the right NOC code to earn points.
The Canadian Immigration Way
Choosing to migrate to Canada is arguably one of the best decisions you will make in your lifetime. Aside from being one of the most prosperous countries in the world, the country also offers equal treatment for immigrants, health and social benefits and, ultimately, a higher standard of living.
AUTHOR BIO
Bevan Berning is an Immigration professional and owner of Pathway Visas, an Immigration Agency dealing mostly with skilled immigration to Canada and Australia. Bevan’s enthusiasm for the industry has kept in the Immigration field for the past seven years. Bevan is South African by birth and has been residing in Dubai for the past eight years.