Canada has emerged as the pioneer in International immigration due to its welcoming and inclusive attitude. It has achieved the reputation of being the land of opportunities due to the wide array of employment options for the immigrant workers.
According to the Canadian government, immigrants account for almost 100% of Canada’s labor force. Indians top the list of immigrant communities in Canada and constituted 18.6% of the total immigrant population in Canada between 2016 and 2021 as per 2021’s 5-year census data.
Express Entry- The fastest Immigration Route
Introduced in 2015, Express Entry is an online system maintained by the Canadian government for submission of applications by immigrants seeking to work in Canada. Points are allotted based on skills, work experience, Canadian employment status, territorial nomination. This forms the basis of selection for employment along with allotment of permanent residency in Canada.
It is the fastest and the most popular route for immigrant skilled professionals to settle permanently in Canada with a processing time of 6 months or less from the date of application submission.
Three key Immigration programs:
1.Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): It is for skilled workers with foreign work experience having met the Canadian education and other criteria.
2.Canadian Experience Class (CEC): It is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience having gained it in the 3 years before applying.
3.Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): It is for skilled workers qualified in specific skilled trades. They must have a valid job offer or qualification certificate.
Eligibility criteria:
The Canadian government has laid down certain eligibility criteria for Express Entry in Canada. They are:
1.Age- The minimum age of applicant is 18 years.
2.Education- Minimum education of a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
3.Language Proficiency- Proficiency proof through approved language tests in English or French is required.
4.Work Experience- Minimum experience of continuous one year is required as full-time or part-time skilled worker.
5.Adaptability- Applicant’s spouse’s education, proficiency in language, work experience can win additional points.
Express Entry Process:
The process for Express Entry involves various steps which can be taken care by Immigration consultants. Canada is the most favorite immigration destination for North Indians especially for people from Punjab. So, they can consult Visa Winner consultants which are the best immigration consultants in Chandigarh for Canada. The consultants can assist in the steps mentioned below:
1.Express Entry Profile creation: An online profile mentioning the education, skills, work experience, language proficiency needs to be created by the applicant.
2.Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score- CRS score is allotted to each profile based on the credentials mentioned in the first step.
3 Invitation to Apply (ITA)- The candidates with the highest CRS score receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian government’s regular draws.
4.Permanent Residency Application submission: Candidates with ITA have 60 days for submission of complete application of permanent residency.
5.Documents and Medical Verification: Candidates get documents verified, criminal records checked and medical examinations done as per the Canadian government’s requirement.
6.Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)- The chosen candidates get COPR and can settle in Canada.
Benefits of Express Entry:
The benefits of Express Entry are mentioned below:
1.Fast Route- This process speeds up the immigration process with processing time of 6 months or less.
2.Job Opportunities- The express entry immigrants can contact employers and search jobs through Job Bank.
3.Sponsorship for Spouse and Family- The express entry candidates can include their spouse and children in permanent residency application.
4.Canadian Citizenship- Express Entry helps in procuring Canadian Citizenship.
All in all, we can say that Express Entry is very beneficial in streamlining the process for skilled immigrants to get job opportunities in Canada along with permanently settling there.