In recent times, it has become more competitive to acquire a Canadian permanent residence (PR) visa.
Different programs rank immigration candidates against each other, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for PR.
If you want to live and work in Canada, you need to have a visa. Thus, it is possible to obtain a permanent visa in the skilled worker category if you meet the requirements.
To be eligible for one of these visas, your profile will be evaluated. Your work experience and qualifications play a crucial role in this assessment.
The process of applying for a visa in Canada involves multiple stages known as ‘Express Entry’. Under this system, points are assigned based on personal factors, and candidates with the highest score are invited to submit a complete visa application.
Canadian visa categories
Federal Skilled Worker Class
To apply for a visa in the ‘Federal Skilled Worker category, you must fulfil specific criteria. Firstly, all applicants are assessed according to different factors. To be eligible for the application, you must score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points. Besides work experience and credentials, the following factors are important:
- Your age
- As mentioned, diplomas and work experience are essential
- Your knowledge of English and/or French language is also relevant
- A job offer from a Canadian employer generates extra points
- Finally: your connections with Canada (e.g. language abilities of your partner, Canadian work experience or previous study, family in Canada)
Moreover, it is crucial for your job title to match the appropriate ‘level’. This implies that you must have worked full-time for at least one year in a position listed under the NOC (National Occupation Classification) as level O, A, or B. Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources for your family’s needs. The specific requirements for this have been established by Immigration Canada.
Once it is confirmed that you fulfil the aforementioned criteria, your profile can be prepared and submitted. After submission, you will undergo another evaluation using a different scoring system.
The second scoring system is known as the ‘Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)’. Based on the results of this score, invitation rounds are conducted regularly. All candidates with a score above the minimum threshold for the relevant round are invited to apply for a permanent visa.
Federal Skilled Trade Class
Employees with technical professions are frequently requested in Canada. For this reason, this separate visa category has been drawn up for people with technical jobs that want to live and work in Canada. If you wish to be considered for this, you must meet various criteria for this application, as outlined below:
- At least two years of work experience in the past five years
- The job position must be categorized under the ‘skilled trade’ professions
- You can provide a job offer from a Canadian employer that has been approved by ‘Employment and Social Development Canada’
- Furthermore, you also have good English and/or French language abilities
- You meet the set professional criteria (for example registration or licenses)
If you meet the above requirements, you can submit a profile within ‘Express Entry’. After that, the profile will also be assessed based on your CRS score.
Canadian Experience Class
This particular category is designed for individuals who have work experience in Canada. If you have worked full-time in Canada for one year within the past three years, you may qualify for this category.
However, it is essential that the position you held has the appropriate level (O, A, or B) and is listed on the NOC. Additionally, you must also demonstrate proficiency in either English or French language. Similar to the visas mentioned earlier, you need to meet a minimum CRS Score requirement.
Provincial Nominee Program
Lastly, the ‘Provincial Nominee Program’ is another visa category included in the Express Entry system. Numerous Canadian provinces have their own visa programs known as PNPs.
These programs enable the provinces to have more direct involvement in selecting immigrants. Moreover, they can address the labour market needs and requirements specific to their province.
As a result, each province or territory establishes its own set of criteria and conditions.
Live and Work in Canada through Education
Candidates who want to improve their chances to become Canadian permanent residents may wish to consider an education pathway if they have the financial means to study in Canada.
Canada offers one of the best packages to international students in the world, if not the best.
Work in Canada during and after your studies
One of the remarkable aspects of Canada is its provision for international students to work while studying and obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon completing their educational program.
A typical study permit allows you to work for any employer for up to 20 hours per week during your studies, and full-time during breaks like summer and winter holidays.
Many students become eligible for a PGWP, which can be valid for up to three years depending on the duration of their program in Canada. With a PGWP, you can work for any employer of your choice through an “open work permit.”
Moreover, spouses and partners of international students and PGWP holders can also obtain an open work permit.
Gaining Canadian work experience is highly advantageous for international students since the work experience acquired with a PGWP can make them eligible for various immigration programs.
Once again, such immigration programs often assign more points for Canadian work experience compared to experience gained in foreign countries.
How you can study in Canada and then gain PR
Here is a simplified version of the passage:
Let’s take an example of how an education pathway to permanent residence (PR) in Canada can unfold:
Rohan enrols in a Business Administration diploma program at a Canadian-designated learning institution, which lasts for 2 years.
Upon completing his program, Rohan becomes eligible for a three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is the maximum duration allowed.
He secures a job as a Business Analyst at a technology company in Canada and works there full-time for one year, gaining the required Canadian work experience.
With his qualifying work experience, Rohan becomes eligible for the Canadian Experience Class program under Express Entry.
After submitting his Express Entry profile, Rohan receives an invitation to apply for PR and successfully achieves his immigration goal in Canada.
Therefore, students who start their Canadian educational program online this fall can obtain a high-quality and affordable education, the right to live and work in Canada during and after their studies, and gain a significant competitive advantage when applying for permanent residence.
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