Here are the Things That No One Knows About the Canadian Express Entry System

Posted on 28/08/201819/01/2023 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

Canadian Express Entry System, introduced in the year 2015 with an aim to streamline economic immigration to Canada, is a fast-track method for bringing global talents to Canada. Since its introduction, more than 50000 invitations to apply for permanent residence have been issued through the Express Entry system.

The Canadian Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs–Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class, besides certain provincial nominee programs aligned to the Express Entry.

Canadian Express Entry being the most popular pathway for Canada immigration, you may be interested to know a few lesser-known facts about the system. Check these out:

1. Language skills count a lot

In the Express Entry system, language skills of the candidate give him/her a lot of weightage. This may be surprising for many, but it’s a fact! Among the core human capital factors that are considered while awarding CRS scores, language skills are given prime importance. It is a major parameter to judge the eligibility and adaptability of a candidate. So candidates with high level of English or French proficiency have better chances for obtaining Canadian PR visa through Express Entry System.

2. Candidates have to submit biometrics details

Canada has recently made it mandatory for Express Entry candidates to submit biometric details including fingerprints and photo while filing their application for Canadian PR visa. Since July 31st, 2018, submitting biometric details has been made compulsory for applicants from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. On December 31st, 2018, the rules will be extended to applicants from Asia, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. The aim of this new rule is to confirm the identity of the applicant and make the visa procedures simpler for low-risk travelers.

3. Express Entry is the best way to connect to Canadian employers

Canadian employers can access the Express Entry pool through a number of ways. These include job bank, private sector job boards, and provincial nominee programs. This makes Express Entry the easiest way to connect to Canadian employers and find a job in Canada.

4. Express Entry draws are held every two weeks

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada(IRCC) conducts Express Entry draws every two weeks. So even if you were not selected in the latest Express Entry draw, you need not worry. You have chances to be selected in an Express Entry as long as you are in the Express Entry pool.

5. Tie-breakers are applied in Express Entry draws

Tie-breaker is the latest trend in Express Entry draws. It is a method to rank candidates with the same Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) scores based on the date and time in which they submitted their Express Entry profiles. The candidates whose profiles have been in the pool for a longer period are given priority.

For Example, in the Express Entry draw held on August 22, 2018, the date and time for tie-break were February 21, 2018, at 11:28:03 UTC. It means those candidates who submitted their Express Entry profiles before the said date and time and who had the minimum required CRS scores were selected in the draw.

Are you eligible to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry? Contact us for a free assessment

Planning to Pursue a Master’s Degree? Read to Know Why Canada is the Ideal Destination to Pursue Your PG!!!

Posted on 27/08/201818/01/2023 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

Canada is the best option for those who plan to do their master’s overseas. There are a number of factors that attract international students to master studies in Canada. These include high quality of education, affordability, research-oriented education and peaceful study environment. Canadian institutions of higher education offer master’s degrees in a range of subjects spanning across humanities, science, management, arts and social science. Usually, the duration of the master’s course in Canada is between 12 to 24 months, depending on the field of specialization.

Now let’s explore the factors that make Canada the ideal destination to pursue your PG.

1. High-quality education

Canadian institutions of higher education are renowned for their quality and excellence. The universities maintain high academic standards and strict quality control. Canadian universities are always ranked among the best in the world.

2. Globally recognized degree

Canadian degrees are recognized across the world, which simply means international students, despite where they choose to live, will have a successful career. The students can choose from a number of flexible and interdisciplinary programs. Moreover, a Canadian degree increases the chances of international students to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

3. Easiness to obtain a student visa

Canada has recently introduced the Student Direct Stream (SDS) programme which makes visa processing easier and faster for students from four Asian countries including India. All students who have received a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institutions can apply for a Canadian study permit through SDS.

4. Job opportunities

Canada offers a lot of part-time work opportunities for students that help them to earn while they learn. Moreover, the students who have completed a study program that has a duration of more than eight months are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. It allows the students to work in Canada for a maximum period of three years. With the work experience earned through the post-study work permit, the students can also apply for permanent residence in Canada.

5. Affordability

The cost of studying in Canada is almost of half compared to other popular international study destinations. But the cost will vary depending on the study program and institution. Cost of living is also comparatively lower in Canada. Moreover, part-time work opportunities also make education in Canada affordable.

Do you want to know more about studying in Canada? Contact us for more information!

Looking for a Job Abroad? Know Why Canada Could Be the Right Place for You!

Posted on 22/08/2018 by Venkat Karky 4 Comments

With the sixth place in Human Development Index rankings, Canada is, undoubtedly, one of the best countries in the world to live. The country is the right place for those looking for a better quality of life and work. Canada also offers vast opportunities for career and personal growth. This is the reason why many from across world wish to settle in Canada.
Listed below are some of the factors that make Canada the best place to work:

Healthy Work Culture:

Canadian firms promote a healthy work culture that upholds individualism and equal opportunity. Less stress is given to relationships and employees are allowed to make individual decisions. The work relations are informal and you can be honest with your boss, free to say no if you feel so. But rules are to be followed. In Canada, you have to work only for eight hours a day and a maximum of 40 hours a week. Overtime work has to be paid.

Employment Insurance:

The workers in Canada enjoy employment insurance benefits that include help to find jobs, family benefits, benefits, if they can’t work, owing to sickness, benefits for their children’s health education and security. Besides, the government will support the workers if they have lost their job for reasons other than their own fault and are unable to find a new job.
Leave benefits

Workers who are expecting a child, or have given birth or have a newborn or have adopted a child recently, are given parental and maternity leave in Canada.

Childcare Benefits:

Canada provides a lot of childcare benefits for the residents and citizens. These include tax-free monthly assistance to raise children (below 18 years of age), child healthcare benefits, child disability benefits and security benefit.

Low Unemployment Rates:

Unemployment is significantly low in Canada compared to many other developed countries. And in the case of the unemployed, Canada provides them unemployment benefits and facilities to find a new job.

Affordable Cost of Living:

Cost of living in Canada is highly affordable, compared to many other developed countries. Housing, food, fuel, and power are cheap, which makes living in this country affordable.

Secure Retired Life:

In your retired life, you will receive social pensions and employer-sponsored pensions besides your savings. Besides, in Canada, employees do not have an obligatory retirement age.

Interested in immigrating to Canada? Contact us for more information. Locate our nearby offices to meet our immigration experts and clear your queries right away!

The Canadian Express Entry System – A Look Back From the Beginning!

Posted on 22/08/2018 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

The Canada Express Entry system, one of the most popular immigration systems in the world, was launched on January 1st, 2015 with an aim to streamline economic immigration to Canada. Today, Express Entry system is the main driver of economic immigration to Canada.

Canada Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs–Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class, besides certain provincial nominee programs aligned to the Express Entry.

The Express Entry system replaced the ‘first-come, first served’ model of Canada immigration. Earlier, the selection of candidates for Canada immigration was mainly based on who submitted their application first. But in Express Entry system, applications of candidates are compared with one another after which, the most qualified candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

As per the Canada Immigration Plan for 2018-2020, Canada aims to increase the numbers accepted through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Class to around 250,000 over the next three years.

CRS cut-off score: A retrospection

The Comprehensive Ranking System is a score out of 1,200, which is used to benchmark Express Entry candidates. The score indicates the candidate’s capability to become economically successful in Canada. In Express Entry draws, CRS cut-off score is used to select eligible candidates for inviting to apply for permanent residence.

In the draws held in 2015, invitations were sent only to those candidates who earned more than 600 Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS) points. But within a few months itself, the minimum required score came down to 450. It came further down and in May 2017, candidates with scores as low as 413 were invited to apply. In the program-specific draws, especially the FSTC draws, candidates with scores as low as 199 were invited to apply.

Highest and lowest CRS cutoff points

Lowest till date: 413(all programs), 199 (FSTC)

Highest till date: 886 (all programs), 902 (PNP)

<h3;”>Year-wise

2018

Lowest: 440(all programs) and 288(FSTC)

Highest: 456 (all programs), 902 (PNP)

2017

Lowest: 413 (all programs), 199 (FSTC)

Highest: 468 (all programs), 775 (PNP)

2016

Lowest: 453

Highest: 786

2015

Lowest: 450

Highest: 886

CRS cut-off scores for Express Entry Draws held in 2018

Date of draw	Minimum CRS score
August 8, 2018	440
July 25, 2018	441
July 11, 2018	442
June 25, 2018	442
June 13, 2018	451
May 23, 2018	440
May 9, 2018	441
April 25, 2018	441
April 11, 2018	444
March 26, 2018	446
March 14, 2018	456
February 21, 2018	442
February 7, 2018	442
January 24, 2018	444
January 10, 2018	446

<h3″>

Number of invitations sent

In the first-ever Express Entry draw held on January 1st 2015, the number of invitations issued was 779. Then the numbers witnessed a gradual increase over the past three years. The number of Invitations to Apply for permanent residence issued in the latest draw held on August 8, 2018 was 3750. The year 2018 witnessed a gradual increase in the number of ITAs from 2,750 to 3750. The Canadian Government has issued a total number of 50,950 ITAs till date through the Express Entry Draws held this year. Canada has set a target to admit 74,900 candidates through Express Entry in 2018.

The issuing of 3,750 ITAs in the past few consecutive Express Entry draws is the continuation of a trend set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2017. As per this trend, draw sizes remain the same over successive invitation rounds followed by an increase of 250 or 500 in around every two months. In 2018, draw sizes grew from 2,750 to 3000 and 3500 and now to 3750.

Number of ITAs issued through Express Entry

Year	Total number of ITAs issued
2018	50,950
2017	86,023
2016	33,782
2015	31,063
Total	201,818

Interested in Canada immigration? Contact us for

Could a Provincial Nominee Program Help You Get a Canadian PR Visa? Know More!

Posted on 21/08/2018 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are designed to help Canadian provinces and territories nominate those who wish to immigrate to Canada and settle in a particular province. All Canadian provinces, except Quebec, and two territories have Provincial Nominee Programs. Each of them is unique, being designed in such a way to choose the right candidates according to the specific needs of the province or territory. PNPs allow provinces and territories choose those candidates who can contribute to their economies by living and working there.

You can immigrate to Canada through provincial nomination, which is one of the most important fast-track options for obtaining Canadian PR visa. You will be nominated by a province or territory for Canadian PR if you have the skills, education and work experience that meet the requirements of its labour market.

Each PNP has different Streams or immigration programs meant for particular groups such as students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers. Besides, most provinces have streams aligned to the federal Express Entry that allow them to choose candidates from the federal Express Entry pool.

How to obtain Canada PR through PNP?

Check if you are eligible

Each province and territory has different sets of eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines. Before applying for provincial nomination, you must check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the PNP to which you want to apply. If you are applying through a Stream aligned to the federal Express Entry, you must also meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry.

Apply for provincial nomination

The second step is applying for the provincial nomination of the province or territory to where you want to immigrate. The application process will have three steps–

-Apply for a provincial nomination

-Receive nomination from a province or territory

If you are applying through a Stream aligned to Express Entry, you must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Express Entry. You will receive 600 additional CRS points, which improves your chances for being invited to apply for permanent residence.

Apply for Canada permanent residence

If a Canadian province or territory nominates you, you can apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. If you are nominated through a Stream aligned to Express Entry, you will also have to meet the minimum criteria of Express Entry.

Longing to Lead a High Standard of Life? You Should Migrate to Canada Then

Posted on 20/08/2018 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

We individuals witness a shift in everything and thrive in the evolution of the advancement of the system which improves our standard of living gradually. Leading a high standard life could help you in an innumerable number of ways and create a steady & a strong pace in life exposing you to the better of everything. One such place in the world which could offer you the very best in every single basic necessity of life is Canada.

The country situated in Northern America serves as the best place for individuals who wish to immigrate to a different country on the aspect of leading a high standard of life. The country treats standard of living as a paramount concern and makes sure that its residents get what they actually look for. Here are a few reasons which state that why you should migrate to Canada if you want to lead a high standard of life.

You Get to Save a Lot: –

One noteworthy benefit of migrating to Canada is the opportunity to save more. Employment & entrepreneurship in Canada could help earn an individual a good amount of income and the lower cost of living in Canada allows him/her to save a part of their income. This actually means the more you save the better chances for you to lead a high standard of life.

Social Security Benefits: –

Immigrating to Canada can obtain a diverse range of benefits which could help them tackle the unforeseen. Some of the benefits offered by the Canadian Government are listed below

Employment Insurance
Family Benefits
Public Pensions
Education & Training Benefits
Housing Benefits
Disability Benefits & more.,

Travel Visa Free: –

Travel to a different country means you should obtain a visa from that particular country. By obtaining a Canadian passport, an individual can travel up to 185 countries without obtaining a visa which is one of the best benefits you can get by immigrating to Canada.

A Serene Place to Live & Raise Your Family: –

Canada is one of the places in the world where the crime rates are comparatively far less when compared to other countries. You can choose to migrate with your family from the thirteen provinces that the country has. Each province is unique in its own way, making it an ideal place to raise and grow as a family and obviously with a high standard of living.

A Lively Culture to Thrive In: –

The country is a mixture of people from almost all parts of the world making it a place that has a society packed with cultures from different parts of the world. You get to witness some of the best practices that the world has, accompanied with absolute peace & harmony.

Canada undoubtedly proves to be an ideal place for immigrants who wish to lead a high standard of life. The Canadian Government takes every possible effort to make sure that their residents get to live a life that’s quite standard & more comfortable. Get in touch with us to know your options & possibilities to migrate to Canada.

Know how Alberta immigration changes are going to benefit international students

Posted on 17/08/2018 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

Alberta is the Canadian province that hosts the highest number of international students in the country, according to data from the Government of Canada. In 2017, a total of 26,255 international students were studying in various higher education institutions in the province. Research facilities, job opportunities and commercialisation initiatives are some of the factors that attract students from across the globe to Alberta. Another major attractive factor is the opportunities for students to work while they study in the province and after their studies, besides immigration pathways that give preference to international students.

Recently, the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program(AINP) introduced two new immigration streams–Alberta Express Entry Stream and Alberta Opportunity Stream. While these two new immigration streams were introduced, two Canadian immigration categories dedicated for international students in Alberta ceased to exist. They are the International Graduate Category and Post-Graduate Worker Category, part of the now-closed Employer-Driven and Alberta Strategic Recruitment Streams.

These changes are observed to benefit the international students in a big way. Let’s find out how.

Alberta Express Entry Stream

The Alberta Express Entry Stream gives preference to international graduates who have studied in the higher education institutions of Alberta. This is one of the best immigration pathways for international students graduated in Alberta. In order to be considered for permanent residence under the Express Entry Stream, an international graduate must first create an Express Entry profile. Then they have to apply for provincial nomination by Alberta. Those who obtain nomination will get 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System points which improve their chances for being invited for Canadian permanent residence by the federal government.

Alberta Opportunity Stream

Alberta Opportunity Stream was introduced replacing Employer-Driven and Strategic Recruitment streams. In order to apply for Alberta immigration through this Stream, a candidate must fulfill certain eligibility criteria. These include language proficiency, education, work experience etc. International students get weightage for higher education and work experience in Alberta.

The requirements for international graduates to apply for Alberta Opportunity Stream

-Currently working full-time in Alberta in an eligible occupation

-Minimum six months of work experience in Alberta in an occupation, which is related to their field of study. The students with a Post-graduate Work Permit, working in Alberta after graduating from an approved post-secondary institution in the province are eligible to apply. But the students with a Post- Graduate Work Permit, who have completed their studies in other Canadian provinces, are not eligible to apply through Alberta Opportunity Stream.

Tap the vast opportunities Canada holds for international students! Study in Canada! Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.

A Detailed Look on the New Quebec Expression of Interest System

Posted on 16/08/2018 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

The province of Quebec has recently adopted an Expression of Interest system for selecting economic immigrants to the province. The new Quebec Expression of Interest system, modeled in line with the federal Express Entry system, is used for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). According to Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, David Heurtel, the new system aims to bring down the processing time of applications and enhance the economy of Quebec.

Application process

The Quebec Expression of Interest system has replaced the first-come, first-served application process for the QSWP. The new system is demand-based and applicants have to first enter a pool of eligible candidates. Anyone above the age of 18 can submit their profile to the pool of candidates. The profiles will then be awarded scores based on a number of factors.

In order to be eligible, the candidate must score minimum two points in education and one point for financial self-sufficiency. The single candidates who obtain minimum scores for education and financial self-sufficiency must finally score minimum 43 points aggregate combining various factors including education and training, work experience, age, language proficiency etc. Though a valid job offer can earn up to 14 points for the candidate, it is not a must to be eligible.

Quebec government will conduct periodic draws from this pool and invite qualified candidates using a sliding points threshold.

Selection factors

According to the updated Quebec Immigration Act, the selection criterion is “relating to a foreign national’s ability to successfully stay or settle in Quebec, such as training or a trade or occupation.” The following are eligibility factors based on which points are awarded to the candidates.

Selection factors	Points
Education	Up to 14 points (minimum 2 points required)
Area of training	Up to 12 points
Work experience	Up to 8 points
Age	Up to 16 points
Language proficiency	Up to 22 points
Stay and Family in Quebec	Up to 8 points
Spouse/common-law partner characteristics	Up to 17 points
Valid job offer	Up to 14 points
Presence of accompanying children	Up to 8 points
Financial self-sufficiency	1 point (required)

Invitation to apply

The eligible candidates who are selected from the Quebec Expression of Interest pool will be issued an invitation to apply for Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ). Those who receive the invitation can submit the application within 90 days.

Apply for Canada PR

The candidates who successfully apply will receive a CSQ which will make them eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The government will award permanent residence to eligible candidates after checking their medical and criminal admissibility.

Do you wish to build a better future in Quebec? Contact us for expert guidance and the best support for Quebec immigration

Quebec calls skilled workers! Grab this golden opportunity!

Posted on 14/08/2018 by Venkat Karky Leave a Comment

The Canadian province of Quebec has recently introduced Express Entry-style ‘Expression of Interest’ immigration system for its highly popular Quebec Skilled Worker Program. By launching the new system, Quebec, the second-most-populated province of Canada, aims to reduce the processing time of immigration applications.

Under the new system, eligible candidates interested in applying for Quebec migration must first enter a pool of candidates. The candidates selected from this pool will be invited by the Government of Quebec to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec, or CSQ), with which they can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Here are the five steps of applying for Quebec Selection Certificate under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program:

Filing a declaration of interest

The first step in applying for Quebec Selection Certificate under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program is filing a Declaration of Interest. Anyone above the age of 18 can create an account in the new Arrima portal and submit the Declaration of Interest form. Your Declaration of Interest will remain valid for 12 months. If you are not invited to apply for CSQ during this period, you will have to submit a new Declaration of Interest.

Receiving invitation to apply

Quebec Government will invite the candidates with the skills and qualifications to meet the needs of Quebec labour market from the pool of candidates. The selection will be based on three categories of criteria:

-Human capital criteria that include age, proficiency in French, education qualification etc.

-Criteria that determine the candidate’s ability to integrate into the Quebec labour market

-Criteria related to the changing needs Quebec labour market

Other important factors that will be taken into consideration:

-A validated job offer

-A Quebec diploma

-Temporary worker status with minimum six months of Quebec work experience

Apply for Quebec Selection Certificate

If you have received an invitation to apply for CSQ, you will be directed to access your space in My Quebec project using the confidential information provided to you. Now you need to complete the application and pay the fees. You have to submit the completed application within 90 days of receiving the invitation.

Submit required documents

A list of required documents will be sent to the candidates who have submitted a completed application. The documents have to be sent by mail within 90 days. Once the Quebec immigration authorities receive these documents, they will start reviewing the candidate’s profile. The documents must be duly completed and signed. They must also be submitted in the required format.

Processing of application

The Quebec immigration authorities will check whether your application is complete and you have submitted all the required documents. If yes, they will go ahead reviewing your application for selection. The application will be assessed on the basis of the selection grid for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. On the other hand, if there are any discrepancies in your application or documents, you will be informed through a message.

If the Quebec immigration authorities select you, you will receive your Certificate of Selection of Quebec by mail. In some cases, an interview might be conducted before selecting the candidate.

Quebec is a place of vast opportunities. Applying in the right manner is crucial for being selected for Quebec migration. Contact us for expert assistance and more information!

5 Things You Can Do by Visiting Canada on a Visitor Visa

Posted on 13/08/201809/03/2024 by Venkat Karky 4 Comments

Canada visitor visa, also known as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document placed on your passport to show that you have met all the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. Temporary Resident Visa is issued by the Canadian visa office and you must obtain it before you leave for Canada.

In order to obtain Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), you must meet certain conditions which include:

Satisfy visa officer that you would leave Canada after your period of stay
Have enough money to support yourself while you are in Canada
Have no record of criminal activity
Be in good health

Once you arrive in Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) you are allowed to do the following things:

Stay and travel anywhere in Canada

Your Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) confers on you the temporary legal status to live or travel anywhere in the country. But you get to enjoy this legal status only till your Canadian visitor visa expires. The duration of your stay in Canada is determined by a border services officer at the port of entry in Canada. Mostly, the visitors get a six-month validity period for their Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). But if you are authorised to stay for less than six months, the date on which you must leave Canada will be indicated on your passport. If there is no stamp or handwritten date or document on your passport that indicates the expiry date of the Canadian visitor visa, your temporary resident status will be valid for six months.

Search for a job

It is clear that visitor visas are not meant to be used for job hunt. Yet the visa holders are not prevented from searching for a job during their temporary stay in Canada. Meeting the prospective employers in person is likely to increase the chances of placement. So it is ideal to look for a job while you are in Canada than from overseas.

If you are planning to look for a job in Canada, never conceal this fact before the visa officer. But you will have to prove your intention to leave Canada when your visa expires, irrespective of whether you get a job or not. You will also have prove to the immigration officer that you will not work in Canada without a valid work permit.

Study in Canada

You can join for a short-term course in Canada while you are a temporary resident. But there are a few conditions which include:

The institution where you have enrolled for the course must not be a Designated Learning Institute (DLI)
The duration of the course must not be more than six months
You must complete the course before your visa expires
The course must not be part of a longer study program

Business activities

Though you are not allowed to work while you are in Canada on Temporary Resident Visa, you can engage in business activities. These may include purchasing goods and services for your business from Canadian businesses, visiting a business site and meeting people for business transactions. Upon invitation from a Canadian business, you can also receive training for the use or sale of their products.

Month: March 2024