How To Migrate To Canada via Express Entry

I have received requests from several people who want to know how they can take advantage of the Canada Immigration Program. There are several routes to achieve this objective but I will be using this write up to focus on the Federal Skilled Worker route under the Express Entry (EE). This post is assuming you are currently living in Nigeria. This article focuses on how to migrate to Canada via Express Entry.

I will, however, like to point out that will need to exhibit 3 traits if you must succeed on this journey. These include:

• Preparation
• Patience
• Perseverance

The preparation phase is very key to the success of any endeavor. This same applies to Canada Immigration application process.

Step 1:

Read the background to Canadian immigration at www.cic.gc.ca Click English/French which ever is applicable to you. Next click on “immigrate”.

• Note 1. if you are married, I will recommend that both spouse should write the language test.

Step 2:

Visit British Council’s website to register for the IELTS exam. You will need to write the IELTS General exam. You can also write the French Language test. This will give you more points.

• Note 1.The minimum score set by IRCC is Listening 6, Writing 6, Reading 6 & Speaking 6. I will suggest you go for higher score.
• Note 2. You can boost your point if you write the French language exam but it is not compulsory
• Note 3. You must prepare well for the language assessment. I can’t say this enough. So, push yourself hard and make the sacrifice. If you need help, read this guide on how to prepare for your IELTS exam.

Step 3

As part of the requirements, you need to have your education credential assessed (ECAs) by authorized Canadian body. These organizations for ECAs are CES, ICAS, WES, IQAS, ICES (for all professions except Medicine & Pharmacy), MCC for Doctors and PEBC for Pharmacists.

• Note 1. For Education Credential Assessment (ECA), it is recommended that the Principal Applicant (PA) & the Spouse evaluate their educational credentials.
• Note 2. You must evaluate all your academic credentials. However, if you are having any issue to get your education institution to send your documents to the evaluating body, I will suggest you focus on your highest level of education.
• Note 3. ECA reports take minimum of 6 to 8 weeks to be delivered to you and could also take several months. So, you need to be on top of this.

Please note that steps 1-3 are very critical to your Canada immigration journey. Without achieving them, you cannot move forward.

Step 4.

At this stage, you will need to gather all your documents (e.g. IELTS test report, ECA report, job related document, Proof of funds, Birth Certificate etc.

Step 5.

Now is the time to go into the express entry pool via MYCIC. There are 3 options:

1. Direct route based on high CRS Points (this allows you to live in any province in Canada)
2. Nomination by Province (PNP): For some of the provinces (like Manitoba and Saskatchwen), you will need to create a profile on their website and submit your application. If selected and nominated, this will automatically give you 600 points.
3. Job offer

Step 6.

If you are selected in the pool, you will receive “Invitation To Apply” (ITA) from IRCC. You must either accept or decline the ITA within 90 days.

Step 7.

If you accept the ITA, you will need to go for your Medicals at any of the designated medical centres in Nigeria. Also, you then need to be ready to upload all your supporting documents online via MYCIC portal.

Step 8.

Expect your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) within 1-6 months if everything goes well and background, security & criminality checks are satisfactory okay to IRCC.

Step 9.

With your COPR, it is time to prepare for your landing procedure in Canada. This is the steps that leads to you becoming Permanent Resident (PR) 

Note:

Please note that all the applications are different. Mr A’s application processing time might be 2 months while that of Mrs. B might take several months 

If your Express Entry point is low, you can still nominated by any of the provinces as long as you meet their criteria. So, visit the links below to know more about what each province has to offer:

1. Alberta http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/immigrating/ainp.aspx
2. Manitoba http://www.immigratemanitoba.com
3. British Columbia  http://www.welcomebc.ca/pnp
4. The Newfoundland and Labrador  http://www.nlpnp.ca
5. Northwest Territories  http://www.immigratenwt.ca/en/nominee-program
6. Nova Scotia  http://novascotiaimmigration.com
7. Ontario  http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/index.htm
8. Prince Edward Island  http://www.gov.pe.ca/immigration/index.php3?number=1014385&lang=E
9. Saskatchewan  http://www.economy.gov.sk.ca/immigration
10. Yukon http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/YNP.html

Finally, reach out if you need further information. All the best in your application process.