Express Entry Applicants Outside of Canada
Due to the current travel restrictions related to the coronavirus, IRCC will begin welcoming skilled workers from abroad when these restrictions are lifted. Applicants outside of Canada should consider beginning the Express Entry process by submitting their profile into the Express Entry pool as the process is lengthy and can take months to complete from the time of submission. Consider the timeline and when you want to officially migrate to Canada when completing your application.
Other preparations to consider are the testing and language requirements issues by the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). The FSWP is the most common pathway for professionals who are abroad. Additional requirements to prepare for include the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) which can also take months to complete.
Once you’ve officially received an ITA applicants will have 90 days to apply for permanent residence. Typical application processing at this stage now take about (6) months. Use this time to prepare your application support documents, secure necessary credentials, and learn more about the Canadian culture.
After your application is approved, you will receive your official Confirmation of Permanent Residence that is valid until your medical exam or foreign passport expires. This is one of the stages that is currently seeing a backlog of applicants and processing due to the coronavirus travel restrictions currently in place.
Conclusion
Whether you are an Express Entry applicant applying from Canada or a foreign professional applicant applying from abroad, now is a great time to get your Express Entry application credentials prepared. The FSWP is preparing to introduce hundreds of thousands of skilled applicants into the Canadian work pool in 2021. If you’re interested in applying for permanent or professional residency in Canada, get yourself prepared to be at the front of the line when application processing resumes. Take advantage of this downtime to improve your skills, learn more about Canadian culture and technology, get a clear understanding of how the Express Entry process works. Finally, be ready when application processing picks up after coronavirus travel restrictions are lifted.
