What are the Ways to Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer?

Canada is a country which offers equal opportunity to all the aspiring immigrants, whether they have a job offer in hand or not. Canada's most popular and widely accepted Express Entry System that was launched in the year 2015 is one of the key immigration program via which you can move to Canada without a job offer.

This program was launched by the Federal government under IRCC so that the nation can meet the labor needs and further strengthen the economy by welcoming more international skilled workers.

As mentioned, through Canada's Express Entry program, an applicant can apply for PR visa without a job offer, provided he or she meet the key eligibility requirements and selection criteria.

Following economic immigration  programs are managed by the Express Entry System:

·         Federal Skilled Worker Program

·         Federal Skilled Trades Program

·         Canadian Experience Class

Canadian provinces and territories also invite candidates from the Express Entry pool via their specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to meet provincial labour market needs.

All the candidates who enter the Express Entry pool are ranked against one another on the basis of their age, language proficiency, education, work experience, adaptability. Those who are amongst highest ranking candidates receives an ITA (Invitation to apply) from IRCC to apply for Canada PR.

Documentation required to submit an Express Entry Profile

In order to qualify under Express Entry program, you must provide the following documents:

·         Language Test Result: To show proficiency in either French or English, you must submit your official test scores.

·         Educational Credentials Assessment Report (ECA): This report is required to prove the validity of your non-Canadian education as per the Canadian standards.

·         A valid passport

·         Proof of settlement funds

·         Medical examination and character certificates

Eligibility criteria

·        You must age 18 years or above

·        You must show proof of funds

·        You must score minimum 65 points out of 100 in Points Table on the basis of  key selection factors, i.e. age, education, work experience, language proficiency

·      Must score minimum CLB 7 band in IELTS

·  Must have minimum 1 year full time job experience in an occupation under NOC occupation level A, B or O

·    Should not have any medical issues and criminal history

Cost involved in applying via Express Entry

See the table drawn below to get an overview of the costs involved with Express Entry program:

Requirement	Fee/Cost	Purpose
Edcuational Credential Assessment (ECA)	$200	For FSWC, FSTC & CEC candidates, who have studied outside Canada
Language test	$200
Police clearance certificate	Depends up on the country from you get it.
Medical examination report	Approx. $200
Processing fee	$550
Right of PR fee	$490
Addition spouse/partner who will of accompany you	$550 processing fee, $490 right of permanent residence fee	Only if applicable
Addition of dependent child children	$150 per child	Only if applicable

Please note, the Canada PR visa fees mentioned above is subject to change by IRCC.

Process to apply for PR visa via Express Entry

·         Determine eligibility under any one of the three federal economic immigration programs mentioned above

·         Create and submit an Express Entry profile in the pool of candidates and get a score awarded based on your profile and a ranking against other candidates present in the pool

·         Receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) from the IRCC through Express Entry draws that are conducted at regular intervals

·         Submit your final and complete application along with required documents for permanent residence visa within 60 days of receiving your ITA

·         Wait for IRCC's final decision. Around 80% of applications are processed within six months time

·         Upon  visa approval, obtain authorization and activate your Canadian PR status

Well, with such easy to follow process and procedures, Express Entry system is definitely designed to offer a much faster and simpler pathway to Canadian permanent immigration.

Hope the article succeeded in giving you an insight about how you can easily move to Canada as a permanent resident without a job offer through Canada's Express Entry program.

                                                                                -Research and article by Yatin Kumar