Canada is one of the top destinations for international students, and Indian students make up a significant portion of this population. If you’re an Indian student looking to study in Canada, you may be wondering about the best way to apply for a study permit. One option to consider is to apply for express entry, a system that fast-tracks the immigration process for eligible candidates.
To apply for Express Entry, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, such as having a valid language test result, educational qualifications, and work experience. You’ll also need to create an online profile and receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada. While the process may seem daunting, it can be an efficient way to gain entry into Canada as a student, and potentially even stay in the country after graduation.
In this blog, we’ll explore the steps on how to apply for Express Entry in Canada for Indian students, and provide some tips for a successful application.
What is Express Entry in Canada
Express Entry is an online immigration application management system used by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for permanent residency from skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada.
The Express Entry system provides a streamlined and efficient process for selecting candidates for permanent residency based on their skills, experience, language proficiency, education, and other factors.
How Express Entry Works
The application process for Express Entry in Canada involves several steps. Having said that, you’ll need to determine your eligibility for one of the three federal economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience.
- Work experience must have been acquired within 3 years prior to the application.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- For skilled workers who have foreign work experience.
- One must fulfill the criteria for education and other factors.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- For skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
- A valid job offer or certificate of qualification is mandatory.
Express Entry allows eligible candidates to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program, providing an opportunity to earn additional points and potentially receive a faster invitation to apply. If nominated, candidates can gain an advantage in the Express Entry pool and increase their chances of being selected for permanent residency.
Step 1: Find Out if You are Eligible
To determine your eligibility for an Express Entry program, there are two options available:
- Answer a few basic questions to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements.
- Review the detailed requirements for each program to determine your eligibility based on the specific criteria.
Step 2: Check Score
If you meet the eligibility requirements for any of the Express Entry programs, submit your profile to be ranked in the pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and score your profile and rank it in the pool.
To receive an invitation to apply, your score must be above the minimum points threshold for your specific round of invitations. You can estimate your CRS score using the CRS tool.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Certain documents may take a significant amount of time to obtain, therefore it’s recommended to prepare them well in advance.
- Passport or travel document
- Language Test Results
- Provincial Nomination (if any)
- Written job offer from an employer in Canada
- Proof of Funds
Documents needed for permanent residence application:
- Police certificates
- Medical exams
- Proof of funds
- Birth certificate, required for declaring dependent children
- Use of a representative form (PDF, 137 KB), required for having a hired representative
- Common-law union form (PDF, 2.22 MB), required if declared your marital status as “common-law”
- Marriage certificate, if applies
- Divorce certificate and legal separation agreement, if applies
- Death certificate, required for widowed
- Adoption Certificate, required for dependent child listed as adopted
Other Documents, use to check if certain requirements on express entry programs have been met.
- Proof of relationship to a relative in Canada
- Digital photos to confirm identity
- Other name to confirm aliases
- Authority to release personal information to a designated individual form
- Any other documents that you feel are relevant to your application
Step 4: Fill Out Your Profile
Filling out the profile in Express Entry Canada requires careful attention to detail and accuracy, as small errors or omissions can have a significant impact on your chances of application. It’s important to take your time, ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements, and provide as much information as possible to increase your chances of success.
Step 5: Get an Invitation to Apply
If you meet the minimum point requirements, you’ll be entered into a pool of candidates, where you’ll be ranked based on your score. If you’re selected from the pool, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Once you’ve received an ITA, you’ll have 90 days to complete your application for permanent residency, which involves providing additional documentation to support your eligibility, such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
Once your application is complete, it will be assessed by a Canadian immigration officer, who will make a final decision on whether to approve your application for permanent residency. If approved, you’ll be granted permanent residency status in Canada, which provides a pathway to citizenship and a range of other benefits, including access to social services, healthcare, and education.
Applying for express entry to study in Canada is a great opportunity for Indian students looking to gain world-class education and experience in a multicultural environment. By following the eligibility requirements, submitting a complete and accurate Express Entry profile, and meeting the minimum CRS score, Indian students can increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
While the application process can be complex and time-consuming, there are resources available to help students navigate the process, including online tools, immigration consultants, and education partners like MSM Unify. With a strong commitment to education and innovation, Canada is an ideal destination for Indian students seeking to build their careers and make a positive impact in their fields. By pursuing to apply for express entry in Canada, Indian students can open up a world of opportunities and experiences that can last a lifetime.
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