Do you really need a job to immigrate to Canada?

One of the things that we are asked frequently from folks outside Canada is if you need a job for express entry or does it really aid your express entry process. And we are not surprised because it was one of the questions we also had when we did our express entry application. Many people including us were sent on a work permit to US etc. and have an employment based permanent residency. It is difficult to get permanent residency in the US without a sponsor. As a result, the question as to whether a job is essential to gain permanent residency in Canada. Based on our experience, here are some of the facts we gathered.

Will I get an edge for my application if I have a job?

The invites in the express entry application are sent based on the cut-off. Let us consider an application (say application 1) with a couple with skilled experience and qualifications but neither of them has a job. If there is another application (say application 2) with a couple with skilled experience and qualifications but say one of them has a job. Express entry score is calculated based on a number of factors. So, if application 2 has a lesser score than application 1 then application 1 would get an invite sooner. Remember that you have all your family members are there in your application and multiple factors are at play.

Conclusion - Job is not mandatory and ultimately your CRS score determines if you will get an invite. Applications with higher score will get the invite sooner.

Will it be easier to find a job before coming to Canada?

It is the chicken and egg situation. However you will be prepared better if you know facts better. If you don't have permanent residency then you need a work permit to work in Canada. Not all employers hire people on work permit. The reason being filing a work permit is a legal process and companies usually hire attorneys to ensure that they are compliant. Attorneys are expensive and not every company can afford them. An employer must file what's called a LMIA (Labor market impact assessment) to prove that the skills they are hiring for are not available locally. Even the job offer should have specific details like NOC code etc. for which they are hiring you. With all of these technicalities, without PR, you lose out on at least half the employers.

What about PNP nomination?

All provinces of Canada except Quebec and Nunavut have a provincial nomination program by which they can specially recruit foreign workers for an indefinite time. Now these programs are targeted towards filling specific jobs. Each of these provinces have the list of in-demand skills. You can find the NOCs of these in-demand skills on their websites. Simply google search for example "Ontario PNP" to know more about the program.
If you look at the stream that applies to foreign workers for each of the PNPs, there are 2 common themes -

• The primary requirement is for the applicant to have a full-time job offer from the province.
• Most provinces require you to have 1 or 2 years of experience in the last 5 years in that province.

If you are able to secure the PNP nomination and you accept it then you automatically get 600 points. This should be enough for you to get an invite for the next express entry draw. Some provinces also require you to work in that province for a few years after you get PR. So please take note of that.

What about Canadian experience class?

If you are already in Canada and have at least one year of work experience in your NOC in Canada, you would qualify for this. This is ideal for folks who are already having Canadian work permit. Note that this program is not tied to any province. It is slightly less demanding than federal skilled worker because it doesn't have education requirements and the language test scores are slightly relaxed.

What was our experience?

Our experience was really smooth. Both of us didn't have jobs when we applied for express entry. After we submitted documents in the final stage of express entry, we started applying for jobs. We attached cover letters explaining our situation. Half of the companies responded back saying that they don't sponsor visas and return when we had PR. However, one of the companies happened to not be in a hurry for me to start immediately. However they interviewed me and gave me the luxury to wait to receive my PR. Fortunately a month after I submitted my documents in the final stage we got PR. Once I told the company I had my PR they gave me the offer letter the same day. We were lucky that both of us got jobs exactly when we needed it.

What is our recommendation?

With all of this, we recommend you to first calculate your CRS score. In 2018, we saw that the cut-off scores ranged from 440 - 456. So, depending on when you are reading this blog, check the cut-offs for recent draws at that time. If your score falls within the range, go for it! Apply for express entry then. You would get an invite via the federal skilled worker stream or Canadian Experience Class stream. Likely groups that would get the invite -

• Couples under 40 who have masters and skilled experience over 6 years. Since your spouse also has education, language tests and experience, you get additional points that comfortably lets you get thru the cut-off.
• Couples under 30 who have masters and skilled experience of over 3 years. You have the age factor on your side. Here again, due to spouse you get additional points that comfortably allows you to get thru the cut-off.
• If you are single and have Canadian masters (or above) and Canadian skilled experience of over 6 years then you get extra points. That might help you bridge the gap and meet the cut-off

If you are outside Canada and are unfortunately not getting quite the score to get an invite based on recent draws, that is when you will have to find an employer who complies with the requirement of PNP. It is a longer path because PNP means you will have to get a work permit and work for 1-2 years depending on the province and then apply. You will have to research the PNP websites extensively and find employers who are participate in those programs and plan accordingly. 

Hope this helps you understand the role that a job offer has in getting the PR. All the best!

Next steps -
1. Understand CRS score better.
2. All set with the explanation? Get started with express entry today!