COVID-19 impact on express entry

COVID-19 has had a great impact worldwide and the Canadian immigration system is no exception. This pandemic has slowed down immigration.

Recent rounds have been focused on candidates in Canada

Due to COVID, the recent rounds have focused on sending invites to the “Canadian Experience Class” program. These are individuals who have had at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada and of course have the language test results (such as IELTS). However some rounds also had Federal Skilled Trades and PNP. So, it will be a little slow for you if you are outside of Canada and trying to get an invite.

What if you are starting the process now?

There are few considerations if you are starting the process now. Agencies have modified the process to for a low-touch experience during COVID times.

1. Security clearance certificate – Pre-COVID, a visit to the local police station or embassy was needed to procure this certificate. Different embassies have changed their guidelines. For instance the Indian embassy in Toronto has changed its guidelines so that folks can send a copy of the passport and fill out their request form to procure the security clearance. So definitely check out their websites for revised guidelines.

2. Language test exams such as IELTS – For select countries, the “IELTS indicator” site has been launched to be able to take the test online. This is just a temporary measure for COVID. For all other countries, in-person tests are still on. Besides, to minimize impacts due to COVID, not all centers are open for business. In order to enforce physical distancing, at a time, fewer folks are allowed in the center. Masks are required during the tests. Visit the IELTS site for details.

3. Educational degree evaluation – Institutions like WES evaluate your educational degree if you had one outside of Canada. While many of the educational institutions support digital transmissions, others don’t. So if you havent procured your evaluation then there could be some delays.

4. The rest of the process should be online only. We highly recommend you to book your slots accordingly so that you can get the security clearance certificate, educational evalution and get thru the language tests sooner. Age is a factor for the express entry score. The sooner you apply the higher your score is. Your application would be there in the pool and will be picked eventually.

5. The uncertainty around US H1B visas is leading to more and more people move to the north of the border. In fact, last year itself, many people got their PR as a backup in case things got worse in the US. And it did help them. Many of them are making their way to Canada. So definitely take the 1^st step and get thru your application. The process is slow in the interim but will catch up in the coming months because the immigration PR numbers are way behind the target numbers and they ‘d like to make up for it.

6. Since many people are actively applying to Canada, the cut-off scores will increase and the earlier you submit, your chances of getting invites is higher.

7. Many folks whose applications were in progress have got to the final step but due to COVID, applicants outside Canada haven't been asked for their passports. It is just a matter of time before this part picks up.

COVID situation in Nova Scotia

Many folks have asked us this question. So we have been lucky to be in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Until now, as of 6^th Sep 2020, there are only 1085 cases and since the last 2 months there has been 0-1 active case in Nova Scotia. By and large people and the authorities have done great to control this. Masks are mandatory in indoor places like restaurants, stores etc..

Schools are opening too in fall but with obviously a much different experience. Many universities too are online but it would be interesting to see how lab experiments or practical projects which cannot be done online would be conducted. We are lucky to be able to do our jobs online and we should appreciate it more often because in a lot of fields, they don't have that luxury. With employers switching over to online way of working, more remote job opportunities are opening up.

Real estate is booming in Halifax because mortgage lenders are offering better interest rates and more people are moving over to this place from especially Toronto and Vancouver areas.

Same is the case with all our neighboring Atlantic provinces, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Since COVID is in control in these provinces, they opened the borders for the residents of these provinces I.e no 14 day quarantine needed if you reside in these provinces. Although they are tracking every out-of-state visitor. 14 day self-isolation is needed if you are traveling from anywhere else in Canada or internationally. Nova Scotia is a great tourist destination and we get a lot of visitors between April and November. That is usually a huge source of income. Until July the tourism business did take a huge hit due to restrictions. However when they opened up the Atlantic provinces we are seeing folks traveling to support these local businesses and help them cut down their losses.

We will share more info as the situation evolves with COVID. Please take care and continue working on your application!

Disclaimer - This is our experience in Halifax and others may have it differently.  I am just sharing information from my interactions with others. So, take it with a grain of salt.

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!

Benefits of permanent residency

This is a lesson, that I wish I had learnt earlier in life. Life on a work permit is exciting at first but not sustainable in the long term. In the US, it was worse because it constrains you both in the short term and long term. In US, traveling outside the country takes a lot of planning. Being on a work permit limits your work options in Canada and USA because not every employer sponsors a work permit.  This is because these companies have to have an immigration department for managing the legalities of the immigration rules. Hiring attorneys is very expensive and that is why many companies prefer citizens or permanent residents. In USA,  no company will explain this and the importance of getting a green card either because they have not experienced this themselves or just because it will take decades anyways to get a green card and so they don't bother explaining.  In Canada, you have the option of filing for permanent residency yourself and don't have to wait for a sponsor. You can definitely plan to save for the expenses incurred as part of the process. It is totally worth it!!! Here's why -

Everyone in your application gets a PR!

In USA, with employment based green cards, it was one application per person in your family and family based immigration was possible only after one person in your family got a green card. Thus it was a very stressful situation. In this case for Canadian immigration, when you apply, you can get your spouse and kids in one application.  It is a big relief because everyone gets all the benefits they deserve. 

You are master of your career!

With permanent residency,  you can switch jobs anytime or even start your own business.  On a work permit either in Canada or USA, you are at the mercy of an employer.  Many people stay in the same job without a choice just so that they can stay in the country.  Employers don't want to lose good talent, which is very hard to come by these days. With a PR, you don't have that stress anymore.

You can also earn part-time income!

When you are on a work permit,  you cannot earn any other income from a business or other job.  With taxes and growing cost of living, having a part-time income is a good option that you can exercise with permanent residency. Whether it is free-lancing or a few hours a week, you can do it as long as you pay taxes for it.

Traveling in and out of country is hassle free!

While in the US, this was the most stressful part. You couldn't travel out of the country without planning because it meant that you would have to possibly visit the consulate to be able to return. You don't have to waste a part of your life filling out work permit extensions and utilize it to do something that you are passionate about. If you had to travel outside Canada for emergencies then being on a work permit can bring too many uncertainties in life. You can be stuck outside for months due to visa issues.

What's a bonus, is that you get to visit a dozen countries on just the PR card!

We loved traveling but our vacations were limited to US because of visa issues. With a PR card, we can now travel to other countries like Jamaica without the need of a visa. This is a luxury for people with passports from India and other countries, who mostly need tourism visas for foreign destinations.

You can now afford to think long term!

You can now make longer term plans like buying assets, starting your business, etc with permanent residency. Sky is the limit. For instance, we were always unsure in the US about whether we should buy a house because of our visa status. We knew acquaintances, who had to leave USA overnight due to work permit extension rejection. With permanent residency,  now you can also make long term plans.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you are in USA or Canada, it is wise to get permanent residence so that you can make choices instead of being limited to what you are offered. Canadian PR requires just 1 year of skilled experience.  Young couples with education and skilled experience have a better chance because together you have a better chance of meeting the cut-off.  A permanent residency will significantly improve your quality of life. Sieze the opportunity and good luck!!!

Canadian immigration prospects for students & less experienced folks

One of the most frequently asked questions by students or folks with less experience is what are my prospects for Express entry.  This post is specifically for you!!

Couple of things in your favor 

1. Age - Typically if you are a student then you might be under 30 years. You get more points for your age. You lose 1 point every year after 35.
2. Work experience - The requirement is that you need to have 1 year of full time skilled experience.  Full time means 30 hours a week. If your job was part time means 15 hours a week and you would need 2 years. Effectively,  you must have gained the equivalent amount of experience as someone who worked full-time for at least one year (1560 hours).
3. With 1 year of experience you get 9 points, with 2-3 years, you get 11 points, with 4-5 years, you get 13 points and for more than 6 years you get 15 points. You can get atmost get 15 points. Post 6 years of experience, it doesn't matter. Read along for more.
4. If you have Canadian education then you get additional 5 points.
5. If you have Canadian work experience then you can get upto 10 points.
1. If you are on Canadian work permit currently after studying in a Canadian university, then you are well positioned to get Canadian permanent residency.
6. If you are a young couple with 1-3 years of experience, you have very good chances because for spouse you get additional points that could help you easily meet the cut-off.
7. You don't have to wait longer if you have these pre-requisites. 

How should students with no or < 2 years experience prepare?

1. You can understand the process for Express entry. This blog and the various free resources on the internet will help you.
2. If you are a student then you should find your prospective NOC i.e. occupation code based on the job you would get. Stay for one year in that job at least. Don't switch unless you have to. This is because if you want an employment letter with responsibilities from them, you should have stayed in the company for a year.
3. Keep track of the latest cut-off scores of express entry draws. 
4. Calculate your score with 1 year of experience and see what it comes out to. 
5. Plan on getting a job post your course. 
6. Money is always a factor and you need to figure out how to finance the different aspects. Here is a post that can help you determine the money you need for this process.  
7. If you are not in Canada or won't have a job offer then you will also need proof of funds. You might want to think of how to go about that.
8. If you are planning to apply next year then you can plan on squaring off your pre-requisites like education and language tests. 

What benefits does a PR get you?

Canadian permanent residency makes a world of difference than just having a Canadian visa. You are not dependent on an employer and can freely move within Canada.  Earlier you get this benefit,  the better it is. More for a later post!

Final take - Know the different factors that impact your score well and calculate your score. If it falls in line with CRS cut off score, apply for Canadian PR.

Next steps
1. Get started with express entry today!!!
2. Here are the benefits of permanent residence. 

Stages of express entry

With this post, we would like to educate folks on the various stages of the Canadian express entry program. This can help you prepare effectively.  

How do I express interest to the Canadian authorities for this program?

This is the stage where you create the express entry profile and submit it. It is known as the Expression of interest (EOI) stage. This requires you to give the language tests (like IELTS), evaluate your education as per Canadian standards (i.e. WES) and fill out the other details. Once you submit the application then you are in the pool. Check out tips for expressing your interest. What can you do while you are awaiting ITA? - Check this out.

How will my application be evaluated?

Your profile will remain in the pool for a year. Your application will be evaluated based on your CRS score. Express entry draws are typically held every 15 days. Check out the official website for the announcement of the latest draw. There is a cut-off date & time. Candidates above that cut-off score will be invited.  Tie-breakers are resolved with the cut-off date & time.

How will I get the invite & what happens next?

This is known as the Invitation to apply (ITA) stage. When you receive the invitation to apply, you would get an email on the address specified. After you get this notification, you would have to gather your documents and upload it. You will have to submit it with a stipulated time, that is specified in the letter (Now 60 days).

• Police Clearance Certificates
• Proof of Work
• Proof of funds OR job offer from Canadian employer
• Medical tests for your family
• In addition, you would have to provide the following information -
• Activity information
• Address history
• Travel history
• Affidavit (If you have different name formats on different documents)
• Letter of explanation (If you have to explain different pieces of your application)
• Here are some tips when you prepare the attachments to upload.

What happens after I have finally submitted my application?

This is known as Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR) stage. After you have submitted the documents, you would get a receipt of acceptance. At this point, the visa officers would start the evaluation of the application.

• Medical Exam Passed (MEP) - The results of your medical exam would be reviewed. Typically you would get a notification.
• Police clearance certificate - This is validated early on. If the police clearance certificates are not accepted then you would have to apply again. You don't receive the notification for this.
• You may or may not get any notifications while the rest of the reviews are in progress.
• If the officers need any information from you, the officers will contact you thru messages in your profile. You might get a notification via email. So keep regularly checking both so that you don't miss any communication.

How will the final decision be communicated to me?

This is one of the significant milestones of your journey.  This is what you have been waiying for! It is aldo known as the Golden email (PPR). If you pass all the reviews, you would get the email requesting your photographs and passports. Passports will be needed if you are a citizen of a country that needs a visa to travel to Canada. The  email would be from IRCC. The domain is cic.gc.ca. After you send your photographs and / or passports (i.e. everyone in your application) to the address stated in the email, the visa officer would send you document(s) and/or stamp your passport(s) and resend it to you.

What will you get from CIC for you to be able to land in Canada?

This is also known as the Confirmation of permanent residence (CoPR) document. You would get a "one-time" entry stamp on the passport(s). It would also have a expiry date. You and your family have until that date to enter Canada. Along with the passport(s), you also get the "confirmation of permanent residence" paper for every member in the application with the expiry date. You need to keep those papers very carefully as they are needed for crossing. Once you receive the CoPR and / or the stamped passport(s), you are all set to land in Canada!

How long with the express entry process take?

The official time frame for the express entry process is 6 months. However, it can get done much faster. Our personal case took less than 3 months. But every case is different.

Hope this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Good luck with your application!

Next steps -

1. Get started with express entry today! 

Follow our blog for regular updates!

Getting started with Canadian Express entry immigration program!

What is Canada's express entry immigration program for skilled immigrants?

Immigrating to a new country sounds daunting. For those who have experienced immigration with USA, we always think that it would be years before you get your permanent residency. However, for Canada, you now have a very streamlined approach for skilled immigrants to immigrate to Canada. This program is known as express entry. This is almost an online process until the last step. There are 3 main streams by which you can enter - 1) Federal Express entry or Federal skilled worker 2) Canadian Experience class and 3) Federal Skilled trade. Our personal experience has been great because we got updates along the way for our application. The IRCC and government websites gave us relevant news updates along the way. We were pleasantly happy to see a government initiative run so smoothly.

Do I need a sponsor i.e. like my employer for this process?

For anyone who has been on work visa especially in the States or Canada, this is an important question.  The answer is NO. Express entry is totally in your hands. Nobody needs to approve you. 

How to determine if you are a skilled immigrant?

You can find your National Occupation Code (NOC) for your profession. You know your job duties and so based on that you will have to find your NOC. Here are some more tips for the same. You need about a 50% match with the duties listed. So don't go by title. This is something that no consultant can tell you for sure. This is the part that you will have to do some research because ultimately you know your job duties best. Your employer would ultimately have to give you a letter stating job duties. So, that should allude to the NOC that you select. Be very careful with what you select. We found multiple codes for the same job. Ultimately, you have to choose one. 

Should I hire a consultant or is this as easy as it looks?

This was one of the questions we brooded on for months. All the requirements for every aspect (For eg: proof of work, proof of funds, security etc.) are on the website and the simple rule of thumb is that you have to answer every requirement. You need to pay attention to detail and that is the only quality needed for successfully submitting your application. Evaluate your personal history for your family. If all of you have a clean record in regards to security, work experience, education, proof of funds, medical history and a good score then you can think of doing it yourself. Express entry draws and lowest cut-off is public information and you can learn more here. Compare your score with recent cut-offs. If you fall in the range then you have a good chance of getting an invite i.e. ITA. You need a trusted reviewer in case you are doing it yourself. It could be a relative or friend. The simple reason being you have a lot of personal information in those documents. In our case, I created the documents and my spouse was the reviewer. Take your call accordingly. There are no "hidden" requirements. You might just need some information in case of some variation. That is precisely, why you have my blog! If you have some edge case queries, please use the contact form and email us. Your hard-earned money can be used to financing your express entry. Learn how many $$ it would take for Canadian express entry.

Get started with your dream of Canadian Express entry with the steps below.

1. Understand the various stages of Express entry program. 
2. Create your express entry profile. Do not submit it and only save it as draft. Calculate your CRS score with the profile. This is the accurate score with which you should plan. Understand your score with our blog. 
3. Now that you understand the scores, get your pre-requisites done -
• Prepare for your English language test with our blog. For French refer to the CIC website.
• Get your education evaluated with a CIC authorized body. We used WES and here are some tips.
4. With educational evaluation and language test results,  you are ready to submit your express entry profile.  This blog will help you for the same. 

What happens after after you submit the profile?

1. With this you are now in the pool and will be evaluated with other applications. If your score is above the cut-off,  you would get the invite to apply. Your profile is in the pool for one year. Draws are held every 15 days. Don't be disheartened if you don't get an invite in the next draw. It is a very trying time when you are waiting but it will be worth it.
2. Our advice to you for this phase is while you are awaiting your invitation to apply, plan ahead for procuring documents from your employer(s), financial institutions etc. The timeline to submit your documents has been reduced to 60 days instead of 90. Prepare for the same with this blog.

Next steps - Create & submit your Express entry profile with this set of posts. 

Hope this helps!

Follow our blog for regular updates!!

Am I eligible for express entry?

Under express entry there are multiple programs. The eligibility for express entry program is based on a variety of factors - age, work experience, family members, language ability etc. Let us look at the different factors.

Am I too old to apply? 

If you are older than 46 years, you won't get points. But it would be tougher for you and perhaps you might need a PNP nomination to get thru. Conversely, you should be at least 18 years old to be a primary applicant.

Which program might be better suited based on my work experience?

1. If you don't have Canadian work experience but 
• At least 1 year of continuous foreign experience within last 10 years AND
• This foreign experience can be either combination of full-time or part-time work in your primary NOC
• NOC code is either 0, A or B
• You would be suited for Federal Skilled worker.
2. If you have 1 year of Canadian experience in the last 3 years -
• NOC is either 0, A or B
• This can be a combination of either full-time or part-time work 
• Your would be suited for Canadian experience class.
• If you were on work permit in Canada in the last 3 years this might be a good one for you to try.
3. If you have either Canadian or foreign experience under NOC code B 
• If your profession is a technical job or skilled trade that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice like plumber, electrician, chef then you fall under NOC code B. 
• Two years within last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)
• You can be suited for Federal Skilled trades program.

What is the minimum required language proficiency?

Now that you have figured out what program you want to target, here is what it comes down to -

1. Federal Skilled Worker - At a minimum you need CLB 7
2. Canadian Experience Class (NOC 0 or A) - At a minimum you need CLB 7
3. NOC B  - 
1. Federal Skilled Worker - CLB 7
2. Canadian Experience Class - CLB 5
3. Federal Skilled Trades - 
• CLB 5 for speaking and listening
• CLB 4 for reading and writing

While these are minimums, you need to calculate your score and find out if you are on par with the cut-offs from previous draws for you to get an invite. If you are falling short then you should work on improving your language scores. 

What can you do to improve your score?

Language test scores can be improved. If your score is below the recent cut off scores then consider redoing your test. If you are applying as a family then you can try 2 ways - Try with your spouse as the primary applicant and then with yourself as the primary applicant. The majority of points is based on the primary applicant's profile and only few points are based on the dependent. So, whichever way yields more points, go for it.

What is the minimum level of education needed?

1. For Federal skilled worker program, you need a minimum of secondary level education. Although you get more points with higher levels of education.
2. For rest of the 2 programs, you don't need to submit proof of education.

How are you applying? - Single/Family?

If you are single then you need to excel at every factor for you to get an invite. With a partner or spouse, you get additional points for your spouse too (education and language) ; boosting your score to meet the cut-off. As a family, you also have options. Always calculate 2 scenarios - 1) You as primary 2) Your spouse as primary. Since there are various factors at play, you should go ahead with the scenario that yields more points. If your spouse being primary yields more points then have them as the primary applicant.

Is a job necessary to qualify?

For Federal Skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class programs, you don't need a job. You do need a job for Federal Skilled trades. Our personal experience has been that employers are open to hiring you if you have permanent residence. So don't worry if you don't have a job yet.

Hope this answers all your queries on eligibility! 

Next steps-

1. Get started with Express entry today!

Follow our blog for regular updates!!!

Will everyone in my family get permanent residency if I get it?

One of the frequent questions we get is if everyone in the family i.e. spouse and kids will get permanent residency should anyone get it. The answer is yes!

Some basics to get started!

When you apply for permanent residency,  you apply as a family and submit 1 application.  Bear in mind that it is ONLY the immediate family (i.e. spouse and kids) that will get it. This means that if your spouse will be able to work if you specify them in your application. Everyone in the application will get their own permanent residency card. This is very important because you would need it while traveling in and out of Canada. 

Some caveats and information that you might be interested in - 

• You can also add your spouse/common-law partner later, if you were single at the time of getting your Canadian PR! 
• The official SLA for Canadian express entry is 6 months. A lot of applications get processed sooner. 
• Remember that you can add someone as your spouse ONLY after you are married. Do not try to fudge the relationship status as common law because you need to submit the official marriage certificate post ITA. Documents for common law are much more complicated and different. 
• If you are getting married in a few months then consider filing your application later or if possible try to get your civil court marriage so that you can file your Express entry application as a couple. Better for points and you as a family. 
• Decide wisely with your spouse/partner accordingly. 

Now for my US friends,  who are trying to apply for this program!!!

How different is the Canadian express entry different from US H1B program?

This process is totally different than what is there in the States! Typically, employment based immigration is popular in the US and employers have to file the green card application in the EB1, EB2 or EB3 categories. Employers will file for just the individual and not for rest of the family members.  Besides there is no way of tracking the progress and it could take years or decades to get. Hope this provides relief to a lot of my US friends!

Next steps - Get started with express entry today!

Follow our blog to get regular updates!

How much $$ does it take to get to Canada?

So the good news is that it doesn't take a half million dollars to get to Canada via the Express entry program as a skilled immigrant.  However, you need to definitively plan for the expenses that you will incur as part of this process. We are just sharing our experience although it may vary by case. But it should give you a rough idea. We were in US and did all the preparation here. Here is an itemized list of our expenses. 

What were the most expensive items as part of Express entry application?

It ultimately cost us approximately 4000 USD.
a. Educational assessment by WES - 250 USD each
b. IELTS exam - 200 USD each
c. Medical exam - 990 USD total
b. FBI clearance & shipping - 40 USD each
d. Indian PCC - 21 USD each
e. Fees at the time of submitting application i.e. AOR - 1600 USD
f. Submitting passport post ppr - 40 USD

What if we use a consultant?

In addition to the above, you land up paying fees to the consultant. In US, we saw ads for more than 200 USD per hour. Please look up reviews on the consultant on Google or from friends, who have used the consultant in the past. You need to have a really good reason to use one. Choose wisely.

What are the expenses post express entry?

We only incurred the cost of shipping 5 large UPS boxes, which took about 600 USD. This was ground shipping and was cheaper.  Air shipping is very costly. We were able to book our flight tickets on air miles. We chose to sell our assets and move only essentials.  So it was less of a hassle. You have to deal with customs too. So think of what you want to carry!

What should I conclude from this?

1. You will have to plan for the funds you would need for various stages of the process and beyond.

2. You need to provide proof of funds as part of Express entry application. You are supposed to provide 6 months of average balance. With these type of expenses, you might see a lot of money in and out. Determine what assets you want to use as proof of funds. 

3. Ultimately when do you want to move? Are these expenses too much or too little for you? You got about a year to land after you get PR. Do you think you need a job to sustain your family? Will you move with your family based on your financial status?

Hope this gives you perspective and help you make better plans!!

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