How does the Express Entry system work?

Once you’ve determined that you’ve met all the Express Entry requirements, you’ll need to create an online profile.

The documents needed to complete the profile include your passport, language test results, and your educational credential assessment report. This online profile needs to be submitted within 90 days of starting.

Once completed, you’ll then get placed into the Express Entry system draw pool along with other eligible applicants and be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Your CRS score is determined by factors such as your level of education, language proficiency, work experience, and more.

Your CRS score will determine if you receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA). This means you will have the opportunity to apply to become a Canadian permanent resident. Each draw pool has its own unique CRS score to qualify and happens as frequently as every two weeks.

An advantageous aspect of the Express Entry system is that if you aren’t successful with the first draw, your profile stays in the pool for one year, which allows you to improve your CRS score to qualify for the next draw.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

An agreement was made between the government and the local provinces of Canada.

This allows them to nominate immigrants who want to live and work in a particular province. In order for you to receive a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you are required to choose a province and apply under its specific program.

The provinces will select a candidate based on immigration and labour needs. Most provinces want to boost their economy, which is why it’s important to choose a province where your skills are in demand. This will increase your chance of receiving a nomination.

How does the Provincial Nominee Program work?

When applying for Canadian permanent residency through PNP, there are two main options available to you. You can either choose to apply directly to the province (or territory) or through the Express Entry-linked process.

Direct Application Process

The process is done through a paper application via mail or courier. This means there will be extra costs involved for you, and the waiting period for the application result can take anywhere from 15 to 19 months.

Express Entry Application Process

There are two options available:

Expression of interest – you can express interest in a specific province or territory when creating your online profile. This allows the province to select your profile directly from the Express Entry draw pool.

Apply through a Provincial Nominee Express Entry Stream – almost every province in Canada has an Express Entry stream along with a list of in-demand occupations.

Going through the Express Entry system will have youliving in Canada sooner than later as it has an average processing time of just six to eight months.

Nigerian Living in Canada

Most Nigerians in Canada are living in Ontario and Alberta. These are both known to be incredible cities full of opportunities, have low crime rates, which make them great places to raise a family, and both have breathtaking forests and mountains, which make for a desirable living environment. The best benefit is that both Ontario and Alberta have the highest and second-highest minimum wage in Canada, respectively.

Canada has over 100 immigration programs. This means there are several Canadian visa options for Nigerians to choose from.

To find one best suited for you and to know exactly how to apply for a Canadian visa from Nigeria, visit CanadianVisa.org, and you could be well on your way to living in Canada! (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news