All you need to know Canada PR Application | Steps with Links
Steps to apply for Canada PR Express Entry
THE STARTING POINT:
POINTS TEST
Take this “points” test to see how many points u score n whether u clear the cut off (You could make some assumption about your IELTS score to estimate where u stand currently wrt CRS score).
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp
Check eligibility below
LATEST CUT OFF
See the latest cut off to check whether you are clearing it.
- Last draw cut-off mentioned on official site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations.html
- Previous rounds’ cut-off on official site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile/rounds-invitations/results-previous.html
- More analysis-friendly data of the cut-offs (external site): https://moving2canada.com/express-entry-draw/
CRS SCORE
Get your Comprehensive ranking score here and fill out the PR application form after you get your IELTS Score & WES equivalence.
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp
Tip: Dont select “Quebec” as a preferred location in your form.
The above steps will give you a fair idea as to what are the things you got to do to clear the CRS cut off.
EXPRESS ENTRY APPLICATION FEE (UPDATED AS OF JAN 2020):
- Processing fee: CAD $550
- Right of permanent residence fee: CAD $490
- Biometrics fee (if applicable): CAD $ 85 per person
Check the fees list here: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
Pre-Requisites: IELTS, WES
IELTS
PREPARATION:
- You may not need much prep if you have managed to clear CAT. But in any case, you can go through the sample tests on IELTS site before registering for the test.
- After you register, you will get some preparation material that you could use to familiarize yourself with the test format etc.
Links for practice material (free)
https://www.ielts.org/book-a-test/prepare-for-your-ielts-test
https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/information/online-ielts-study-material
https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/information/practice-test-videos
APPLY AT IELTS.ORG
Book a test — there is both pen n paper format n Comp-based test in major cities.
SCORE VALIDITY
Your IELTS score is valid for 2 years. You could retake the test if need be (only if you feel you ran our of time, weren’t in the right frame of mind etc), but generally your score doesn’t increase much even when you retake because scope for improvement of one’s English isn’t dramatic.
IELTS APPLICATION FEE:
Rs 13250 incl GST (Updated in Dec 2019)
WES
APPLY AT WES.ORG
Get your application ref number. This is extremely straight forward.
APPLY FOR TRANSCRIPTS
- Now quote your WES Ref number and attach “Academic Records Request Form” and send it to your institute
https://applications.wes.org/onlineapp/pdf/ca/International_Transcript_Request.pdf - Your college will have to send the transcripts in a sealed and stamped envelope directly to WES Canada (Imp note: WES insists that you should not be sending it from your end).
WES APPLICATION FEE
CAD $ 227 if you opt for Standard delivery (Updated in Dec 2019)
Transcript fee: Depends on your institute. They may charge you for both the transcript and international courier
Tip: IELTS & WES — can run on in parallel as they are independent of each other. Get both done simultaneously so that you save time.
Summary:
- Check what kind of CRS score (for PR) you are getting now
- If you are currently not able to clear it, see if you need to do anything else (such as learn French & give the test or get a job offer from Canada etc) to clear the cut-off.
- Remember the clock is ticking. You lose 5 points per year as you age one year older (this is an inference basis the permutations & combinations I entered in the CRS tool).
TIPS FOR ASPIRING STUDENTS:
If you are planning another degree / higher studies in Canada, do check the benefits of applying as a PR vis-à-vis applying with Student Visa. I’ve called out what’s a fact and what’s an inference so that you can validate the statements below, basis your own research.
Afaik, the advantages for a student, to apply as a PR directly are:
- You wouldn’t be considered international student n hence you don’t have to pay “out-of-state” fee for tuition in certain state-funded universities (pls validate).
- Your PR score will reduce as your age increases (fact). Also, given the influx of US grads moving into Canada, the PR cut off score has been increasing in the recent past (disclaimer: personal inference).
- There is waiting period of N years after u get PR, to become a Canadian citizen (fact). U may be better off starting that waiting period sooner by studying as a PR rather than studying using student visa, so that your waiting period for citizenship reduces significantly (disclaimer: personal inference)
If you are a beginner like me who had to figure this out all by yourself, this info may help you. If yes, pls leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
