I'm finally PR of Canada! I’d like to thank everybody here for their support and for sharing their experiences with me—it has made the very long, stressful process of applying for Permanent Residency a more bearable experience. For those still going through, or just starting, on their journey I have provided my timeline, application information, and some tips/advice below (including resources I found most helpful). I went through the process without any legal assistance, however, I booked a consultation before starting the application to clarify some specificities of my case. My case was slightly impacted by the COVID-19, at the final stage of validating the PR status, which I received by email.
Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have. Good luck to all!
Basic Timeline:
EE Pool: April 30, 2019
ITA: May 01, 2019
AOR: June 19, 2019
MEP/BIL: July 23, 2019
ADR (RCMP PCC) requested: July 23, 2019 & uploaded: August 14, 2019
ADR (uploaded updated PoF): November 11, 2019
ADR (uploaded new passport): February 4, 2020
GU (RAD changed to NA): February 19, 2020
RPRF payment: February 20, 2020
GU: February 27, 2020
PPR: February 27, 2020
CoPR: March 4, 2020
Landing (PR email): April 24, 2020
Facts about my application:
FSW-I
Brazilian Citizen
Canada Resident
CRS: 470
NOC: 2144
Contacting IRCC:
I used the IRCC Web Form 6 times: once to provide the language tests post AOR, once to provide updated proof of funds post GCMS notes reception, once to provide my new passport at the 7-month mark, once to inquire the status of my application at the 8-month mark, once to request a landing interview, and once to request a landing phone interview (due to COVID-19).
I called IRCC a few times to check on my file after the 6-month mark. The secret is to be very specific about your questions, otherwise, you'll get general answers.
Additionally, I ordered GCMS notes at the 5-month mark, and I received them within 30-days. It was useful and I proactively sent an updated PoF to unblock my file.
Things I learned about the process:
- As long as you have original, legitimate, legal, and lawful documents translated, scanned & uploaded, you'll get your PR. It is not based on luck, it is a legal case you can win based on evidence, sooner rather than later.
- Keep it simple and real.
- Job experience: your letter(s) of employment must be clear and include job code (NOC), duties, duration of employment, and your salary.
- Financial proof: my bank balance increased progressively in 6 months up to the required amount, and I did not wait to "have a 6 months average" to apply. As long as the full amount did not appear out of anywhere, your case should be ok.
- Translations: I've seen so many cases get rejected for not having translated (and original!) documents. Be careful, double-check and pay attention while uploading your files.
- When contacting IRCC, be precise, otherwise, you'll get generic answers.
- You can apply from anywhere in the world, including Quebec.
Tips/Advice:
Websites, applications, and groups that really helped me go through the Express Entry Process:
· IRCC Website:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application.html
Good for official updated information and for accessing your application portal.
· MyImmitracker.com:
Good for general information about similar cases to yours. However, since the data is user fed, the statistics can be misleading. Be aware!
· CanadaVisa.com:
Join forums for Express Entry DRAW #s, Your AOR Month, or other topics you may have interest in. It's comforting to relate to similar stories to yours.
· Facebook Groups (Express Entry with LegalFalcon):
Good for more general questions about the Express Entry and application process.
· GCMS notes:
atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca: order GCMS notes ($5 CAD) from within Canada (if you have someone who is a PR or citizen to order for you)
GetGCMS.com: order GCMS notes ($15 USD) using a 3rd-party service.
