Bahamas Express Entry Applicants...let’s connect here

[bahariesmoon88]

Hello,

If you’re from the Bahamas and currently in the pool or recently received your ITA please put your input, concerns or recommendations here!

 

[MzBAH]

Hello! Is this thread still live? My husband and I are in the pool and are expecting an ITA tomorrow or by end of this month the latest. Our concerns are regarding gathering supporting documents for the e-APR.

How far along are you in the process @bahariesmoon88? Do you have any tips?


Our tips:
- You can get fingerprinting done at The Royal Bahamas Police Force HQ (Criminal Records Office) in NAS on Thompson Blvd. It was $20 for Bahamians and $100 for non-Bahamians recently. You have to take your own FD-258 (FBI Fingerprinting Form) and be very clear on how to fill it out yourself as all of the fingerprinting techs are not familiar with the form. They may complete it incorrectly and cause you to get rejected resulting in delays and further expense.

- Start gathering docs early. Satan doesn't sleep and will put everything in the way of your dream to delay or discourage you in gathering these documents!! Getting things done in the Bahamas is expensive and can be very time consuming so give yourself time to save up money and get things done. Some things require multiple attempts and follow ups.

Here are our concerns and questions that I think would be helpful to other Bahamians:

- Where is a good place to take our required photos with the correct specifications? Many photography studios struggle to get the regular passport photos done right and end up requiring a lot of back and forth and expense. Are there any of photo studios here who will take the time to read the specific requirements and prepare the photos correctly?

- Do you know how others are handling the mandatory biometrics portion that became effective Dec. 31, 2018? It crazy that we have to go all the way to the US or Jamaica to do fingerprinting! That's airfare, accommodations, and transportation expenses for just a 10 to 15 min procedure!! Have you heard anything of us getting a local VAC anytime soon?

- Has anyone been successful in completing the FD-258 form and receiving their Identity History Summary (PCC) from the US? If so, how did you complete the form? What did you complete and what did you leave blank? Did it take multiple attempts? How long did it take to get your results?

I'll come up with more tips and questions as time goes by.
Be blessed in your move to Canada!

 

[bahariesmoon88]

Great to hear!

Thank you I am still in the pool because I'm only at 433, I am currently doing a course online which I will finish in October to raise my score. However, I have helped one other Bahamian so far with the process and submit E-APR.

Great tips!

Fingerprints I thought was only needed for USA PCC and not our Bahamian PCC. Please confirm if it is.

Photography- Mr. Photo does it to precise specs.
Biometrics is new so I don't know if they soon will provide since our population so small and many go to USA vs Canada for schools. My most recent girl plans to go Miami.

The PCC for the USA can be done online https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
You fill the form out online then send the fingerprints by mail to them. 2 of the girls have done it already and got their USA PCC by email for download.

Congrat in advance, you will get ITA very soon with your score!

 

[MzBAH]

Awesome! Happy to know you're helping fellow Bahamians!

You're right. The US PCC was necessary as I lived in the US for at least 6 consecutive months. The fingerprints are for that and not for the Bahamian PCC which only requires requesting it at a local Police Office, presenting ID and paying $5-$20.

I've already sent our fingerprints but my concern was more about confirming and documenting how the FD-258 (FBI Fingerprinting form) should be completed. In other threads, there seems to be a lot of conflicting responses about this and even government sources complete the form differently as it's used for more than one purpose. It would be nice if a Bahamian completed this successfully, received their results and documented how they filled out the form once and for all. I filled mine out 2 ways and provided multiple fingerprints so I can't be sure which way is correct.

We'll likely go to Florida for our prints as well. That's more feasible for us than traveling to Jamaica. I hope we can get a VAC here in the Bahamas soon. I'm actually praying that something is in place before we have to do our biometrics!

Thanks for the info and the encouragement! I hope we can both help more Bahamians achieve their dreams to move to Canada. I'll be praying for your ITA too!!

 

[sealco]

Awesome! Happy to know you're helping fellow Bahamians!

You're right. The US PCC was necessary as I lived in the US for at least 6 consecutive months. The fingerprints are for that and not for the Bahamian PCC which only requires requesting it at a local Police Office, presenting ID and paying $5-$20.

I've already sent our fingerprints but my concern was more about confirming and documenting how the FD-258 (FBI Fingerprinting form) should be completed. In other threads, there seems to be a lot of conflicting responses about this and even government sources complete the form differently as it's used for more than one purpose. It would be nice if a Bahamian completed this successfully, received their results and documented how they filled out the form once and for all. I filled mine out 2 ways and provided multiple fingerprints so I can't be sure which way is correct.

We'll likely go to Florida for our prints as well. That's more feasible for us than traveling to Jamaica. I hope we can get a VAC here in the Bahamas soon. I'm actually praying that something is in place before we have to do our biometrics!

Thanks for the info and the encouragement! I hope we can both help more Bahamians achieve their dreams to move to Canada. I'll be praying for your ITA too!!

Hi there, I'm also a Bahamian who is planning on entering the pool in a few days; just awaiting IELTS results (UGH...taking longer than expected). I've been living and working in Canada since 2017 and I'm looking for advice on how to go about getting my police certificate from back home. Do you know if I have to get fingerprints for that? I'm just trying to get all documents in order so that if I get an invite (finger crossed), I can submit my application quickly.

 

[bahariesmoon88]

No, you won’t need fingerprints for the pcc ; however, you would need someone to take a copy of your passport to put in the request. It’s $5/$10 for the pcc can’t remember the cost exactly.

 

[sealco]

No, you won’t need fingerprints for the pcc ; however, you would need someone to take a copy of your passport to put in the request. It’s $5/$10 for the pcc can’t remember the cost exactly.

Ok. Thank you! I'm just curious to know where you are in the EE process. Do you already have PR?

 

[bahariesmoon88]

No I’m still waiting in the pool I have a score of 455 now down 5 points in April because of my age trying to see if I can get PNP or if not I’ll go over and do a masters next year Fall.

 

[sealco]

No I’m still waiting in the pool I have a score of 455 now down 5 points in April because of my age trying to see if I can get PNP or if not I’ll go over and do a masters next year Fall.

That age factor really sucks. I get only 5 points overall for age. Next year, nothing. PNP might be a good way to go. Which province are you interested in?

 

[bahariesmoon88]

Ontario is the primary province I am looking into since my NOC code is under the human capital stream so I am waiting to see.

 

[sealco]

Ontario is the primary province I am looking into since my NOC code is under the human capital stream so I am waiting to see.

Ok. All the best to you!

 

[bahariesmoon88]

Thank you and same to you! I am sure you will be straight tomorrow.

 

[sealco]

Thank you and same to you! I am sure you will be straight tomorrow.

Thank you! Fingers crossed. My family and I have been here almost 3 years and my kids will be devastated if they have to leave. They love it here!

 

[seal_light]

Hi everyone, just wondering where everyone is in the process. I applied in July. Medicals passed, biometrics done, and just waiting for updates. My 6 months mark will be in January 2021. I'm hoping to get COPR before that.