Beginning Permanent Residency Application

[moorhs2]

Hey all, I'm a 27 year old Australian citizen looking to begin a PR application, but have a few questions, hoping someone on here will be able to help.

I'm leaning towards the "Express Entry" application, as I have worked in Canada more than required, and have sat and completed my Red Seal Journeyman exam. My work visa is set to expire on Jan 30.
I am currently in between jobs and do not have a letter of employment currently, will this hurt my "score" in the pool much?

I am aware I will most likely have to sit a literacy exam to be considered, do I have to make any application to CIC before I undertake the test? Or just book in and sit and go from there?

Also, I noticed there are a few programs I can apply to, subject to eligibility. Are there any more suited to a skilled worker (Journeyman) over the others?

Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thank you.

 

[purplesnow]

you don't get to decide what stream you apply under in EE, they system does that for you. You'll probably be FSTW seeing as you have a trade. Your biggest problem is that the years you spent as an apprentice won't get you any education points as there is no company able to assess trades for CIC. So you're at an automatic disadvantage there, the red seal only gets you 50 points compared to roughly 128 for a bachelor degree.
you need to do the English exam before you can create your profile.
not currently working won't hurt your score, but basically the only way for you to compensate for the loss of education points is to get an LMIA backed job or nominated by your province.