Express Entry Minimum Criteria Met But Worried

[bobsyouruncle]

So I've been here for two years, working in a work permit exempt position R186(l).

About a year ago I applied for Express Entry and was accepted in that I met the minimum criteria.

However, my overall score is only 296 at present.

We were going to apply for an LMIA (even though an LMO wasn't necessary for my position), which would have hopefully given 600 points and got me through. But now the rules have changed and LMIAs don't give 600 points.

My NOC is 4154, so I don't think qualify for the points now awarded for certain non-work permit positions.

So I'm a bit confused.

I have a year left on my visa before I have to reapply, and I'd like to be a permanent resident ASAP, especially now that we're thinking of buying a house, which even with 20% downpayment you can't get a mortgage.

Can anyone advise? Do I sit and wait in the hope of an EE invitation? Or can I do something else?

 

[kryt0n]

Even with an lmia, which is now worth 50 points, you'll only have 346 points. Realistically you should be around 450 points to stand a chance.

Do you have a degree? What are your language scores? How many years of skilled work do you have?

You don't stand much of a chance of pr at the moment and should definitely not buy a house. Your best bet may be a student visa so you can study for a degree for more points. We will need more details about your history to help you.

 

[kryt0n]

Also reading your posts I see that you might currently be in Calgary?

I feel as if at the moment you may benefit from face to face help from a lawyer or consultant. This is a very complicated process if you aren't confident to do some research.

If you are interested I have had a couple of chats with a lawyer in Calgary. She's very nice and to the point. If interested pm me and I will pass on her details.

 

[scylla]

Does your spouse work? If so, what is their occupation?

Based on the information you've provided, I'm not sure it's realistic to hope your family can get PR with you as the primary applicant. It looks like you're here on a clergy visa. Agreed that even with an approved LMIA, your points are still far too low with no chance of a selection through EE.

However if your spouse has a strong profile then perhaps your spouse could apply as the primary and you as the dependent? Just a thought...

 

[bobsyouruncle]

Thanks everyone.

I studied at a private college in the UK, but I have a letter of equivalency for a Bachelor of Divinity from an accredited seminary in the USA. I don't know if that will work for an ECA??

My wife has a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, but no job offer and no Canadian experience (I have a job).

I have two years experience in Canada, and two years prior experience in Australia.

Could I get an ECA? How many points does that get?

Maybe going through my wife is a better idea?

 

[kryt0n]

Thanks everyone.

I studied at a private college in the UK, but I have a letter of equivalency for a Bachelor of Divinity from an accredited seminary in the USA. I don't know if that will work for an ECA??

My wife has a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, but no job offer and no Canadian experience (I have a job).

I have two years experience in Canada, and two years prior experience in Australia.

Could I get an ECA? How many points does that get?

Maybe going through my wife is a better idea?

It sounds as if she has a better chance of being the primary applicant. Play around with the Crs calculator with you as primary and then her as primary and see who gets the most points.

Remember you'll both need good ielts scores to get the most points.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

 

[bobsyouruncle]

It sounds as if she has a better chance of being the primary applicant. Play around with the Crs calculator with you as primary and then her as primary and see who gets the most points.

Remember you'll both need good ielts scores to get the most points.

cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

I got 125 for English proficiency.

 

[scylla]

Does your wife have at least one year of full time paid work experience (from outside of Canada)?

 

[bobsyouruncle]

My wife was self-employed for about 7 years.

Why am I not getting points (up to 200) for having a arranged employment?

I'm in a job I was offered and they want me to stay.

 

[kryt0n]

My wife was self-employed for about 7 years.

Why am I not getting points (up to 200) for having a arranged employment?

I'm in a job I was offered and they want me to stay.

Because 200 points is only for senior manager roles. CEOs of huge companies etc.

You get 50 points for having either an lmia or working for a company on a closed work permit (like a NAFTA or ICT).

If your wife can prove her 7 years of self employed work, you stand a chance.

 

[scylla]

My wife was self-employed for about 7 years.

Why am I not getting points (up to 200) for having a arranged employment?

I'm in a job I was offered and they want me to stay.

You don't have the right occupation to get the 200 points.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

You get nothing for an 'A' role?

 

[DelPiero07]

You get nothing for an 'A' role?

Please refer to kryt0n's post, you get 50 points IF you have a valid job offer.

 

[scylla]

You get nothing for an 'A' role?

If you were able to get an approved LMIA from your employer along with a letter stating they are willing to offer you a permanent job for at least one year after landing, then you would get 50 points.

 

[bobsyouruncle]

So it requires an LMIA (even though it was an LMO exempt position and I'm literally the only person, according to how the organization selects candidates, that's qualified for the position in the entire country).

This is frustrating.

I'm going to call the ECA guys in Edmonton on Monday and see if the USA equivalency will have any bearing in being an equivalent Bachelor's in Canada. If not, then we're going to have to do it through my wife I guess.