My experience with express entry/federal skilled worker/permanent residence application

[Shailan Patel]

Hey all,

I just wanted to share my experiences for the entire process; in the hope that it is useful to all of you!

Application type: Federal Skilled Worker (Points system) - for permanent residency
Location: Currently (London UK) and move to Toronto (ON)
Brief background: Single, under 30, Professional Engineer, no kids/dependents.

Dates:
Date of application: May 2019 Note: I suggest to pay all fees in advance to help speed the process up
Date of Biometrics: Jun 2019
Date of Medical Expiry: Jul 2019
Date of Schedule A: Sep 2019
Date of final acceptance: Dec 11 2019
Date of COPR (Confirmation of permanent residence expiry): Dec 31 2019
I admit that the date I received my COPR (Dec 11) to when I need to be there by (Dec 31) is very short notice; but it does depend on your medical expiry date. Mine expired in Jul 2019 but the officer reviewed the medical in Sept 2019 (2 months later) and still gave me till Dec 2019 to fly over; without needing a new medical. Your cases may be different though.

Final steps & activating my PR at Toronto:

• Date I flew to Toronto: 27 Dec 2019. I booked a flight from 27/12/2019 from London - Toronto; with a return flight back on 02/01/2020 (short 1 week trip). Top tip: Do book a flight which lands in Canada during morning/afternoon because a) its not that busy and b) more officers are working & less chance of hassle
• Note: I did not apply for a PRTD or have my PR card on my return to London; I used a friend's address who would mail/bring it with him when visiting me in the UK
• The check-in desk at London UK; said that I cannot leave Canada until I receive my PR card. I told him that this was incorrect as how can they expect me to stay for weeks! Turns out I was right. You can leave Canada in 2 days if you really want to just fly over and 'activate' your PR status and sign your COPR.

When landing, I have to admit that the immigration procedure & staff at Toronto Pearson Terminal 3 airport are amazing! My total immigration process from the initial machines at arrivals to being out of the door took 10 minutes. Here is how it works:

• You use the automated border control machines, which scan your passport & provide a ticket for customs. Make sure you state you HAVE goods to follow; even if you do not at that point in time; when immigrating
• Then you proceed to a desk with an agent or officer, who writes a big 'Z' on your page. This is OK as you proceed to the next desk
• Then you go to the immigration queue (not out to the baggage carousels); where an officer will see you; and perhaps interview you. For me, he just signed the COPR and told me to without any checking of evidence. Top tip: A smile and well-dressed attire goes a long way to make a good impression. Also, carry a BLACK INK pen with you. My officer said "You are one of the most well-prepared I've seen!". Provide an address for the COPR. The officer said "Current processing times of PR cards are 13-15 business days"
• Then all done! Proceed to the Service Canada Center; where you fill an easy form out (your name, parents name etc, flight number) and obtain a SIN (Social Identification Number) on the spot! They give you leaflets and advice on settling in Canada. That SIN number is yours permanently so keep it; they will NOT issue a SIN card
• Then you collect your baggage and go via a 'special' route to meet an officer. Again, I mention to dress well; be confident and smile! The officer asked me for my goods accompanying and goods to follow lists. Top Tip: Print 2 x copies of EACH list (4 pages in total). Again, he said to me "This really makes life easier for us!"
• Note: You do NOT need to get your goods to follow list stamped there and then; if you will be moving at a later date
• Then you both sign; they stamp and you walk out the door - simple! They can ask to check your luggage and receipts so do have these. Note: For expensive items; make sure you have a receipt otherwise there may be issues!

Again all, I want to reiterate that this was my personal experience last week! it is only my opinion, tips and suggestions based on how I found it. My case was relatively simple being a single man with no dependents; your's may vary. So please use this as a guide as there is no legal foundation or basis of what I have written above. It is purely my suggestion and not to be used inappropriately or for legal purposes at all.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have; as I have just completed the process!

Best Regards and Good Luck!
Mr P.

 

[scarlettN]

Hi! Thanks for sharing! Can you help me with Schedule A request? I an having problem with with completing the form as it keeps on indicating error for most recent activity and time gap. Do you have any advice for filling the activities that may overlap?