NAFTA or Express Entry?

[lili888]

American, not sure if we should apply for NAFTA or Express Entry? I am a librarian (MA) so I think I would have a better chance of getting a NAFTA job offer. I think for EE my husband would have better chances - he falls under 2221 (biological technologists), but only has a BS. For EE, if he applies we would have 395 points so he would need a job offer.

We definitely want to apply for PR - does it hurt your chances if you already work in Canada? Did I read right that work experience is not considered if you don't have LMIA, or was that just that the job offer is excluded? We would prefer more security than just a work permit.

I am confused about both processes because it sounds like only one person should get a job offer.

 

[scylla]

You only get job offer points under Express Entry if your job or job offer is accompanied by an approved LMIA (which tend to be very difficult to get). If you have a job under NAFTA - then no job offer points under Express Entry.

Nothing stopping you from getting a work permit under NAFTA (assume you know that you'd need to secure a job offer first) and also applying under Express Entry at the same time. You want your points to be around 470 to have a high chance of being selected.

 

[lili888]

Nothing stopping you from getting a work permit under NAFTA (assume you know that you'd need to secure a job offer first) and also applying under Express Entry at the same time. You want your points to be around 470 to have a high chance of being selected.

Which one of us, though? I don't think one can apply for a work permit and the other for EE? Or is that the case?

I have slightly more points than my husband would for EE, but I would still need more points from work experience or a job offer with LMIA. So my understanding is that if we go through NAFTA, we couldn't apply under EE for a couple years to get the additional work experience points.

 

[lili888]

Does anyone know why I can't change my profile to get notifications? Thanks

 

[scylla]

Which one of us, though? I don't think one can apply for a work permit and the other for EE? Or is that the case?

I have slightly more points than my husband would for EE, but I would still need more points from work experience or a job offer with LMIA. So my understanding is that if we go through NAFTA, we couldn't apply under EE for a couple years to get the additional work experience points.

Both of you can apply for whatever you want to.

The person with more points should apply for EE.

 

[lili888]

[
Welp, now that I've seen the new rules, i don't know what to think.

I would link to them, but it won't let me. :/

 

[scylla]

[
Welp, now that I've seen the new rules, i don't know what to think.

I would link to them, but it won't let me. :/

I assume you're referring to the new Express Entry rules. They are being discussed in the Express Entry section of the forum extensively if you want to join. No need to link. Everyone here knows about them.

 

[lili888]

Oh, ok, I guess I'm the only one.

 

[scylla]

Oh, ok, I guess I'm the only one.

Understand there are many people on this forum who have been trying to get ITA for close to two years now (vs. just deciding now as a result of the US elections). Those who have been waiting for a while are hyper-sensitive to any news and have been waiting for this announcement for weeks (really months - since the Liberals were elected). So as soon as news is available, it's known here and posted here. Best way to keep up is to move over to the Express Entry section of the forum. Good luck.