Hello,
I did document my journey to getting Canadian PR. Thought I'd share the experience and tips for those who are interested.
STEP 1 – LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
STEP 2 – EDUCATION CREDENTIALS EVALUATION
International Credential Evaluation Service ICES
http://www.bcit.ca/ices/eca/
International Credential Assessment Service ICAS
http://www.icascanada.ca/new/default.aspx
World Education Services WES
http://www.wes.org/ca/eca/
Comparative Education Service CES
http://learn.utoronto.ca/international-professionals/comparative-education-service-ces/immigration
STEP 4- INVITATION TO APPLY
I did document my journey to getting Canadian PR. Thought I'd share the experience and tips for those who are interested.
STEP 1 – LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
- Register to take the IELTS- General Training Exam.
- Test fee is USD 225. Most places in the US offer them twice a month and usually on Saturdays.
- It comprises of Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking
- Minimum English language level is CLB 7. Average 6 across all sections.
- Remember to register your names as it appears on your unexpired passport.
- Once you register you will get free study material through your email.
- On test day, take your passport with you and arrive early especially if you’re not familiar with the place.
- At the check in table, they will verify your identity and take your picture and fingerprints. You will have to scan in when you leave the test room (breaks, bathroom).
- Listen/read instructions and do NOT turn exam paper unless told to do so. Failure to comply, or class disruption will result in a warning slip- 3 and you’re out!
- Pencils and erasers are provided by the test center.
- You can take a clear water bottle with you.
- Test scores are available online 13 days after you take it. Official scores will be mailed shortly thereafter. Keep the candidate number safe. You will use it to create your EE profile.
- Do NOT send results directly to CIC! Submit your test information with your application.
- Keep your original test scores.
- Find a test center in the link below.
STEP 2 – EDUCATION CREDENTIALS EVALUATION
- Several institutions can evaluate your diplomas. Almost all charge USD 200 + postage.
- The ECA should be not more than 5 years old.
- I personally recommend WES because it is faster and postage service to the US is cheaper.
- For those in regulated professions like medical and pharmacy please refer to CIC website for the designated organizations that evaluate credentials.
International Credential Evaluation Service ICES
http://www.bcit.ca/ices/eca/
International Credential Assessment Service ICAS
http://www.icascanada.ca/new/default.aspx
World Education Services WES
http://www.wes.org/ca/eca/
Comparative Education Service CES
http://learn.utoronto.ca/international-professionals/comparative-education-service-ces/immigration
- Have your Post-Secondary official transcripts sent directly from the school to the evaluating institution. Since I had my transcripts already in a sealed envelope, I sent them directly to WES.
- You can send your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree for evaluation for the flat fee.
- Make sure your reference number from WES is on every envelope. You get this reference number once you register on the WES website.
- Print and mail completed checklist with your application. (copies of completed degrees, official transcripts, signed application form, proof of name- copy of passport)
- I used UPS and it cost me about $10 to send.
- Once you have your IELTS test score and ECA, please create your profile.
- Please do NOT lie on your profile because this information will carry over to your permanent residency application if invited to apply. You will not be able to change this information.
- You need to meet a minimum of points to apply under the program.
- Indicate you’re interested in all provinces for higher chance to get selected in one of the Provincial Nomination Programs, PNP.
- Submit your profile and you will be asked to register for Job Bank where employers can find you.
- If you get a job offer you should update your profile with the employer and LMIA information.
- If you feel confident (high points) that you will be invited to apply, I highly recommend getting the FBI report if you live in the US. Wait times are usually more than 2 months.
- Start researching panel physicians from the CIC website for your medical report. Remember you can NOT just go to any doctor. They have to be approved by CIC. Call to find what the wait times are.
- Patiently wait for invitation to apply.
STEP 4- INVITATION TO APPLY
- You will receive a list of required documents. This depends on the information you submitted on your EE profile.
- Most of the information from your EE profile carries over to your PR application.
- Carefully fill out the application and make sure all items are correctly filled out. Attached supporting documents.
- Get reference letters from your past/present employer(s). I created a template that includes all the requested information and sent it out to my former and current employers.
- Remember employment letter needs to be on official company letterhead. Template available for a small fee.
- It is best to send an email to your employer so if they reject your request, you can submit the rejection along with your paystubs to CIC.
- Visit your bank and speak to them in person about getting a letter with the requested information.
- If for any reason you do not have the requested documents, you can upload an explanation letter with your application.
- You have 90 days to submit your application. Good luck!!!
