Ways to immigrate to Canada

[blivori]

Hi All,

I plan to immigrate to Canada next Year (July/August 2017).

By the time I apply (January 2017) I would have 2 years work experience (same job, same position - Associate Analyst Developer) and the IELTS exam (haven't received results yet but let's say I get 7 in all).

I hold a BSc. (Hons) Internet Applications Development, which is a 3 year degree but I skipped the first year since I obtained an International Diploma in Computer Studies from a different awarding body (NCC Education). The diploma was counted as a supplement to the Bachelor's degree.

It seems that even with 3 years experience I would not get enough points to be eligible for the Express Entry or PNP (since it is based on EE) and also, from what I've read it is difficult to get a job offer in my line of work since it is kind of a *common* field (also due to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)).

I have no relatives in Canada and no foreign work experience. There are no work-visas (IEC) available for my country. I am from Malta.

My first option is British Columbia, but would not mind moving to other provinces if it helps with my immigration.

Are there any other ways on how I can immigrate to Canada?

Your help is kindly appreciated!

 

[scylla]

To be selected under FSW / Express Entry, you need to have enough points. Over the last few months, only those with more than 480 points have been selected. Historically, this has never dropped below 450. So you need to be targeting at least 450 point to have a chance of being selected.

Otherwise the provincial programs are probably your best choice. There's really no short cut to investigating these programs yourself to see what it takes to qualify and apply (apart from hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant to do the work for you). I would recommend you research all of the provinces (not just BC). You may also want to spend several days reading through the threads in the Provincial Nomination section of the forum.

And yes - LMIAs are extremely difficult to obtain.

 

[blivori]

Thanks for your reply.

How is it possible to get more points apart from getting a job offer and doing a Master's degree?

Also, how is my degree calculated?

Is it a three year degree or two or more certificates?

 

[scylla]

How your degree will be calculated will determine how it's assessed. You will need to have your education officially evaluated to know the answer. Yes - there's certainly a number of ways of getting more points including additional degrees, increasing your English language test scores, more work experience, etc. Again, you really need to spend time reading through the program requirements in detail.

 

[blivori]

Thank you again scylla!

If I get promoted at my job in during the process

For example I am currently an Associate Software Developer / Analyst (I am assuming it is NOC Code 2174 - Computer programmers and interactive media developers) I would be promoted to Software Developer (with the same company).

With more experience will that be counted, for example, as 3 years, or does it start from the beginning?

Also would I start from scratch if I stay on the same line of work but change company?