Will a change of country create any problems for an EE applicant ?

[ahmadka]

So I want to apply for EE by about early July, but in August I'll hopefully be going to the US for my Masters. Depending on whether I receive my ITA BEFORE or AFTER going to the US, will this create any problems for my whole EE application ?

Another possible scenario is that I apply for EE AFTER doing to the US, so that everything in my profile mentions my US address. However I want to do as much of the work for the EE now, rather than later because then I'll be involved in studies, etc. Plus, I'll be on F-1 student visa in the US - I'm not sure if this creates any issues.

I still have to take an IELTS test, but based on the TOEFL I took a few months back, I expect my score to be around 475 ~ 480.

 

[dobes]

So I want to apply for EE by about early July, but in August I'll hopefully be going to the US for my Masters. Depending on whether I receive my ITA BEFORE or AFTER going to the US, will this create any problems for my whole EE application ?

Another possible scenario is that I apply for EE AFTER doing to the US, so that everything in my profile mentions my US address. However I want to do as much of the work for the EE now, rather than later because then I'll be involved in studies, etc. Plus, I'll be on F-1 student visa in the US - I'm not sure if this creates any issues.

I still have to take an IELTS test, but based on the TOEFL I took a few months back, I expect my score to be around 475 ~ 480.

You're fine. Just 1) keep CIC informed of changes of address, and 2) remember that EE is for economic immigrants - that is, workers, not students. If your Masters is a 1-year program that upgrades your skills in your current job, it's probably all good, but in order to apply for EE you will need at least one solid year of experience in a qualifying job.

 

[ahmadka]

You're fine. Just 1) keep CIC informed of changes of address, and 2) remember that EE is for economic immigrants - that is, workers, not students. If your Masters is a 1-year program that upgrades your skills in your current job, it's probably all good, but in order to apply for EE you will need at least one solid year of experience in a qualifying job.

Yep, I agree, however I do have 3 years of experience in my field, and an additional one year of experience in telecom (which I did many years ago). Although I won't be working while I'm studying, at least not full-time (as that is not allowed in the US for international students).

Are changes to your address updated immediately, or does it take some time ? Like when you unsubscribe from a mailing list, you normally see a message: "Please allow 7 days for the changes to take effect". Will there be something similar for CIC ?

 

[Ibyt]

I think PCC might be an issue as it states that it must be issued after you have left the country

 

[ahmadka]

I think PCC might be an issue as it states that it must be issued after you have left the country

What's PCC ? Also, what did you mean by leaving the country (I don't understand the context) ?

 

[Ibyt]

Police certificate, please Read info on cic website

 

[ahmadka]

Police certificate, please Read info on cic website

Oh okay, understood. Yeah I'm aware of that requirement, however don't I have to submit a PCC from my home country in either case, whether or not I'm here or abroad ? I was thinking of making a PCC from my own country now, and submit it later on when I'm in the US and have been given an ITA (hopefully!). Would my PCC need to be re-issued once I've left the country ?

 

[spyfy]

Yes, you have to submit a PCC from your home country (assuming that you lived there for more than 6 months which I guess you did).

Regarding PCC validity, there doesn't seem to be a reliable information by CIC these days. Until recently, their website said that PCC are valid for 3 months. This information has been removed but hasn't been replaced by any new requirements, if I am not mistaken.

According to other posts on this forum (which of course are always to be taken with a grain of salt) the rule is: If the PCC is from your current country of residence, it must be no older than 3 months. If the PCC is from a former country of residence, it must be issued after you left that country.
However, I think you should be safe if the PCC from your home country is less than 3 months old, even if it was issued before you left the country.

Say this happens:
PCC of home country issued on 2015-07-01
Left home country on 2015-08-01
Received ITA on 2015-08-10
Apply for PR on 2015-09-01 using the above PCC

Then you should be safe. And remember: With your application you can always submit a letter of explanation that describes your circumstances. Keep that explanation short and concise (don't write too much, they won't read it) and they will understand. Despite the vibe you might get from this forum, CIC officers are humans after all

I would recommend that you get the PCC paperwork done soon and submit your EE profile. The only thing you should ensure is that you always update your residence information in your profile. No matter if you get the ITA shortly before or after your move, the requirements for documentation are the same.

 

[ahmadka]

Thankyou for the detailed reply.

Since I still have to give my IELTS, I won't be applying for EE for at least 1 ~ 2 months, and so I should probably try to get the PCC a few days before I leave my home country. This way, I assume I can have the maximum time while abroad, for an ITA do come within those three months.

But what if the ITA comes AFTER I've spent 3 months or more abroad ? Should I then try to get a new PCC from my home country (may have to fly back here especially for it, OR try to courier the documents back and forth with the help of my parents), or attach an explanation that I'm no longer in Pakistan, etc. ?

 

[spyfy]

It's a good idea to apply for your PCC as close to your move as possible. That is, if Pakistan will handle your application rather fast. If it takes months, you might want to apply earlier, after all you could get an ITA BEFORE even your initial PCC application is processed.

Regarding your second question: This is what you should do:

Say, PCC get's issued on 2015-07-01
You get an ITA on 2015-10-10 (so more than three months after the original PCC)

Then you should immediately apply for a new PCC. This has two possible outcomes:

A) If your new PCC arrives before the 60-day application period is over, use the new PCC.
B) But if it's like day 55 of your application period and you don't have the new PCC yet, apply with the old PCC and an explanation letter. You can submit the new PCC later once you got it and only if they ask for it.

You definitely shouldn't fly back just for a PCC. Although your parents might be happy to see you

 

[spyfy]

Thanks dan_and for the correction. That must have changed after I filed my application. This should simplify things for the OP significantly.

 

[ahmadka]

Thanks dan_and for the correction. That must have changed after I filed my application. This should simplify things for the OP significantly.

Yes that definitely does simplify things a lot, although I may still try to honor the 3 month validity clause, just in my application gets into the hands of a CIC officer who isn't aware of the rule change

Thanks to both for your help!