Kareem El-Assal - 23 November, 2020
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a leading source of skilled workers who immigrate to Canada.
Express Entry is Canada's flagship system for managing skilled worker immigration applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been hosting Express Entry draws throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Under its new Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, Canada will aim to welcome about 110,000 immigrants per year through Express Entry. Overall, Canada seeks to welcome 401,000 immigrants in 2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023.
The UAE is the fifth-leading talent source of immigrants who arrive to Canada through Express Entry.
Express Entry evaluates immigration candidates based on their age, education, language skills, work experience, and other criteria. Given their strong professional backgrounds, candidates from the UAE are well-positioned to be successful under Express Entry.
Step One: See if you are eligible
The first step to pursue immigration to Canada under Express Entry is to see if you are eligible for one of these three programs:
If you have not lived in Canada before, you are likely going to need to be eligible under the FSWP.
Step Two: Complete a language test and obtain an ECA
If you are eligible for one of these programs, the next step is to take an official language test in English or French. If you choose to take an English test, your options are either the IELTS General Training or the CELPIP. You will also need to obtain an educational credential assessment from a provider designated by IRCC.
Step Three: Submit your Express Entry profile
You then need to upload your Express Entry profile onto IRCC's website so you can receive your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
The CRS evaluates each candidate based on their human capital criteria as well as their connections to Canada such as whether they have worked or studied in Canada or have a sibling living in Canada.
After submitting your profile, you can sit back and wait to see if you are among the successful candidates drawn by IRCC. Typically, IRCC holds Express Entry draws every two weeks. IRCC invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
If you receive an invitation, you can submit your permanent residence application, which IRCC will aim to process within six months.
Over 100 different skilled worker options
Even if you are not eligible under Express Entry, it is worth remembering that Canada offers over 100 different immigration pathways to skilled workers.
The second biggest option available to you is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Almost every province and territory in Canada uses the PNP to identify and welcome skilled immigrants who meet their local economic needs. You can apply to their PNP stream directly.
If you are eligible for Express Entry, you can also enter the Express Entry pool and choose to apply to a PNP stream if you wish. While in the Express Entry pool, a province or territory can invite you to apply for a provincial nomination. If you accept this nomination, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points which will guarantee you an invitation to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry.
Complete our FREE Express Entry form to see if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada!
