Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled professionals from Pakistan due to its high standard of living, career opportunities, free healthcare, and a clear pathway to citizenship. The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary immigration pathway, allowing skilled workers to obtain permanent residency (PR) in as little as 6 to 12 months. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, eligibility criteria, and ways to improve your chances of success.

Why Choose Canada for Immigration?

✅ High Demand for Skilled Workers – Canada faces a labor shortage in IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and skilled trades. ✅ Fast-Track PR Processing – Express Entry offers one of the quickest routes to PR, with processing times as low as 6 months. ✅ Free Healthcare & Education – Permanent residents can access free public healthcare and education for children. ✅ Citizenship Pathway – PR holders can apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years. ✅ Family Sponsorship – Spouse and children can accompany the primary applicant with full work and study rights.

Understanding Canada’s Express Entry System

Express Entry is a points-based system that manages applications for three economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For professionals with foreign work experience.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with Canadian work experience.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For applicants in skilled trades like electricians, welders, and mechanics.

Applicants must create an Express Entry profile and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age – Maximum points for ages 18-35.
• Education – Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree.
• Work Experience – Minimum 1 year of skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
• English/French Proficiency – IELTS score of CLB 7 (6.0 in each band) or higher.
• Settlement Funds – Proof of CAD 13,757 for a single applicant, plus additional funds for family members.
• Health & Character Clearance – Medical examination and police clearance certificate (PCC).

Step-by-Step Process to Get Canada PR Through Express Entry

Step 1: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

• Required if your degree is from outside Canada.
• Get your credentials assessed by WES, ICAS, IQAS, or CES.
• Processing time: 4–8 weeks.

Step 2: Language Proficiency Test

• Take the IELTS (General Training) or TEF (for French).
• Higher scores improve CRS ranking.

Step 3: Express Entry Profile Creation

• Submit details on age, education, work experience, and language scores.
• Obtain a CRS score.
• Candidates with higher scores (typically above 470) are invited in regular draws.

Step 4: Provincial Nominee Program (Optional – Adds 600 CRS Points)

• Apply for PNP nomination from provinces like Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Nova Scotia.
• A provincial nomination guarantees an ITA in the next draw.

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• If your CRS score meets the cut-off, you receive an ITA for PR.
• Submit a complete PR application within 60 days.

Step 6: Medical & Police Clearance

• Undergo a medical examination by a Canadian-approved physician.
• Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Pakistan and any country lived in for 6+ months.

Step 7: Submit PR Application & Biometrics

• Upload all documents, pay CAD 1,365 per adult applicant.
• Visit VFS Global in Pakistan for biometric submission.

Step 8: Receive PR Approval & Visa Stamping

• Processing time: 6–12 months.
• Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and visa.
• Land in Canada as a Permanent Resident!

How to Improve Your CRS Score for Express Entry?

• Retake IELTS – CLB 9+ (IELTS 8.0 in listening, 7.0 in other bands) adds 50+ points.
• Apply for PNP – Adds 600 points, guaranteeing ITA.
• Obtain a Job Offer – Increases score by up to 200 points.
• French Proficiency – TEF exam boosts score up to 50 points.

Costs & Processing Time for Express Entry PR

Total Estimated Cost: CAD 2,500 – 3,000 per applicant Processing Time: 6 – 12 months

Why Choose Ace Law Pakistan for Canada Express Entry?

🔹 Expert Guidance – Help with ECA, IELTS, and PR application. 🔹 Higher CRS Score Strategies – Assistance with PNP applications & job offers. 🔹 Application Success Rate – Maximizing your chances of an ITA. 🔹 Legal Representation – Experienced immigration lawyers handling your case.

Final Thoughts

The Express Entry system is the fastest way for skilled professionals from Pakistan to secure Canadian PR. If you meet the eligibility criteria and want to start your journey to Canada, contact Ace Law Pakistan today for expert immigration consultation!