Express Entry and Provincial Nominee
Program Pathways
Some of the best pathways for people looking to immigrate to Canada permanently are through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program and Federal Skilled Worker under Express Entry. There are also several other Provincial Nominee Programs that give successful applicants permanent residence in Canada.
Speak to an experienced lawyer at Kurzfeld Law to understand your best options.
Canadian Experience Class
(Express Entry)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration pathway that is availed through Express Entry. It is a great program option for people who have at least one year of employment in Canada. Successful applicants will receive permanent residence status. As with other permanent residents, applicants are then entitled to sponsor their spouse and family (subject to eligibility conditions).
The CEC track offers a lot of advantages compared to the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades pathways. Candidates do not have to submit a lot of complex documentation, such as extensive financial documents. This allows applications to be filed faster and more inexpensively. Moreover, applications are usually processed faster than other Express Entry applications – typically within three to four months.
Canadian Express Class applicants may be eligible for a bridging work permit. Speak with us directly at Kurzfeld Law to understand your visa status.
Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program has been one of the most successful immigration programs in the world for the last few decades. Start your application and you too could immigrate to Canada within one year!
FSWP invites skilled workers from around the world. It is a federally run program that assesses an individual’s suitability for the Canadian economy and whether they will integrate well in the Canadian job market. Today, the program is run on a simple points system, which assesses a variety of aspects of an individual. The process is transparent and consistent. It’s why thousands of people from around the world apply for the program. FSWP assesses:
- Education
- Language Skills
- Work Experience
- Qualifications
- Age
- Employment
- Adaptability
- Finances
- And other factors
For 2021 and 2022 the Canadian government has set extremely ambitious targets for immigration – and FSWP is key to meeting those. Nearly half a million people are expected to be invited in 2021 and a similar number in 2022.
Beat the rush and start your application today! The experienced professionals at Kurzfeld Law can help you file a perfect application, maximize your CRS score, and increase your chances of successful immigration.
Schedule a consultation call with us at Kurzfeld Law.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Provincial Nominee Programs are the hidden gems of the Canadian immigration system. One big reason for that is because most people only look at Express Entry – which means PNPs can be less crowded, faster, and easier!
Experience and expertise are essential for a successful PNP application. Speak to us today to identify the PNP that is best for you.
Most provinces and territories in Canada operate their own Provincial Nominee Programs. These help them invite workers, investment, and business opportunity. Skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople are all invited under PNPs.
These provinces and territories are currently running PNPs:
- Ontario – Ontario operates a wide ranging PNP program inviting students and workers (specialized skill sets), entrepreneurs, and businesspeople.
- British Columbia – BC is running the Entrepreneur Immigration Streams, Skills Immigration, and its own provincial ‘Express Entry’ Stream.
- Alberta – The streams available are Alberta Express Entry Stream, Alberta Opportunity Stream, and Self-Employed Farmer Stream.
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba – Manitoba streams tend to focus on helping skilled workers settle in the province. Currently being refreshed.
- New Brunswick – NB streams typically invite international graduates, skilled workers (employer supported), and entrepreneurs to add to the skill level in the province. but three streams aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system.
- Nova Scotia – Similar goals as NB streams, inviting international graduates, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. Nova Scotia has not one but three streams that operate under the federal Express Entry program.
- Prince Edward Island – Similar goals as NB but with requirements around provincial residence, intention to work in Prince Edward Island, and financial ability to sustain themselves.
- Newfoundland and Labrador – Similar goals as NB but with requirements around provincial residence, intention to work in Newfoundland and Labrador, and enough financial ability to become established in the province.
- Saskatchewan – The province operates a number of streams, including for international skilled workers, in-demand occupations, and a provincial Express Entry program.
- Northwest Territories – NT’s PNPs include two main streams: Employer Driven and Business, and a program inviting skilled workers aligned with federal Express Entry.
Note that PNPs will change over time, as new streams are being introduced. It is essential to stay up-to-date with the newest PNP programs.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, provinces and territories have continued to operate their PNPs, receiving and processing applications.
Sponsoring Your Spouse, Dependents
If you receive Permanent Resident status in Canada through Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), or through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you are eligible to invite your spouse and dependent children to come and settle with you.
Depending on the stream under which you have come to Canada, there will be financial requirements you must meet. Speak with a Toronto immigration lawyer who understands your financial obligations and determines whether your income level allows you to sponsor family members.
Spouses
IRCC requires spouses to be 16 years of age or older. You must provide proof of spousal relationship (marriage certificate, ceremonial proof), or common-law partnership, or conjugal partnership. Same-sex couples can apply under spousal sponsorship as well.
Dependents
Biological and adopted children under the age of 22 who don’t have a spouse or common-law partner can be sponsored. Children over that age may be able to be sponsored if they are still full-time students, substantially dependent on the parent, or financially dependent because of a disability.
Can You Lose Your Permanent Resident Status?
Permanent Resident status is not permanent. A person can be stripped of their PR if they breach the conditions under their PR, fail to renew it, or don’t meet the criteria set out under your immigration visa.
Departure orders, removal orders, and deportation orders must be responded to within 30 days of receiving them. Speak to a licensed Toronto immigration lawyer right away to understand your circumstances and present your case before Canadian authorities and Immigration Appeal Division.