Guest Writer: Havalee Johnson
Havalee is an accomplished pharmacist with 8 years practise experience in both Jamaica and Canada. She is also an entrepreneur (Immigrant PharmAssist), coach and mentor. She’s multi-passionate and people-centric and uses her voice in advocacy for others.
"Moving to Canada was a dream of mine and now I am living my dream. I now realize that I am in this really unique position where I build relationships and trust with people across the globe who are also interested in learning how to move to Canada".
(Contact information at the end of the article)
Express Entry
Have you ever had this seemingly crazy idea about moving from your home country to resettle in a foreign country like Canada? Guess what? You should go for it! In February 2020 at the start of the pandemic I moved from Jamaica to Canada as a Permanent Resident through Express Entry System.
As a guest writer, I am going to break down what the Express Entry System is in its simplest form and provide you with practical information that you can use to aid your self-sponsorship and then immigrate to Canada as well.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system that the government of Canada uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers using an electronic system that assigns applicants a score based on several core factors. These factors include but not limited to a person’s age, education, language competency, work experience and family relation in Canada. Each core factor is assigned individual points which adds up to what is known as a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The higher your CRS score, the higher your probability of being selected to submit an application for permanent residency. The Express Entry System also has three main categories; Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). I will only explain the requirements for the FSWP since that’s the program that I applied for and was successful in obtaining Canadian PR all while living and working in Jamaica.
Federal Skilled Workers Program
The FSWP is the most common route by which persons immigrate to Canada once the minimum criteria are met. Program draws are usually conducted every two (2) to three (3) weeks and selected candidates are issued an invitation to apply (ITA) for their PR status. Now let's look at that those core factors.
Age
Anyone between ages 18 and 44 can apply for self-sponsorship under Express Entry. Candidates who wish to come to Canada under Express Entry should aim to apply as early as possible because applicants are awarded zero (0) points if they are 45+. Maximum points for age are given to persons between ages 22 to 29.
Education
Canada prides itself on being one of the most educated countries globally. As a result, emphasis is placed on a candidate's level of education. The ideal candidate for Express Entry would have attained higher levels of education, for example, a bachelor's, master's degree or a PhD. This does not mean persons with a high school or college diploma, or trades certificate cannot apply. However, the higher your education level, the more points you will be awarded. Candidates with higher levels of education and language proficiency are also given additional points for their perceived adaptability in Canada.
Work Experience
Foreign work experience is an important component for Express Entry. The minimum requirement is one year of continuous full-time work of 30 hours weekly for 12 months, or equivalent part-time work done at 15 hours per week for 24 months. This work must be paid, however apprenticeship periods like an internship, externship or a co-op experience do not qualify.
Language Requirements
Your proficiency in English language and/or French is probably one of the most important yet overlooked components in your Express Entry profile. Language proficiency carries the highest score and can give an applicant a lot of points. Candidates have the option to complete one of several tests; English (IELTS and CELPIP) and Frenc (TEF or TCP). In 2023 Immigration Canada expects to add new language proficiency test to the mix. One of the biggest mistakes that candidates make is taking their IELTS too lightly. Preparation is important to achieve maximum results. Scoring the minimum 7 or even a 7.5 is not a good enough score to boost your profile.
Family
Applicants under the Express Entry System can also claim points for having a close relative who is a legal resident or citizen, 18 years or older and currently living in Canada. The relative must be a parent or grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, stepparents and stepsiblings.
Proof of Funds
Proof of funds is the biggest impediment to many persons pursuing immigration to Canada. A principal applicant must show acceptable proof of funding to cover at least 6 months living expenses for their immediate family. However, if the main applicant resides in Canada and has suitable employment, proof of funds is optional.
Express Entry Changes for 2022/23
There are many anticipated changes for Express Entry in 2023 and we’re already beginning to witness these changes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration Canada has had to change the way immigration proceedings are conducted. Currently, there is a backlog of over 2.6 million applications to be processed including over 230 thousand Express Entry applications. Many, including myself, anticipate exciting changes ahead with the passing of a new bill (Bill C19) which will allow the minister of immigration to basically enter the pool and handpick Express Entry applicants based on certain criteria and the need for their expertise in Canada. Just a week ago, doctors working temporarily in Canada who were previously not eligible for Express entry are now eligible to apply for their PR status due to a shortage of doctors.
Additionally, 16 new occupations not previously included under the traditional NOC codes were approved earlier this year and includes occupations like truck driver, teaching assistants, orderlies, nursing assistants, and correctional officers, just to name a few. Additionally, a new classification system is expected to replace the NOC classification system. The government of Canada is constantly testing and piloting innovative programs to welcome more immigrants over the next decade or more.
Get in touch with Havalee
While I do not currently offer individuals immigration advice, legal representation, study permit nor work permits, I do operate a federally incorporated business that offers coaching and consultation services to prepare internationally trained pharmacists and other professionals for their big move to Canada.
For persons interested in connecting with me, you can find me on major social platforms - click on the links below
LinkedIn: Havalee (Immigrant PharmAssist) Johnson
Instagram: @havalee_89
Facebook: Havalee Johnson
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