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Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Canadian Immigration from Pakistan

Immigrating to a country like Canada is an option that this year’s Pakistani aspirants wish to achieve better employment opportunities, quality education, and a better quality of life. However, the process of immigration to Canada is, as was said earlier, relatively open; however, it is a complex process that implies several steps and demands compliance with a lot of actions. It aims to be a guide for immigrants from Pakistan to Canada; detailing the entire immigration process for persons seeking permanent residence in Canada based on different modes.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Choose the Right Program

Canada has many different programs for immigration, and first, everyone needs to figure out which of them fits their personal qualifications and further objectives. The most common programs are:

• Express Entry: It includes occupation-restricted programs for applicants with job offers that have a point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It includes three sub-categories:

• 1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Both provincial and territorial governments obtain skills, related education, and work experience to nominate candidates for the program with the aim of contributing to the local economy of the province or governments.
• Family Sponsorship: Family members who are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada can sponsor a candidate.
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): It is a selection program intended for Quebec only and it has almost no link with the federal express entry system.

Before applying, use Canada’s online tools like the CRS calculator or eligibility checker on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine which program you qualify for.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile (For Express Entry Applicants)

For those who have opted to apply within the framework of the Express Entry system, you should create an online profile. The details you give when making your expression of interest will help you get a CRS score that ranks you against other applicants. The score is given according to age, level of education, general and foreign language proficiency, work experience, and flexibility.

Requirements for Profile Creation:

• Language Proficiency: Candidate must take a language test in either English (IELTS or CELPIP) or French (TEF or TCF). Your result should not be older than 2 years at the time of application.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Foreign degrees and diplomas need to be evaluated by an approved body, such as WES (World Education Services), to evaluate their equivalency to Canadian Standards.
• Work Experience: Using the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC) code provide details of your work experience.

After completing the profile, you will enter into the pool of Express Entry. After which you will receive an Invitation to Apply if your score is above the cut-off score in subsequent draws.

Step 3: Applying for Provincial Nomination (PNP Applicants Only)

When you are targeting a specific province, at some stage during the application process you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the provincial immigration office. Provinces have their own set of criteria to examine the applicants according to the skills shortage and economic needs of that province. For instance, when one obtains a nomination from a province, one gets 600 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System that is used by Express Entry.

Important Considerations:

• Refer to provincial guidelines for some general information before filing an EOI.
• Some provinces permit application submission through their PNP without going through the Express Entry process through their PNP, bypassing the Express Entry system altogether.

Step 4: Arranging Required Documentation for PR Application

To be specific, as one gets an ITA from a province or territorial government, one has 60 days to make an application for permanent residency. Documentation is very crucial to an application and where one is most likely to get inaccurate or poorly completed documents, that is most likely where he will be terminated or rejected.

Key Documents Include:

• Valid Passport: Make sure that you possess a valid passport at least for 6 months beyond your arrival date in Canada.
• Proof of Funds: You must provide official proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family. Applicant can provide bank statements or financial documents as proof of funds availability.
• Police Certificates: A police Character certificate is a must from all the countries you lived in for more than six months since the age of 18
• Medical Examination: Medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician is a must to ensure that you meet Canada’s health requirements.
• Offer of Employment (if applicable): If you have a valid job offer from any employer from Canada it can improve your chances significantly, especially for Express entry or PNP pathways.

Step 5: Submitting application and Payment of Dues

Once you possess all the above-mentioned documents it becomes easier to file your application through the IRCC’s online platform. Ensure that you pay all the relevant fees including the processing fee for yourself or any dependent on time. Remember to include all fees; application fees and processing fees for you and the rest of your dependents if any. Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) should also be paid as provided below.

Tentative Processing Fees (as of 2024):

• Primary applicant: CAD 1,325 (including RPRF).
• Spouse/partner: CAD 1,325.
• Dependent child: CAD 225.

Payment of fees can be made via credit card, and failure to pay in full will result in application delays.

Step 6: Wait for Application Processing and Prepare for Next Steps

Appeal durations differ with the type of program and also with the volume of appeal filings. Express Entry profile processing time totals six months on average, while PNP and family sponsorship can take more time. When you apply, the application status can always be checked online via the IRCC account.

Post-Submission Considerations:

• Biometrics: After submitting your application, you may be required to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). You will receive a request letter with instructions on how to complete this step.
• Follow-Up Requests: IRCC may request additional documentation during the processing period. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR)

After approval of the application, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) and a permanent resident visa. Now you can travel to Canada as a new permanent resident.

Before traveling, make sure to:

• Arrange proper accommodation in Canada.
• Have sufficient funds to meet your expenses while settling.
• Prepare important documents, such as educational and professional credentials, to facilitate integration into the Canadian workforce.

Final Thoughts

The immigration process is quite formalized and structured in Canada which means that there are general or main steps and concepts that need to be followed at every turn. As it is evident from the above-stated procedures, each candidate aspiring to apply to Pakistan should follow the procedures mentioned above to enhance his chances of success if applying through Express Entry, provincial nomination, or a family sponsorship program. To ensure a smooth process of application it is very important to avoid falling into pitfalls like missing deadlines, incomplete documents, and not following the SOPs.

For the latest updates and accurate information, always consult the official IRCC website and relevant provincial portals.