If you don’t have enough points to receive an invitation from IRCC (more than 540 points on average according to the latest Express Entry draws for general rounds of invitations) or don’t fall under any of the program-specific or category-based options, you might feel discouraged about your prospects for Canadian immigration through Express Entry. But don't lose hope just yet! There are still viable pathways you can explore to improve your chances.
Do you want to become a PR in Canada? At INGWE we could support you! Get a FREE email assessment with one of our licensed immigration consultants. We speak over +8 languages and we have helped applicants from +50 countries in their immigration path to Canada. Fill out our form, click here.
As per IRPR 82(1) and the ministerial instructions for Express Entry, a valid offer of arranged employment can be based on an LMIA-exempt closed work permit under significant benefit or bilateral agreement categories, such as R205(a) or R205(b). Examples include work permits under the Intra-Company Transfer categories, C10, C11, as well as LMIA-exempt codes based on your nationality and profession.
If you have started your own business in Canada (either purchased or initiated from scratch), you could be eligible to claim 200 points by issuing yourself an LMIA-exempt job offer. This is possible after being on the payroll of your organization for a minimum of 12 months while holding this closed work permit. According to the Ministerial instructions:
"The foreign national holds a valid work permit issued under the circumstances described in paragraph 204(a) or (c) or section 205 of the Regulations, the offer is made by an employer who is specified on the work permit and the foreign national works for that employer and has accumulated at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, over a continuous period of work in Canada for that employer."
Your closed work permit may state ‘Entrepreneur’ or not have a specific NOC code when you receive it if you are starting a brand-new business or branch under categories like ICT, C10, or C11. After one year of running payroll for yourself, you can define your NOC code through a specific process. Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the IRCC officer processing your Express Entry PR application to accept your claim for the 200 points.
Do you want to become a PR in Canada? At INGWE we could support you! Get a FREE email assessment with one of our licensed immigration consultants. We speak over +8 languages and we have helped applicants from +50 countries in their immigration path to Canada. Fill out our form, click here.
One effective way to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a Canadian employer. An LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document that a Canadian employer needs to hire a foreign worker. If you receive a positive LMIA with NOC 00 or TEER 000, you can gain an additional 200 points in your Express entry profile. For a positive LMIA with any other NOC, including NOC 0, A, and B or TEER 1, 2, and 3, you can gain an additional 50 points.
To obtain an LMIA, you need a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must demonstrate that there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the position. This involves advertising the job and showing that they have tried to hire locally without success. Once the employer secures the LMIA, you can use it to increase your CRS score, significantly enhancing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Remember, the job offer must be full-time and non-seasonal. Also, ensure that your job offer meets the requirements set by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Ensure that your job offer is genuine and meets all the criteria set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A valid job offer should be full-time, continuous, and for at least one year after receiving permanent residency. It should also be in a NOC 0, A, or B category.
Do you want to become a PR in Canada? At INGWE we could support you! Get a FREE email assessment with one of our licensed immigration consultants. We speak over +8 languages and we have helped applicants from +50 countries in their immigration path to Canada. Fill out our form, click here.
If you're an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program might be the right pathway for you. This program targets immigrant entrepreneurs who can create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale.
To be eligible for the SUV program, you need to have a qualifying business, a letter of support from a designated organization (such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator), meet the ownership requirements, and secure a minimum investment. You must also meet the language requirements and have sufficient funds to settle in Canada.
The SUV program is an excellent option for those with a strong business plan and the ability to contribute to the Canadian economy through innovation and job creation.
Under the new regulations, certain designated organizations will have priority under this program, with a cap of 10 groups each. One significant change is the introduction of a limit on the number of permanent residence applications that designated organizations can accept under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) category. Each designated organization can now support a maximum of 10 start-ups per year.
If you are facing challenges in gaining admission into a designated organization, we work closely with prioritized venture capitalists, angel investors, and incubators.
Don't let a lower CRS score discourage you from pursuing your goal of immigrating to Canada. The pathways outlined in this article offer strategic routes to improve your chances in the Express Entry system. Whether by securing an LMIA-exempt work permit, obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer, or leveraging the Start-Up Visa program, each option provides a unique opportunity to enhance your profile and achieve your goal of becoming a permanent resident.
At INGWE we are EXPERTS in the Canada Startup Visa. We will guide and support you throughout the endorsement letter or Letter of Support process and the entire immigration process including work visas and permanent residencies. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.
If you’re thinking about immigrating whether permanently or temporarily - you’re at the right place! Our team speaks over +9 languages, and we help applicants from over 50 different countries during their immigration process. Get a FREE email assessment, click here.
If you’re ready to apply and would like a 1-on-1 session with me or one of immigration team members at INGWE, you can also book a session directly using this consultation link.