What’s worse than not receiving an ITA in the 27,000-ITA EE draw in February 2021 or being ineligible for the six new PR streams for essential workers and international graduates? It’s being eligible but not being able to apply due to incomplete documentation, expired language results, or lack of settlement funds.

Canada needs more and more immigrants, which means you must expect more innovative developments like new streams, new pilots, or massive draws in the future as well. Tired of sitting on the sidelines and want to get your application into the system and become a Canadian permanent resident?

Here is a 4-step action plan to kickstart your immigration strategy and help you stay prepared for sudden opportunities for work permits or direct PR in Canada.

Professional Immigration Assistance Matters

Where’s the next big draw coming? CEC? Or will it be FSWP after international travel resumes? Or perhaps you should focus on PNP draws instead?

Or perhaps there won’t be any more big draws. Instead, provinces may expand their list of in-demand or priority-sector occupations to bring in more skilled workers? Or will there be greater emphasis on pilot programs and temporary streams for PR?

You see, it’s virtually impossible to predict what the Canadian immigration authorities will do next. This means the smartest way to prepare for such opportunities is to consider a whole range of What-If scenarios with an immigration expert.

The best thing about such a strategy is that you will be prepared for both conventional as well as one-off opportunities to immigrate to Canada.

Also Read

• Missed Out on the Six New PR Streams? Lots of Canada Immigration Opportunities for Skilled Workers Ahead
• Province Focus Series – Overview of British Columbia’s Economy, Education, Lifestyle, and Provincial Nomination Options for Immigrants

Is your Immigration Application Ready to Roll?

Canada’s decision to introduce six new PR streams for a period of six months for healthcare workers, other essential workers, and international graduates came as a surprise.

The International Graduate stream actually caused a lot of frustration among applicants who were caught unprepared by the sudden announcement. To struggle to qualify for Canada immigration can be tough enough. To be unable to apply when there’s a sudden opportunity can be even more frustrating.

So, you need to ask yourself—is my immigration application ready to be filed into the system? Can I, if required, apply today or even within the next hour? If not, why not? Is it because I am not eligible for the next one or two years? Or is it a documentation issue?

Am I getting blocked at specific points like language proficiency or settlement funds? If so, then how to resolve such issues at the earliest?

Poor Documentation can Leave You Stranded

Even if you are eligible, you won’t be in a position to apply unless you have your documentation in order. Remember, any immigration application involves extensive documentation covering each and every aspect of your eligibility.

Proof of work experience will involve multiple reference letters, appointment letters and statements detailing your work responsibilities in great detail. Proof of education will involve submission of marksheets, proofs of admission, passing certificates along with ECAs if you did not study in Canada.

There’s no sense in waiting for an immigration opportunity to present itself before you start putting your documents in order. The sensible option would be to have everything ready in hand so that you can get your application into the system the moment an opportunity arises.

Any Expired or Invalid Documents in My Application?

Your immigration application will have some documents with a fixed validity period. Your language test results must be dated within two years of your date of application. Similarly, your ECAs will not be valid for more than five years.

If you don’t have a job offer in hand, then you will need updated bank statements as proof of settlement funds. Since the LICO requirements change every year, you will have to ensure you have adequate funds as applicable for the year of application as well as updated documentary proofs of the same.

If you are switching NOC codes, then you will need documents related to work experience and your current job responsibilities that justify the change. Otherwise, your application may be rejected for incorrect choice of NOC code.

If you are serious about working or settling in Canada, then these are probably the best times for you to make your dream come true. Gift yourself the advantage of professional immigration assistance and be ready the next time Canada comes up with an innovative decision to boost immigration.