January 12, 2021
Many of our clients come to us wondering: when is the right time to submit an application for Canadian immigration? Canada’s immigration system is constantly evolving, and its programs and requirements can change at any time. The immigration program you may be the perfect candidate for today could be obsolete by tomorrow.
Canada’s Express Entry system has been in place since 2015 and remains one of the most efficient routes to Canadian permanent residence. However, for this very reason, it is also highly competitive. Express Entry candidates are evaluated based on a number of factors and given a Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS). This score determines a candidate’s placement within the Express Entry pool, and thus their likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
Every year, Canada’s immigration system is flooded with an increasing number of applicants. The CRS cut-off score to qualify for Express Entry rises, and with it, the competition to receive an ITA. In 2019, only 25% of Express Entry applicants were issued an ITA, and this number has been declining each year. This is why it is so important to get your application in as soon as possible.
How to Know if You are Eligible for Express Entry?
If you are interested in exploring your eligibility for Canada’s Express Entry system, now is the time. 2020 was a record-breaking year for Express Entry, and more than 100,000 ITAs were issued. With the Canadian government pledging to admit more than 1.2 million newcomers over the next three years, we expect to see even more ITAs issued through Express Entry.
The first step to determining your own eligibility is to calculate your CRS score using the Canadian government’s CRS calculator. This will give you a better idea of your ranking within the Express Entry pool. To find out where you stand, check the lowest-ranked candidate invited in the most recent Express Entry draw. This will give you a better idea of how competitive your own score is.
If your score is above the minimum cut-off for the previous round, it is a good indication of receiving an ITA for yourself. With each draw, the cut-off score changes depending on the strength of the candidates within the pool. The sooner you apply, the better your chances will be.
Canada’s Express-Entry Aligned Business Immigration Programs
If your CRS score is not strong enough to compete in the Express Entry pool, you may consider applying through one of Canada’s Express Entry-aligned business immigration programs. The two that we would recommend are:
Both of these business immigration programs will grant you a Canadian work permit and enable you and your family to move to Canada to open your own business.
Canadian work experience is valuable for any entrepreneur, but especially those who are interested in settling in Canada long-term. One year of managerial work experience can be worth up to 250 points toward your CRS score. This would make you a highly competitive candidate for Express Entry, and it is likely that you would receive an ITA in an upcoming draw.
In order to give yourself the best possible chance of success, you should get started as soon as possible. Working with qualified immigration experts such as Desjardins Lawyers can help to expedite the process and increase your chances of success. Canada’s immigration programs and their requirements are subject to change at any time. If you think that you would be a good candidate for LMIA or ICT, now is the time to start the application process.
