Immigration Corner | Exploring ways to live in Canada

Dear Miss Powell,

My husband is 26 and I’m 24. We both completed a two-year diploma programme in Ontario, but are interested in settling in Saskatchewan or Alberta. I’m currently working as an administrative assistant, and he works as a call centre agent providing technical support. We each have one year of full-time Canadian work experience. What are our chances of getting permanent residence and remaining in Canada permanently?

– P.E.

Dear P.E.,

Having completed your studies in Ontario and gained one year of Canadian work experience in skilled occupations, you meet the core eligibility requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is one of the most direct pathways under the Express Entry System.

Your husband’s job as a technical support call centre agent falls under National Occupation Classification (NOC) code 22221, which is considered TEER 2. Your role as an administrative assistant is classified under NOC 13110, TEER 3. Both are recognised as skilled occupations under Express Entry, and having one year of full-time paid work experience in these roles, post graduation and on a valid work permit, makes you both eligible for CEC.

Being under 30 years of age, with Canadian education and Canadian work experience, means you will earn significant points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The next key factor is your English language proficiency. You will both need to take an approved language test such as IELTS General Training or CELPIP. I recommend aiming for a score of at least 8.5 for IELTS, or 10 for CELPIP to maximise your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

While Express Entry is highly competitive, your qualifications put you in a strong position. However, if you are not selected quickly in a federal draw, you should also consider applying through a Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP), which can give you a significant advantage, especially since you are interested in provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan.

PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMMES (PNP)

In Alberta, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program has a stream that allows the province to select candidates directly from the federal Express Entry pool. To be considered, you must have an active Express Entry profile, be working in an occupation that supports Alberta’s economic growth and have a CRS score of at least 300. If Alberta sends you a Notification of Interest, you can apply for nomination. If approved, you receive an additional 600 CRS points, which all but guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Saskatchewan, through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, also offers an Express Entry-linked stream. If you or your husband has an Express Entry profile, one year of relevant work experience, and strong language scores, you may qualify. You must also score at least 60 points on Saskatchewan’s own selection grid. Since you both studied in Canada, you are not required to submit an Educational Credential Assessment, which is usually needed for foreign diplomas.

Even though you studied in Ontario, you are not limited to applying only through Ontario’s PNP. However, if you receive a job offer in Ontario and meet the eligibility under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme Employer Job Offer stream, that may be another option to explore, especially if your employer is willing to support your application.

If your work permits are due to expire soon, your best bet is to apply under the Express Entry System immediately. You may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit if you get an invitation to apply for permanent residence and have submitted your permanent residence application. That allows you to keep working while your PR application is being processed.

OTHER OPTIONS TO REMAIN

If your work permits are expiring in a few weeks and you haven’t secured another permit or an invitation to apply for permanent residence, you can consider applying to change your status to visitor to buy yourself more time while waiting on an invitation or provincial nomination. This won’t allow you to work but will keep you legal in Canada.

In conclusion, your age, Canadian education, skilled work experience, and eligibility under multiple federal and provincial programmes give you strong chances of becoming permanent residents. The key now is to complete your language test, enter the Express Entry pool, and remain alert to possible PNP opportunities. For step-by-step help, visit www.canada.ca or consult with an immigration lawyer.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public. Find her on Facebook, Instagram or call or WhatsApp 613-695-8777