Understanding Express Entry - The Basics

Express entry is a new system that selects skilled workers as immigrants, depending on their ability to settle in the country and contribute to the economy. Express entry system is used for permanent residency application for the following  programs.

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program selects people based on a number of factors, such as education, language skills, work experience, age, and some others. This information is used to determine how likely it is that the candidate will be able to properly establish themselves in Canada.  Those already settled in Canada and wish to become Canadian Permanent residents can apply through the Canadian Experience Class Program. The Federal Skilled Trades Class is a program for people who have job offers and/or certification in certain areas, who want to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Some of the trades that are eligible include industrial, electrical or construction trades, equipment operation or maintenance trades, or even chefs or cooks.

You need to complete two steps for the express entry system. The first is to create your profile. To complete the profile, you will need to provide information about the skills and education you have, as well as your language ability and work experience. You will be asked to include any other details that are relevant as well. You can complete the Express Entry profile online, where it is both free and secure.  You have 60 days to finish the profile one you have started it.

The information you provide in your profile will help determine your eligibility for any of the programs that Express Entry manages. If you meet any of the criteria, you will be placed into the pool of candidates. 

Once you are in the Express Entry pool, you can start looking for a job. To do this, you will create a Job Match account on Job Bank. You will be able to continue using this service once you arrive in Canada. Your Job Match account is an excellent online tool that matches you with employers who are looking for people with the skills you have. In addition to Job Match you are also able to use recruiters or job boards to make yourself known to employers.

Keep in mind that just because you get accepted into the candidate pool, doesn’t mean that you will automatically be able to apply for residence. Invitations to apply for permanent residence will be sent out to those with the highest scores. If you are invited to apply, you also need to make sure that you meet admissibility and eligibility requirements under the immigration law in Canada.

The second step is when the invitations to apply for residence are sent out. Based on the information in your profile, you will be evaluated and given a score. You will also receive points for Canadian degrees, certificates or diplomas, valid job offers, or if you are nominated by a province or territory. Invitations to apply are sent only to the highest scoring candidates within the pool. If invited, you have 90 days to submit your application online.

Visit this website to find out more: Express Entry Program

What Are SPP Colleges?

A Student Partnership Program (or SPP for short) is an administrative collaboration between Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). SSP Colleges refers to those Canadian Community Colleges who take part in the program. In Laymen's terms that means that if you are an immigrant in Canada you can effectively study there. The pilot scheme was launched in 2009 with the specific aims of making it quicker and faster for students to be processed through their Community Colleges in order to issue more visas to Indian students.

The Canada in India SPP is a joint venture put forth from The Indian Visa Offices in Canada. Initially the program was aimed at India specifically but because of its overwhelming success the program is now extended to attract Chinese students, too. Those wishing to gain visa's to study in Canada can apply through this scheme and have a reasonably speedy response by comparison to the normal visa process.

To be eligible to apply you must meet the Canadian SPP Program Requirements:

SPP PROGRAM CHECKLIST

·         Have an IELTS score of no less than 5.5, but preferably a six.

·         With no gaps in study (exceptions may be made for those who have excellent grades and have gaps for work experience; see here.)

·         Your chosen course must expand or accentuate experience of studies that you already have.

·         You need to have a minimum of 50% score in your most recent degree/diploma is required.

·         You must be able to prove you will be able to afford the tuition fees

·         You must buy a Guaranteed Investment Certificate from Scotia bank to cover your first year of living expenses

If you are rejected you will not be considered a second time. If you think you are eligible then you should apply. Here's the complete list of colleges. If you want to know more about the application process, the rules and requirements or your own eligibility then you should look at this article from Shiksha.

Canadian Community Colleges are not ranked as such, the best thing you can do to find an SPP College in Canada with a good ranking is to choose your subject and then read as much information as you can on each of your choices of College. You will get the best discernible information from people who have proceeded you.

So why study abroad? Moving anywhere to study opens new doors to you, it will broaden your horizons while simultaneously allowing you to network with connections a world away. As we all know the friends we make in College are the friends we keep for life, even more so when we work together in the future. SSP Colleges offer this unique and rewarding experience to all students willing to work hard and adapt to the culture changes resulting from studying in a foreign country.