Thread by @ThinkCanadaVisa

Our first FREE information session starts now, you can follow #ImmigrationCorner to keep up with the conversation!

Canada is fast becoming the choice destination for many immigrants to live and contribute to the country's economy. There are more than 60 immigration programs for foreign nationals interested in immigrating to Canada. #ImmigrationCorner

While many of the 60 programs are for temporary residents (visitors, students, and temporary workers), the Express Entry system is the most popular route through which permanent resident applications are accepted and processed. #ImmigrationCorner

The Express Entry system is an umbrella body for economic/skilled immigrants to immigrate to Canada. Economic/skilled immigrants are foreign nationals who are well educated, have skilled work experience from home or in Canada, have official language ability,etc #ImmigrationCorner

In 2017, a goal of 300,000 new permanent residents was set, with nearly 58% from the economic class, 28% from family sponsorship/reunification, and 14% from refugees and humanitarian applicants. This has been reviewed for the years 2018 to 2020. #ImmigrationCorner

Starting from 2018, Canada has set a new target of nearly one million permanent residents in 3 years. 310,000 in 2018; 330,000 in 2019; and 340,000 in 2020. A large percentage of these immigrants would expectedly come from the economic/skilled immigrants. #ImmigrationCorner

The Government of Canada believes that newcomers play a vital role in the society, that skilled immigrants are required as Five million Canadians are set to retire by 2035, and that there are fewer people working to support seniors and retirees. #ImmigrationCorner

The Express Entry which started in 2015 as a point-based system, thus accepts applications from interested skilled/economic immigrants in 3 categories of Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) & Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs. #ImmigrationCorner

In summary, FSW is for applicants with work experience OUTSIDE Canada, FST is for applicants with experience in 6 selected trades (details here bit.ly/2EuWtGo) & CEC is for applicants with work experience in Canada. Today, we are focusing on the FSW #ImmigrationCorner

Foreign nationals who are applying for permanent residence in Canada & using a skilled work experience from another country may be eligible for the FSW, if the work is at least one year of paid full-time or equal amount in part-time, and is a skilled employment #ImmigrationCorner

The work experience for a Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) must also fall within Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system of 0, A or B, and must be a work held/done within the last 10 years. Details available at bit.ly/2Cvr2XZ #ImmigrationCorner

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's platform for grouping jobs according to skills and types. Level 0 is Management jobs, Level A is professional jobs, Level B is technical jobs, Level C is intermediate jobs, and level D is labour jobs. #ImmigrationCorner

#SideNote for our Nigerian friends, a one-year experience during NYSC, even if it is in a teaching profession may be acceptable as a skilled work under the NOC Level A (professional jobs). To search for your NOC job classification, visit bit.ly/2i5G8Ls #ImmigrationCorner

The FSW determines the eligibility of applicants on a six selection factors of language skills, education, experience, age, arranged employment (if any), and adaptability (i.e past study in Canada, spouse English ability, relatives who are citizens or PRs, etc) #ImmigrationCorner

Interested applicants are expected to score not lower than 67 out of 100 points in the 6 selection factors to be eligible to immigrate to Canada. Details of the points available for each of the six factors are available at bit.ly/2EuWtGo #ImmigrationCorner

To prove language skills & receive necessary point(s), you need to take either the IELTS General test or CELPIP General test. Right now, CELPIP is only available in Canada,UAE, Philippines & United States. Applicants in other countries are advised to take IELTS #ImmigrationCorner

You must also do Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for any degree earned OUTSIDE Canada if you want to earn points for the degree. Applicants can assess only the highest degree. For instance, a BSc and Masters holder can assess Masters alone to gain points. #ImmigrationCorner

To evaluate your degree, you mostly need a copy of your transcript sent officially to the assessment organization, and a copy of your certificate sent by you (the applicant). The list of designated organizations for ECA is available at bit.ly/2nUNPGE #ImmigrationCorner

The designated organizations for the Education Credential Assessment (ECA) have different required fees and processing time, so please view the list on the link provided above and decide which is appropriate for you. Also start your ECA as soon as possible! #ImmigrationCorner

To know your eligibility point out of the required 67/100 in the six selection factors for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), you will at least need to have your IELTS or CELPIP score ready, know the category of the degree you have & get your ECA underway to apply. #ImmigrationCorner

If you have done your English language test, but having difficulties determining your eligibility, please feel free to fill the assessment form on our website, and we would be more than willing to help you. The form is available at thinkcanadavisa.ca/assessment #ImmigrationCorner

Your language test score is a very important part of your eligibility to immigrate to Canada as a skilled/economic immigrant under Express Entry. The minimum required score is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 7), but we advise you to aim higher than this. #ImmigrationCorner

If you have language ability in the French Language, you can also write a second official language test in French to increase your points and chances, remember this is a point-based immigration program, so the more the better. #ImmigrationCorner

Whoops! Looks like a long day already! Permit us to end today's information session here. Now you know what Express Entry is, and that the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program fits you best as a foreign national, with work experience OUTSIDE Canada #ImmigrationCorner

What then happens after eligibility to immigrate to Canada? What is Express Entry Pool? How are Candidates invited? How are minimum scores for Invitation decided? How long does it take? For answers to these, join us next Friday, 12-2pm CST; 7-9pm Nigerian time! #ImmigrationCorner

If you have any question or need clarification, please feel free to ask us on the TL, email us ([e-mail]) or send them to our DM, we are always happy to be of help! We look forward to welcoming you to Canada. Thank you, Merci beaucoup! #ImmigrationCorner

We are randomly selecting some of the questions we just received and answers will be provided for the questions shortly... Please stay tuned #ImmigrationCorner

Question one: If applying as a family, should a spouse evaluate their credentials & write language test?

Answer: Yes, it is advisable if they are immigrating with you. You can receive more points under "Spouse factors" to increase your points/eligibility. #immigrationcorner

Question Two: Do I need to apply for my children separately?

Answer: No you do not have to, your children can be listed in your application as a dependent if they are aged 21 and under. There are also some exceptions made for children aged 22 and older #immigrationcorner

Question Three: Do I need a job offer in Canada to apply to become a Permanent Resident?

Answer: No, it only gives you more points if you do. 90% of those who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the first half of 2017 did not have a Canadian job offer #immigrationcorner