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Would I be eligible for PR?

mikefox299

Star Member
Nov 24, 2015
131
54
In a year or so, I will be graduating with a master's degree from a Canadian university and will be applying for a PGWP (16 months), right after I apply for the PGWP, my plan is to apply for the FSWP. I'm reading a lot of conflicting information regarding my eligibility, so would like to consult some of you here. Upon graduation my profile would be as follows:

- 25 years old - single (never married)
- 1 year (and 3 months) of full-time foreign work experience
- Unemployed for 1 year and 7 months after the full-time working experience (before starting the Masters in Canada)
- 0 years of experience in Canada
- IELTS 8.0 Overall
- 20k CAD in funds
- Masters degree from Canada

I used the official cic website to calculate my score, and it is 483 (for now). Looking at the cut-off scores for the ITAs, mine well-exceeds the minimum scores for the last decade.

Based on the profile above, would I be eligible for the FSWP or am I worrying too much?
Additionally, should I apply for the PR (enter the pool) immediately after applying for the PGWP or should I wait until it's issued?

Thank you in advance!
 

sandra.velosa

Member
Dec 6, 2018
17
1
In a year or so, I will be graduating with a master's degree from a Canadian university and will be applying for a PGWP (16 months), right after I apply for the PGWP, my plan is to apply for the FSWP. I'm reading a lot of conflicting information regarding my eligibility, so would like to consult some of you here. Upon graduation my profile would be as follows:

- 25 years old - single (never married)
- 1 year (and 3 months) of full-time foreign work experience
- Unemployed for 1 year and 7 months after the full-time working experience (before starting the Masters in Canada)
- 0 years of experience in Canada
- IELTS 8.0 Overall
- 20k CAD in funds
- Masters degree from Canada

I used the official cic website to calculate my score, and it is 483 (for now). Looking at the cut-off scores for the ITAs, mine well-exceeds the minimum scores for the last decade.

Based on the profile above, would I be eligible for the FSWP or am I worrying too much?
Additionally, should I apply for the PR (enter the pool) immediately after applying for the PGWP or should I wait until it's issued?

Thank you in advance!

Hi,

From the information you have provided your profile seems strong enough to grant you an ITA.
I suggest job searching prior to graduating because, securing employment can take up to six months.
Since having at least one year of Canadian work experience grants you more points you want to be proactive even before applying for a PGWP. I would create a profile after working a year in Canada. However, if your score is 483 as of now then you should be fine considering the most recent score was 470.
Please note some provinces have PNP programs for individuals with Master's. however, it depends in what province you reside in.
I am curious to know what conflicting information you have gotten, if you don't mind sharing?

is there a reason why you are not applying as of now?

Please check this website out:
https://moving2canada.com/pnp-canada-live-tracker/
They have PNP tracker.

Hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Sandra Velosa
 

mikefox299

Star Member
Nov 24, 2015
131
54
Hi,

From the information you have provided your profile seems strong enough to grant you an ITA.
I suggest job searching prior to graduating because, securing employment can take up to six months.
Since having at least one year of Canadian work experience grants you more points you want to be proactive even before applying for a PGWP. I would create a profile after working a year in Canada. However, if your score is 483 as of now then you should be fine considering the most recent score was 470.
Please note some provinces have PNP programs for individuals with Master's. however, it depends in what province you reside in.
I am curious to know what conflicting information you have gotten, if you don't mind sharing?

is there a reason why you are not applying as of now?

Please check this website out:
https://moving2canada.com/pnp-canada-live-tracker/
They have PNP tracker.

Hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Sandra Velosa
Hey Sandra, sorry for taking too long to respond. Really need to enable email notifications already.

I'm hopeful I'll find work after graduation if not before, since my profession is in demand in Manitoba. The reason why I want to apply straight to the FSWP is because it's the fastest and most direct route, since I exceed the cut-off score, hence should be invited within 2 weeks of entering the candidate pool upon graduation.

As far as I'm aware the Manitoba PNP for masters students requires local work experience of 6+ months. By the looks of it I won't be needing the extra points, so I should be covered.

The reason I haven't applied yet is because I haven't started my masters program yet, it will be starting next month and ending in Dec 2020. I'll work on getting all the documents (degree evaluation, ielts...etc.) done before graduation. And once I receive the letter from university informing me that I have completed my program, I will immediately apply for a PGWP, which I would qualify for for 16 months.

From your experience, do you reckon I should wait for the PGWP to be issued to apply for PR (put my name in the pool) or can I apply to both simultaneously?

As for the conflicting info, it was some people claiming I needed to work in Canada for X number of years, others claiming I need more than 16 months to get the PR...etc. Which from a little research, I believe to be non-sense.
 

sandra.velosa

Member
Dec 6, 2018
17
1
Hey Sandra, sorry for taking too long to respond. Really need to enable email notifications already.

I'm hopeful I'll find work after graduation if not before, since my profession is in demand in Manitoba. The reason why I want to apply straight to the FSWP is because it's the fastest and most direct route, since I exceed the cut-off score, hence should be invited within 2 weeks of entering the candidate pool upon graduation.

As far as I'm aware the Manitoba PNP for masters students requires local work experience of 6+ months. By the looks of it I won't be needing the extra points, so I should be covered.

The reason I haven't applied yet is because I haven't started my masters program yet, it will be starting next month and ending in Dec 2020. I'll work on getting all the documents (degree evaluation, ielts...etc.) done before graduation. And once I receive the letter from university informing me that I have completed my program, I will immediately apply for a PGWP, which I would qualify for for 16 months.

From your experience, do you reckon I should wait for the PGWP to be issued to apply for PR (put my name in the pool) or can I apply to both simultaneously?

As for the conflicting info, it was some people claiming I needed to work in Canada for X number of years, others claiming I need more than 16 months to get the PR...etc. Which from a little research, I believe to be non-sense.

Hi,

from the information you have provided in order to apply for a PGWP you should have graduated/completed your studies. However, you say that you have not yet started your masters?

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html

However, this should not be a reason not to enter the express entry pool. I would initiate the process by making a profile and updating if needed once you have completed your education. Your profile will be valid up to a year. As long, as it doesn't expire you can update education, language scores etc.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Regards,
 

mikefox299

Star Member
Nov 24, 2015
131
54
Hi,

from the information you have provided in order to apply for a PGWP you should have graduated/completed your studies. However, you say that you have not yet started your masters?

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html

However, this should not be a reason not to enter the express entry pool. I would initiate the process by making a profile and updating if needed once you have completed your education. Your profile will be valid up to a year. As long, as it doesn't expire you can update education, language scores etc.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Regards,
I'm well aware that I need to finish my studies to apply to PGWP. I was just wondering whether I could put my name in the PR candidates pool while waiting for the PGWP to be issued, which might take up to 90 days.

And since we're at it, can you kindly confirm the following, this is what how I understand the process will work:

1- Put name down in FSWP pool
2- Get an ITA within a week or 2 since I will have a score of 483
3- Gather documents, medical checks...etc. and book an interview with the Canadan visa office
4- Wait around 6 months to receive my PR
5- Wait an additional week or 2 to receive the PR card

Am I missing something? Additionally, what are my chances of being accepted as a PR if I get an ITA?
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
I'm well aware that I need to finish my studies to apply to PGWP. I was just wondering whether I could put my name in the PR candidates pool while waiting for the PGWP to be issued, which might take up to 90 days.

And since we're at it, can you kindly confirm the following, this is what how I understand the process will work:

1- Put name down in FSWP pool
2- Get an ITA within a week or 2 since I will have a score of 483
3- Gather documents, medical checks...etc. and book an interview with the Canadan visa office
4- Wait around 6 months to receive my PR
5- Wait an additional week or 2 to receive the PR card

Am I missing something? Additionally, what are my chances of being accepted as a PR if I get an ITA?
You can put your name in the pool at any time (including while you are waiting for your PGWP).

Processing time once you submit your complete application can be six months or less - but can also take a number of months longer (some wait over a year). Each application is individual so hard to predict your processing time. There is almost never an interview required.

No one can tell you what your chances are of being accepted as a PR after ITA. This will depend on the completeness of your application (e.g. job experience letters) and other documents.
 

mikefox299

Star Member
Nov 24, 2015
131
54
You can put your name in the pool at any time (including while you are waiting for your PGWP).

Processing time once you submit your complete application can be six months or less - but can also take a number of months longer (some wait over a year). Each application is individual so hard to predict your processing time. There is almost never an interview required.

No one can tell you what your chances are of being accepted as a PR after ITA. This will depend on the completeness of your application (e.g. job experience letters) and other documents.
Thanks for the heads up, I was under the impression that an interview was required for all applications. I'll make sure to have all my documents in check before I put my name down in the pool (while I'm waiting for my PGWP), since I want the process to be as smooth as possible.

Employment letter is a piece of cake, since I've only worked full-time at 1 company, and it's a major international firm. Any clue if I will be needing to request payslips? Or should a statement (on official letterhead and signed and stamped by HR) stating that I've worked for them from X to Y at this position be enough?

Since you're a VIP member and seem to be very knowledgeable, I might as well ask you whether I will need to evaluate my undergraduate degree obtained in another country? Or will post-graduate (Masters) degree that I will obtain in Canada be enough?
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Thanks for the heads up, I was under the impression that an interview was required for all applications. I'll make sure to have all my documents in check before I put my name down in the pool (while I'm waiting for my PGWP), since I want the process to be as smooth as possible.

Employment letter is a piece of cake, since I've only worked full-time at 1 company, and it's a major international firm. Any clue if I will be needing to request payslips? Or should a statement (on official letterhead and signed and stamped by HR) stating that I've worked for them from X to Y at this position be enough?

Since you're a VIP member and seem to be very knowledgeable, I might as well ask you whether I will need to evaluate my undergraduate degree obtained in another country? Or will post-graduate (Masters) degree that I will obtain in Canada be enough?
I would recommend you spend more time looking into what's required for a complete application package. You can find this information on the IRCC website or any number of existing discussions on this forum in the Express Entry section. A simple letter stating from your employer that you've worked for them from x to y dates isn't sufficient and will end in refusal.
 

mikefox299

Star Member
Nov 24, 2015
131
54
I would recommend you spend more time looking into what's required for a complete application package. You can find this information on the IRCC website or any number of existing discussions on this forum in the Express Entry section. A simple letter stating from your employer that you've worked for them from x to y dates isn't sufficient and will end in refusal.
Thanks for the help! Should have read the sticky first, tonnes of useful info. Going to drop it here in case anyone else finds this through the search.

Can you shed some light regarding whether I will need an ECA evaluation for my undergrad, or would getting a higher level education at a DLI negate that?

Straight from the CIC website:

The following documents are mandatory for each work experience declared:

  • a reference or experience letter from the employer, which
    • should be an official document printed on company letterhead (must include the applicant’s name, the company’s contact information [address, telephone number and email address], and the name, title and signature of the immediate supervisor or personnel officer at the company),
    • should indicate all positions held while employed at the company and must include the following details: job title, duties and responsibilities, job status (if current job), dates worked for the company, number of work hours per week and annual salary plus benefits; and
    • if the applicant is self-employed, articles of incorporation or other evidence of business ownership, evidence of self-employment income and documentation from third-party individuals indicating the service provided along with payment details (self-declared main duties or affidavits are not acceptable proof of self-employed work experience).
    • If the work experience is in Canada, proof may include copies of T4 tax information slips and notices of assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (the time period for these documents should reflect the work experience timeframe [e.g., work experience from 2006 to 2008 requires only documents from those calendar years]).
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
92,538
20,358
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
Thanks for the help! Should have read the sticky first, tonnes of useful info. Going to drop it here in case anyone else finds this through the search.

Can you shed some light regarding whether I will need an ECA evaluation for my undergrad, or would getting a higher level education at a DLI negate that?

Straight from the CIC website:

The following documents are mandatory for each work experience declared:

  • a reference or experience letter from the employer, which
    • should be an official document printed on company letterhead (must include the applicant’s name, the company’s contact information [address, telephone number and email address], and the name, title and signature of the immediate supervisor or personnel officer at the company),
    • should indicate all positions held while employed at the company and must include the following details: job title, duties and responsibilities, job status (if current job), dates worked for the company, number of work hours per week and annual salary plus benefits; and
    • if the applicant is self-employed, articles of incorporation or other evidence of business ownership, evidence of self-employment income and documentation from third-party individuals indicating the service provided along with payment details (self-declared main duties or affidavits are not acceptable proof of self-employed work experience).
    • If the work experience is in Canada, proof may include copies of T4 tax information slips and notices of assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (the time period for these documents should reflect the work experience timeframe [e.g., work experience from 2006 to 2008 requires only documents from those calendar years]).
You really need to move over to the Express Entry section of the forum. This is where topics related to the Express Entry stream are discussed in detail. There are multiple threads there dealing with ECA.