Express Entry/PNP/Expression of Interest and Job Bank

[vikipickles]

So I submitted my application to CIC last week with a score of 421 based on my degree and my skilled work experience here in BC (based over the last two years). I live in BC, have done for the last 2-3 years in a skilled job and my visa expires in mid November.

I got an email saying I should register with Job Bank but my first question is this:

1. I currently have a job in BC that I could continue to keep if my residency were to go through (I wasn't sure if it was worth getting a job offer letter from my employer). Is the Job Bank purely for people who are looking for a job in Canada or is part of the Express Entry system that I need to have job offers lined up so I can prove I am in demand and therefore an asset? Would a job offer letter from my current employer be the same as using Job Bank to secure a job offer? Is Job Bank a necessity for Express Entry or is it just to help people find a job?

I then received an email saying that Ontario has expressed interest in nominating me for PNP which was totally unexpected as because I have 421 points I didn't even consider going through PNP, maybe foolishly but it seemed an unnecessary step when I was so close to the threshold, as I can bump my points up to 450 by retaking my english test or staying with my job for the rest of my visa. I know the EoI is valid for 45 days and realistically I am unlikely to receive another invitation from another province so this could be the best option. So my second question is:

2. How do I go about applying for PNP with Ontario and I was looking at their FAQ's and the information is unclear so I can't tell if I even qualify? The info seems to be that I need to have experience within Ontario so I don't understand why they would send the EoI if I don't even qualify? Is it an automated system or would they have reviewed my profile and know that my experience is in BC? Would I need to have a job offer secured in Ontario?

The whole PNP thing is complete news to me so any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[achan88]

1. Job bank registration is required for your EE profile to be eligible. You will get a registration number which links your EE profile with the Job Bank.

2. As far as I know, you will have to prepare the application packet as per the Ontario PNP requirements and send it to them . All the info is on their website. I don't know why it says you need Ontario experience. If you have the EoI letter, then you can submit the application.

 

[ContactFront]

1. Job bank registration is required for your EE profile to be eligible. You will get a registration number which links your EE profile with the Job Bank.

2. As far as I know, you will have to prepare the application packet as per the Ontario PNP requirements and send it to them . All the info is on their website. I don't know why it says you need Ontario experience. If you have the EoI letter, then you can submit the application.

Job bank registration is no longer mandatory since June

 

[achan88]

Job bank registration is no longer mandatory since June

Oh OK. I did not know that. It was like that when I created my profile.

 

[ContactFront]

You don't need to have work experience in ON to receive an invitation. As long as you indicate in your profile you intend to reside in ON as a PR, you could be invited.
If you can bump your points by scoring higher in IELTS then you probably don't need to bother with it. Otherwise it's a surefire way to get you an ITA. It's your call.

You can find more info on OINP here.
http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/OI_PNP_EE.html

 

[vikipickles]

Thanks for the advice. I looked at the skilled trade requirements and it says that I must be living in Ontario, so I don't understand how this has happened. This is what it says. Number 3 is the thing that screws me and I don't understand why I'd receive the EoI letter if I wasn't eligible?

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Criteria
To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following provincial criteria:

1. Work Experience: A minimum of 12 months of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) work experience in Ontario within two years from the date of your Notification of Interest from Ontario. Work experience must be in a skilled trade occupation listed in Minor Group 633 or Major Group 72, 73, or 82 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
2. Trade Certification (if required): A trade license or certification from the Ontario College of Trades if working/have worked in an occupation in Ontario that requires a license or certification.
3. Current Residence in Ontario: Currently residing in Ontario on a valid work permit.
4. Language: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in English or in French.
5. Settlement Funds: A minimum level of savings or income to support you and your family members.
6. Intent: An intention to live in Ontario

I'm going to retake my English test anyway but just confused about whether I should pursue this PNP as it seems that it wouldn't work given that I live in BC.

Thanks!