Is There Still Hope for Express Entry or Nomination? Chemical Engineer with 8 Yrs Experience

[chemEmanju]

Hello everyone,

I lived in Canada from 2010 to 2017—3.5 years as a Master’s student in Engineering (Saskatchewan), followed by another 3.5 years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

I returned to India around late 2017 due to personal reasons, while my Express Entry application was still in progress. However, it was later rejected due to insufficient proof of funds, and I also lacked Canadian skilled work experience at the time

Now, I’m planning to apply again through Express Entry or hoping to get any provincial nomination. However, it feels like the pathway to PR has become much more competitive and uncertain lately.

I have a background in Chemical Engineering and 8 years of experience as a Process Engineer in India.
I took the IELTS in 2022 and scored 8.0 overall, so language isn’t a barrier. I’ve also secured the required proof of funds now.

I’d really appreciate any insights into the current Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) landscape for someone with my profile.
If Canada isn’t a viable option anymore, I’m also considering immigration to Australia, New Zealand, or European countries.

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello everyone,

I lived in Canada from 2010 to 2017—3.5 years as a Master’s student in Engineering (Saskatchewan), followed by another 3.5 years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

I returned to India around late 2017 due to personal reasons, while my Express Entry application was still in progress. However, it was later rejected due to insufficient proof of funds, and I also lacked Canadian skilled work experience at the time

Now, I’m planning to apply again through Express Entry or hoping to get any provincial nomination. However, it feels like the pathway to PR has become much more competitive and uncertain lately.

I have a background in Chemical Engineering and 8 years of experience as a Process Engineer in India.
I took the IELTS in 2022 and scored 8.0 overall, so language isn’t a barrier. I’ve also secured the required proof of funds now.

I’d really appreciate any insights into the current Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) landscape for someone with my profile.
If Canada isn’t a viable option anymore, I’m also considering immigration to Australia, New Zealand, or European countries.

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

Without knowing your CRS score, hard to say but PNPs are probably not an option with the 50% cut in quotas and no job offer. Right now, EE focus is on those in Canada or those who are bilingual.

Look at the other countries you mentioned for PR.

 

[canuck78]

Hello everyone,

I lived in Canada from 2010 to 2017—3.5 years as a Master’s student in Engineering (Saskatchewan), followed by another 3.5 years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

I returned to India around late 2017 due to personal reasons, while my Express Entry application was still in progress. However, it was later rejected due to insufficient proof of funds, and I also lacked Canadian skilled work experience at the time

Now, I’m planning to apply again through Express Entry or hoping to get any provincial nomination. However, it feels like the pathway to PR has become much more competitive and uncertain lately.

I have a background in Chemical Engineering and 8 years of experience as a Process Engineer in India.
I took the IELTS in 2022 and scored 8.0 overall, so language isn’t a barrier. I’ve also secured the required proof of funds now.

I’d really appreciate any insights into the current Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) landscape for someone with my profile.
If Canada isn’t a viable option anymore, I’m also considering immigration to Australia, New Zealand, or European countries.

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

8.0 is no longer considered very strong language score and many score higher to try and maximize their language skills. Many are even learning French to try yo secure PR. You have also likely lost your Canadian experience points due to length of time and you will have lost points due to age since it has been around a decade since you applied for PR.

 

[scylla]

Hello everyone,

I lived in Canada from 2010 to 2017—3.5 years as a Master’s student in Engineering (Saskatchewan), followed by another 3.5 years on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

I returned to India around late 2017 due to personal reasons, while my Express Entry application was still in progress. However, it was later rejected due to insufficient proof of funds, and I also lacked Canadian skilled work experience at the time

Now, I’m planning to apply again through Express Entry or hoping to get any provincial nomination. However, it feels like the pathway to PR has become much more competitive and uncertain lately.

I have a background in Chemical Engineering and 8 years of experience as a Process Engineer in India.
I took the IELTS in 2022 and scored 8.0 overall, so language isn’t a barrier. I’ve also secured the required proof of funds now.

I’d really appreciate any insights into the current Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) landscape for someone with my profile.
If Canada isn’t a viable option anymore, I’m also considering immigration to Australia, New Zealand, or European countries.

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

PNP likely isn't an option without a job offer in Canada.

For Express Entry, I don't think you would have enough points to be selected. As you said, it's more competitive now than when you originally applied. Learn French to a CLB7 level to increase your score and also qualify for the French draws. This is likely your best bet.

You'll have to research immigration programs for other countries separately.

 

[chemEmanju]

PNP likely isn't an option without a job offer in Canada.

For Express Entry, I don't think you would have enough points to be selected. As you said, it's more competitive now than when you originally applied. Learn French to a CLB7 level to increase your score and also qualify for the French draws. This is likely your best bet.

You'll have to research immigration programs for other countries separately.

Thanks for the reply, I thought having connection with Saskatchewan might make my chance easier, but it seems like I am at the far end of the queue. Will try to get French language proficiency and apply for the EE.

 

[chemEmanju]

8.0 is no longer considered very strong language score and many score higher to try and maximize their language skills. Many are even learning French to try yo secure PR. You have also likely lost your Canadian experience points due to length of time and you will have lost points due to age since it has been around a decade since you applied for PR.

Thanks, yeah I am aware of the long gap after my Canadian experience. I will give my best effort and see if I still have any shot.
earlier in 2017 and 2018 the EE draws were happening thrice a month and the CRS dropped to the lowest near 415. I can only wish that will happen again.