Leaving behind family might be a difficult thought when embarking on a new chapter in a foreign nation. Thankfully, the Express Entry system understands the importance of keeping families together, making it possible for your loved ones to join you on this exciting path. Whether you’re looking to include your spouse, children, or other dependents, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need. From understanding what LMIA means to navigating the complexities of Express Entry draws, we’ve got you covered. Welcome to your comprehensive guide on bringing your family to Canada!
Understanding Express Entry
Canada’s main system for handling immigration applications for skilled workers is the Express Entry system. Candidates are ranked using the point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest scorers are invited to apply for permanent residence.There are three primary programmes in the system.:
Who Can Apply Through Express Entry?
Applying through Express Entry requires meeting specific eligibility criteria designed to assess a candidate’s potential to succeed in Canada. Key factors include:
- Age: Younger candidates typically score higher points, reflecting their potential for a longer contribution to the workforce.
- Education: Higher levels of education, such as a university degree, attract more points.
- Work Experience: Skilled work experience, especially in occupations in demand in Canada, is highly valued.
- Language Proficiency: High scores in English or French language tests (such as IELTS or CELPIP) significantly boost your CRS score.
- Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer, particularly one supported by a positive LMIA, can add considerable points to your profile.
Meeting these criteria and strategically enhancing your profile can significantly improve your chances of being selected in an Express Entry draw.
Express Entry Draws
Express Entry draws are a key component of the immigration process. The minimum CRS score required for an invitation varies with each draw, reflecting the current composition of the pool and Canada’s immigration targets. Staying informed about recent trends and changes in the Express Entry draws can help you better prepare and optimize your profile.
LMIA: What Does It Mean?
Before employing a foreign worker, Canadian firms are required to acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA. An LMIA serves as proof that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill a specific job role and that no qualified Canadian worker is available to do the job. A candidate’s standing in the Express Entry pool may be greatly impacted by a positive LMIA. Your CRS score may increase by 50 to 200 points, contingent on the job category, making you a far more competitive applicant.
Adding Family Members to Your Application for Express Entry
Family is the cornerstone of life, and the Canadian immigration system recognizes this by allowing you to include certain family members in your Express Entry application. Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or common-law partner: This can be your legally married partner or someone with whom you’ve lived in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.
- Dependent children: Dependent children are those under 22 who are not married or living together under common law. In some cases, children over 22 can also be considered dependent if they have been financially reliant on you due to a physical or mental condition.
- Dependent children of your spouse or common-law partner: These children must meet the same criteria as your own dependent children.
- Dependent children of dependent children: This category includes grandchildren who rely on their parents (your dependent children).
Including these family members ensures that your transition to a new life in Canada is smoother and more fulfilling, as you’ll have your loved ones by your side.
Family Members Who Cannot Be Included
Despite the broad inclusivity of the Express Entry system, there are certain family members who cannot be included as dependents in your initial application. These include:
- Parents: Although they are not eligible to be included in your Express Entry application, you can still sponsor them in the future to bring your parents to Canada by using the Family Sponsorship Programme.
- Grandparents: Like parents, grandparents can be sponsored separately through specific programs designed for family reunification.
- Siblings: Brothers and sisters are not considered dependents under Express Entry and thus cannot be included.
- Extended family: This includes uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and other relatives who do not qualify as dependents under the Express Entry criteria.
Understanding these limitations helps in planning and exploring alternative pathways for bringing these family members to Canada.
Proving Family Relationships
One of the essential steps in including your family members in your Express Entry application is providing proof of your relationships. This typically involves submitting legal documents that verify the familial ties. For instance:
- It is necessary to have a marriage certificate to verify your relationship with your spouse.
- Birth certificates or adoption papers are necessary to establish the relationship with your children.
- For common-law partners, you must provide a declaration of your relationship, which is a form provided by IRCC. Additionally, you’ll need evidence of cohabitation for at least 12 months, such as utility bills, joint bank account statements, or rental agreements.
Gathering and submitting these documents accurately is crucial for the successful inclusion of your family members in your application.
Boosting Your CRS Score with Your Spouse
Including your spouse or common-law partner in your Express Entry application can be highly beneficial. Your spouse can contribute points to your CRS score based on their qualifications. They can earn points for:
- Education: Higher education levels contribute more points.
- Work experience: Relevant skilled work experience adds to your total score.
- Language proficiency: High scores in language tests (English or French) enhance your CRS score.
In some cases, your spouse might have a stronger profile than you. If this is the case, consider making them the primary applicant to maximize your chances of being selected in an Express Entry draw.
Getting Married During Express Entry
Life doesn’t stop for immigration processes, and you might find yourself getting married during the Express Entry process. If this happens, it’s crucial to inform IRCC of your new marital status. Your spouse’s admissibility will impact your application, even if they do not plan to accompany you to Canada immediately. Ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as a valid marriage certificate, and notify IRCC promptly. This update is essential for keeping your application accurate and ensuring a smooth process.
Improving Your Express Entry Score
Boosting your CRS score is pivotal to enhancing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Here are some strategies to improve your score:
- Retake language tests: Achieving higher scores in English or French language tests can significantly increase your CRS score.
- Gain more skilled work experience: Additional work experience in your field can add valuable points to your profile.
- Pursue further education: Higher education levels and obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees can contribute to your score.
- Secure a job offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer, especially one with a positive LMIA, can provide a substantial boost to your CRS score.
Implementing these strategies effectively can make a significant difference in your ranking within the Express Entry pool.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system with your family is an achievable and rewarding goal. With Cougar Immigration by your side, you can ensure a smooth journey for you and your family. Our expertise in Express Entry and family sponsorship will help you every step of the way. Trust Cougar Immigration to make your dream of living in Canada a reality, keeping your loved ones close. Ready to start your journey? Let Cougar Immigration guide you to a new beginning in Canada.
