Canada and the U.K. have a lot in common, even beyond the past colonial relationship. Parts of Canada share similar customs and traditions as the U.K., which can seem familiar to British citizens. Add in the robust economy and the spaciousness of this large country with its relatively low population and it’s not surprising that many Brits consider immigrating to Canada.
For those who are considering immigration to Canada from the U.K., understanding a bit about the immigration programs is a good place to start. If you want to live in Canada permanently, you will need to target an immigration program that leads to permanent residency.
The Express Entry System
If you are a skilled worker, you can use the Express Entry system to apply to immigrate to Canada. This system collects the profiles of potential immigrants who could be eligible to enter the country under the Federal Skilled Workers Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) created these three programs is to select immigrants who have the skills and experience to work in and contribute to the economy.
To start, applicants create an online profile in the Express Entry system. Based on the information you put into your profile, you will be assigned points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Criteria such as work experience, education, language ability (English and/or French), and valid job offers will score more points and rank an applicant higher in the pool. To provide proof of education or training, applicants may have to complete an Educational Credential Assessment.
Once you have been admitted to the Express Entry pool, you could receive an invitation from IRCC to apply for permanent residency. These invitations are issued only to applicants who meet a certain standard in the CRS.
Job Offers and Immigration
One of the biggest questions potential immigrants have is whether they need a job offer before creating an Express Entry profile. It is not a requirement. You can create a profile before you have received a valid job offer. The government helps applicants find available jobs by making the federal Job Bank service accessible. The Job Bank service helps match skilled foreign workers with open jobs within Canada.
If you don’t have a valid job offer, be sure to make use of the Job Bank service to try to secure one. Remember, IRCC looks for immigrants who will make a contribution to the economy and that means working for a Canadian company.
Aside from showing open jobs, the Job Bank can also give you insight into what types of skills Canadian employers are looking for. You may see an opportunity to upgrade your skills or gain more relevant work experience in the U.K. The upgrade or experience could earn valuable CRS points.
