Oma’s story is one of resilience, determination, and strategic planning. At 39 years old, she achieved her dream of becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) alongside her family. Her journey wasn’t without setbacks, but with professional guidance and timely action, she was able to turn challenges into opportunities. Here’s how Oma’s immigration success unfolded.
A Sacrifice for Quality Education
Oma arrived in Canada as an international student in 2021, leaving behind her husband and two children in Nigeria. She enrolled in a postgraduate program, successfully completed her studies, and transitioned to a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
With a mix of Canadian and foreign work experience, spouse education and language abilities, and the added advantage of Canadian education and having a sibling who is a Canadian CItizen, she created her Express Entry profile. In October 2023, Oma received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), but her PR application was returned as incomplete in February 2024 due to an issue with the police clearance she included in her submission.
The Setback: A Returned Application
Having her application returned was devastating. It not only delayed her PR process but also jeopardized her ability to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) as her PGWP was set expired in November 2024. Recognizing the importance of acting quickly, Oma reached out to our team for help.
Rebuilding and Strengthening Her Profile
During our consultation, we identified areas for improvement and strategies to enhance her Express Entry profile as well as other potential pathways she could explore to transition to permanent resident. We worked with her to recreate her profile and during the service, some key take aways were
Police Clearance Review: We advised on the correct process and documentation required to address the earlier police clearance issue.
Maximizing CRS Points:
We identified missed points related to her Canadian education.
With her birthday approaching, Oma was set to lose 5 points. We strategized to counteract this loss with the additional points
Thorough NOC Alignment:
Oma’s work experience included roles such as:
Home Support Worker (NOC 33102)
Community Living Aid (NOC 33102)
Frontline Shelter Worker (NOC 42201)
Senior Business Analyst (NOC 21222)
Executive Assistant (foreign experience) (NOC 62023)
We ensured the right NOC was selected to match all of her experience through a detailed NOC analysis of her employment reference letters.
4. Boosting CRS Score:
Oma’s new profile scored 458, a 10-point increase from her original score.
The Breakthrough: ITA in the Healthcare Draw
In July 2024, Oma received an ITA under a healthcare-targeted Express Entry draw with a cutoff of 445 points. Her experience in healthcare roles, a priority sector for IRCC, played a pivotal role in securing her ITA.
Submitting a Strong PR Application
With her ITA, we worked closely with Oma to prepare a meticulous application. By the submission of her application in August 2024, she had gained 2 years of Canadian Experience ( Post-ITA) additional points for two years of Canadian work experience, further increasing her score to 469. Every document for Oma, her spouse, and her two children was reviewed to ensure compliance with IRCC requirements. In August 2024, her PR application was submitted, and three months later, Oma and her family were approved for permanent residency.
Lessons from Oma’s Journey
Canadian Education Boosts CRS Scores: Studying in Canada not only provided Oma with a quality education but also significantly improved her eligibility for PR.
Healthcare Work Experience Matters: Oma’s healthcare roles aligned with IRCC priorities, giving her an edge in the targeted healthcare draw.
Act Quickly After Setbacks: Oma didn’t let her returned application deter her. By seeking professional guidance, she avoided repeating mistakes and strengthened her profile.
Expert Guidance Mitigates Risks: While her initial application was self-prepared, partnering with us ensured her resubmitted application met IRCC standards and addressed all concerns.
Oma’s journey highlights the importance of strategic planning, timely action, and expert support in navigating Canada’s immigration pathways. If you’re facing challenges or looking to maximize your chances of success, let Oma’s story inspire you to seek the right guidance.
Are you ready to write your own success story? Contact us today to get started!
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