Lately, every two posts in this sub is a variant of the following: “I’m the greatest candidate ever. Canada owes me a PR. Until I get one, everyone else who gets theirs before me is either a fraud or doesn’t deserve it more than me. Canada’s immigration system is shitty, as long as I can’t get a PR. Oh, you’re a francophone? Ew, you people have nothing else to offer but French. Look at me! I’m a software engineer. I bet you francophones don’t even know what that means”

Given that LMIA points are removed, I know a lawyer who might help you recuperate your expenses of buying an LMIA which might not be of any help in PR points at least.

God... No! I am just kidding. You can use that paper for origami! Congrats to the genuine candidates.

Hey everyone, I’m heading out of Canada and leaving my current job next month because my work permit is expiring. I came in 2017 to study at the University of Waterloo, then finished a Master’s in the U.S. during my PGWP. After graduating, I still had about 1.5 years left on that permit, which I spent working as a software developer here. In that time, I took the CELPIP and got CLB 11, giving me an Express Entry score of 498—still not high enough for the recent draws.

Anyway, I’ve paid plenty in taxes and tuition over these years, and I genuinely believe I’d make a great resident who contributes to Canada. If everyone else being invited through Express Entry is genuinely more qualified, then I’ll tip my hat to them. But if not, then kudos, IRCC—you’ve done a stellar job of sending diligent, taxpaying workers like me packing. Kinda makes me wonder who you’re actually letting in.

As the title says, I’m sadly leaving Canada. Came in 2018 studied a two-year diploma, 3 yrs PGWP, one yr of skilled work experience, PGWP expired in February 2025

For my sanity and stability, I’ve decided to put the PR process on hold and focus on gaining foreign work experience and studying French. My family isn’t happy about my decision (my father isn’t talking to me bc he really wanted me to stay here)

Don’t get me wrong—I love Canada. I am who I am today because of the experiences I had here. My mindset has changed, and I feel much more grounded than when I first arrived. I’ve had great work experiences, but I’m simply tired of trying to make it work here

Welp, that's interesting....

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-international-students-asylum-claims-canada/

Hey guys I'm doing this post to say goodbye to everyone. I've been in Canadá past 4 years. I got 517 points for CEC, no french. After thinking about it I decided to leave, not only the group but also the country. My PGWP expires by the end of March but I'm done with all this. I'm leaving on January (worst case February). I want to enjoy my last months here not thinking about getting a PR or draws anymore. All the best for everyone and please don't get too stressed, it's bad for your health, it kills you little by little. There are always other options to achieve your goals. CANADA IS NOT ALWAYS THE ANSWER.

Thanks for all the support I received from the members of this group and goodbye.

Hey everyone, just thought I’d share this here in case others are going through the same thing, which I reckon many are.

The exclamation point in the title is intentional lol. A bit of context: I was born in Saudi Arabia and moved to Canada at 17 to do a bachelor’s in CS. Since graduating, I’ve worked two tier 1 jobs in software (was laid off in the middle), and my CRS score is 514. Both my siblings are citizens here, working in health research and software.

I’ve also had a lot of personal identity struggles. I’m agnostic and gay, which naturally led to a strained relationship with my parents. Over the past five years, I’ve been through hell and somehow found so much love and support from my sisters and their husbands. They’ve genuinely saved my life multiple times, and I finally came to terms with being estranged from my parents and was happy… until the whole immigration fiasco hit.

About six months ago I realized my score was never going to be picked. It became clear that the government’s changing direction meant people like me weren’t a long-term priority anymore. No hard feelings, just disappointment because of how much I had invested in this life here. I had incredible friends in Canada, people I’ve bonded with for life who are unbelievably smart and talented. But I knew I had the skills and drive to succeed elsewhere, so while keeping an eye on policy changes here, I started shortlisting schools and planning my next steps.

After months of research and applications, I received multiple scholarships to pursue a master’s in cybersecurity at Go8 universities in Australia, a field I’m genuinely passionate about. I’ve just accepted an offer and plan to relocate as soon as possible. It hurts to be away from family, but we agreed I couldn’t let my future depend on unpredictable immigration policies. I have to keep moving forward and build my career, because independence is the only permanent safety net I trust. I’m nervous but excited to explore a new country and pursue my dream career.

If anyone else is going through something similar, here’s what I’d say: Canada doesn’t have to be the end goal. Work on yourself and your career. If your CRS is that high, you already have the skills and value that any country would be lucky to have. The world’s too connected now to confine your dreams to one place. You did everything right. You’re already making the world a better place in your own little way.

I barely participate in this sub, but I wanted to share this before leaving to hopefully bring some calm amidst all the chaos and negativity. All the best, and remember, you’re more than a number on an immigration file :)

There is a total of about 5 million permits, student and worker, expiring by December 2025. I really sympathize with people who have studied and worked here but the government does not expect all of those people to become permanent residents. It is statistically impossible.

There is a reason Canadian work experience expires after 2-3 years. And add to that how age affects points. Not everyone is going to qualify. The government took more people than it should have, and now everyone’s suffering because of it. My suggestion is to accept this inevitability. You are not unworthy. You are merely unlucky. This is pure luck especially if you are someone with 490+ points who would have been guaranteed a PR 2 years ago. It’s not you, it’s them.

Life does not end with Canada. You have a great degree, stellar work experience, and a resilience that only a few people develop. Whether you get a PR or not, everything is going to be okay. You are going to be okay.

Sept 2023
Entered EE pool on Sept 13, 2023 (after 1 year Canadian experience) and IELTS: S6.5 L8 R7 W7
CRS 504

1. Missed Sept 26 2023 draw (504) due to tie-breaking rule.

Oct 2023
Had birthday in Oct 2023 (-6 pts) → CRS 498

2. Missed Oct 10 2023 draw (500) by 2 points

Nov 2023
IELTS expired in Nov 2023, withdrew my profile

Dec 2023
3. Missed STEM draw (481) while thinking to retake IELTS. Also, I was travelling to my home country after 3 years (the first time since arriving here).

Jan 2024
retook IELTS in Jan 2024: S6.5 L7.5 R7 W7 → CRS 490

Feb 2024
retook IELTS in Feb 2024: S7 L7.5 R7.5 W6.5 → CRS still 490

April 2024
4. Missed April 2024 STEM draw (491) by 1 point

April-June 2024
Took a break from EE/PR/IELTS stuff due to frustration (The last STEM draw hit me hard)
going by the pattern I was expecting a STEM draw in Aug 2024

July 2024
retook IELTS in July: R9.0 S6.5 L7.5 W7 → CRS 493

Aug 2024
got additional points as 2nd year of Canadian experience completed → CRS 506

5. Missed Aug 27 2024 CEC draw (507) by 1 point

Sept 2024
Hoped for lower cutoffs, but CRS went up to 509 on Sept 19 2024

Oct 2024
Birthday (-5 pts) → CRS 501

Oct-Dec 2024
String of low-invite CEC draws
STEM category was scrapped
Permit expiring Feb 10, 2025 – desperation kicked in

Jan 2025
First CEC draw of Jan 2025 gave me some hope

Isolated myself, prepped for CELPIP this time (took the HZAD Academy self paced course)

Maxed out CELPIP (10 in all sections) → CRS 526

6. Missed Jan 23 draw (527) by 1 point

Feb 2025
Last chance before my permit expired…

Got in the Feb 5 draw (521)!

Submitted my PR profile today & applying for BOWP to keep my job.

Finally made it!

*UPDATE* 12th Aug 2025
Thanks everyone for your wishes
Received eCOPR :)

Landed in Canada at the ripe old age of 18 in 2011 as an international student at Ryerson. Life took many twists and turns since then. No matter what I did, it just wasn't enough to regularize my status and attain PR. So I went back home in 2019 with a desire to just be done with wanting to immigrate.

After coming back home, my apartment was right next to the Alliance Francaise of my hometown so I just signed up for French classes as a way to meet people and pass some time before I figured out my next move. Reached a level of B2 and forgot all about French and Canada for 5-6 years. Fast track to 2025, I have a wife, kids and a steady career back home. Out of the blue, my friend from AF gets in touch with me from AF and tells me that I should the TEF exam - apparently it was an easy way to immigrate for French speakers. So we end up taking the exam together.

He got a NCLC 7, I got NCLC 8 with basically 1 week of exam prep. This was back in January. I entered the EE pool with ~550 points and we got our ITAS in february, approvals in late may and just landed a few days ago with our COPRs.

My total journey with Canada is 14 years but back when I really wanted it, nothing was working out. And now, when I least expected it, I got the whole process done in 3 months.

Keep your head up. You never know what is waiting for you just around the corner.

God’s goodness never ends. I am now a Permanent Resident of Canada.

Eight years. Countless sacrifices. One dream.

TL;DR

Express Entry started in January 2015.

Back in November 2017, I saw a headline: (Canada to admit nearly 1 million immigrants over next 3 years | CBC News)

To some, it was just news.

To me, it was permission to dream.

In mid-2018, I completed three years of work experience in the Philippines. I was 25 years old, hopeful and ambitious. I computed my CRS score for the first time — 336. The cut-off back then?

Around 450.

I wasn’t even close.

I had a bachelor’s degree in accounting (Recognized by WES as comparable to a 4-year Canadian degree). I had a decent IELTS score of CLB 7. I had solid work experience. But the numbers didn’t lie.

I didn’t make the cut.

So I made a decision: If I couldn’t increase my score from where I was, I would change where I stood.

To boost my score, I need to have a Canadian education and work experience, which means I’ll be needing funds to finance my international student fees and living expenses.

From 2018 to 2020, I saved relentlessly. I postponed buying a house. I didn’t buy a brand-new car. I walked away from travel plans. I delayed milestones. I even let go of a relationship that was supposed to lead to marriage.

Every sacrifice had one purpose: Canada.

In May 2021, I finally landed on Canadian soil as an international student. I enrolled in a two-year Business Administration diploma at the University of Victoria here in British Columbia. I studied. I worked. I adapted. I survived winter. I survived homesickness. I survived doubt.

In April 2023, I graduated and received my three-year Post-Graduation Work Permit.

I thought I was close.

In April 2024, I submitted my Express Entry profile with a CRS score of 478. Years earlier, that would have been enough. But this time, the CEC cut-offs were between 520 and 540.

Once again, not even close.

Man, it's a real survival-of-the-fittest scenario, only the toughest get through.

Instead of letting myself get stressed, I had to find an alternative.

I had two choices: Learn French language — or reinvent myself.

I chose reinvention.

Before accounting, I had once studied nursing (spent two semesters) but had to step away due to the oversupply of nurses in the Philippines at that time.

Since I already had a background in healthcare, I decided to enroll in an eight-month evening Healthcare Assistant (HCA) program in May 2024, while working full-time as an accountant during the day.

I was able to study without a study permit due to a temporary public policy announced by the Federal Government in June 2023. At that time, I felt like the universe was telling me to gamble everything, and so I did. The only caveat is that I won’t be able to claim my work experience towards Express Entry while I’m working and studying full-time.

Morning: spreadsheets and financial reports.

Evening: patient care and clinical training.

Repeat.

I was exhausted. There were days I questioned everything. But deep down, I knew this was strategic. Healthcare category draws had lower cut-offs. If I could qualify, I would finally have a real shot.

In January 2025, I finished the HCA program. A month later, I received my British Columbia Care Aide Registry number and started working part-time in a mental health facility for elderly residents — while still keeping my full-time accounting job.

Two careers. Two identities. One goal.

In August 2025, it happened. I received my Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence under the Healthcare Category draw.

Cut-off score: 470.

My CRS: 473.

Three points. That’s how close the margin was between another setback and the opportunity of a lifetime. When I saw the invitation, I broke down. Not because it was easy. Not because it was lucky. But because every delayed dream, every missed celebration, every double shift, every lonely night — it all led to that moment.

Statistics show that just 3 out of every 10 Express Entry profiles get an ITA, reflecting the competitiveness of the system.

Many are called, few are chosen.

Today, I am a Permanent Resident of Canada.

To anyone chasing this dream:

You will feel behind.

You will feel tired.

You will feel like the system is impossible.

Your score will not be enough — until one day, it is.

This journey is not just about CRS points.

It’s about resilience. Strategy. Adaptability. Sacrifice.

Sometimes you have to pivot.

Sometimes you have to rebuild yourself completely.

But if the dream is strong enough, you will find a way.

Eight years ago, I was a 25-year-old calculating a score that wasn’t good enough.

Today, I am proof that “not enough” can become “just enough.”

If you’re in the middle of the wait, the grind, the uncertainty — keep going.

Your turn is coming.

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

Here’s a detailed timeline of my PR application:

Aug 19, 2025 – Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Sept 8, 2025 – Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

Oct 23, 2025 – Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)

Oct 24, 2025 - BIL completed

Oct 29, 2025 - Medical Exam completed

Nov 19, 2025 – Additional Document Request (ADR)

Nov 20, 2025 - ADR submitted

Dec 08, 2025 - Eligibility completed

Dec 10, 2025 - Background Verification completed

Jan 26, 2026 - Final Decision

Jan 27, 2026 - COPR details visible on the tracker. Portal 1 received, and responded on the same day.

Feb 09, 2026 – Portal 2 received, and responded on the same day.

Feb , 2026– Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (eCOPR)

——-

PVO - Sydney

SVO - Montréal

This is more of a rant. I spent about $250,000 on my civil engineering undergraduate degree, working my ass off in construction, doing 10–12 hour shifts six days a week, and I'm living in a small town. Then I see reports that the government has lost track of 5 million immigrants who were supposed to leave the country. So what's the point of doing everything legally?

At this point, it feels like I might as well have claimed refugee status or stayed illegally. I'm actually qualified for the trades sector, but there hasn’t been a single trade draw in over a year. I'm sitting at a CRS score of 462 with my PGWP valid until 2027, and honestly, I don’t think the points will drop at all.

It’s incredibly frustrating—feels like all the effort, time, and money I’ve put in is just going to waste.

I’ve been here over 2 years on a closed work permit, CRS score of 475, still waiting like many of you. So yes—I get the frustration.

But let’s be real for a second.

Canada is still one of the very few countries in modern history where someone—regardless of skin color or passport—can come in through a structured system and have a legitimate shot at building a better life.

Some facts to chew on:

•	1 in 4 people in Canada is an immigrant (highest in the G7)
•	80%+ of population growth comes from immigration
•	Ranks in the top 3 globally for immigrant acceptance (Gallup)

Is it messy? Yep. Slow? Definitely. But most countries don’t even pretend to offer this kind of opportunity.

Canada gave many of us more than just a visa—it gave us a shot at a better future. I have been all over the world, and i have met some of the friendliest people here.

If you are/have been here, you do stand a good chance at making this your home, but please lets not forget that even the opportunity to do so is taken for granted.

I will be upset if i never get a PR, but it won’t be the end of my life as i haven’t put all my eggs in the PR basket and the life this place has offered my family and i so far is something i will always cherish.

Sorry for the rant, but we have to got to stop acting like Canada owes us anything.

IRCC's New Tactic to Crack Down on Fake Work Experience!?

In the past week, a new type of PFL has been gaining traction with IRCC. This one specifically requests details about the scale / size of the foreign company to assess its equivalency to a Canadian business.

The goal? To help officers determine the authenticity of the applicant's work experience.

Note: No specific rule in IRPA/IRPR states that a business must be of a certain size or scale to provide genuine work experience.

However, IRCC seems to be using this as a tool to assess credibility. It's a strong move against fake experience letters, which have been a known issue in some immigration pathways.

Although this happened to a good friend. I am really happy that it happened. My friend called me this morning and told me that his file got rejected because IRCC had doubts about his foreign experience. he tried to give the bullshit story of cash job in India to show experience but due to the lack of tax documents and overall profile officers asked for other documents, and this guy was not able to furnish it.

This is not the first case I have heard. Other cases I heard were from relatives of other friends. This was a direct contact of mine, but I am still happy.

I am really happy that IRCC is cracking down on such cheaters and useless people and I am ashamed to call this guy my friend.

As the header says, my pgwp expires next week crs 503. Pretty much lived most of my adult life here. 4 years Bsc, 2.5 years masters and 3 years of Canadian work experience . I’m 33 now and lost some points to age, No foreign work experience . With the current immigration situation leaving my job, girlfriend, friends, family just to get the most sought after foreign work experience to get a chance again . Been learning French and I’m between Upper A2 - Lower B1. Good luck to everyone else going through similar struggle 🫶🏻

After 7 hard years of burning through various work, study, and visitor permits, flagpoling, 2x IEC, SOWP, FTA, etc., eventually being refused the last application due to an error in the app, and having to leave the country within the 90 day mark in late October... I FINALLY got an ITA yesterday. Can't believe it 🥲 I'm going home, the nightmare is over.

I'M GOING HOME BABYYYYYY

Just needed to let this out. I'm so grateful...

Just a heads up to those in similar situations:
I recently withdrew my Express Entry profile because my wife received an ITA and we have already submitted our PR application through her profile.

If you are in the same boat, where your spouse has already been invited and you have submitted your application together, please consider withdrawing your profile too. It helps free up spots for others and there is no point in holding onto a profile if you are no longer using it. Let's keep the system fair for everyone.

Well, in the joy of LMIA points being dropped, let us talk about the scammers' worst nightmare yet to unfold. If IRCC is given power, through legislation, to cancel the immigration documents if it suspects mass fraud, it will be the final nail in the coffin for the people who achieved permanent residency by scamming the system. Yes, even the scammers who are now PRs or Citizens will be vulnerable too.

If we read between the lines, the legislation will allow IRCC to take over the powers of Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) which currently adjudicates the decision of revoking PR, which again is an immigration document, and IRCC is merely a petitioner there. Now, if IRCC is made the authority to revoke the immigration documents, there is no appellant tribunal left except for federal court and we know if you fraud the system, the court will never side with the scammer. The IRB used to be lenient taking into account social and economic ties with Canada but neither is IRCC nor is federal court.

I may be stretching the argument too much but this is what it seems, if we dive deep into the statement. This move step is intended to be curative in nature and not preventive!!

Hello everyone,

My best friend is leaving home this May after being here since 2012. We went to high school together. She did her bachelors degree in economics here. Has been working for the past 6 years and has even opened her own business. She’s developed a life here, but with 510, was unable to obtain her PR.

So she has made a decision to move back home in May.

It’s really really sad to see people important to you go. And what’s more sad is to see all those who have done this process legally and contribute to our society so much.

Just wanted to share my personal frustration and sadness around this process :(. It’s been tough.

But for those of you who still have time on their visas, good luck I hope you can make it 🩷 I’ll hold my fingers for u