Immigration Corner | How can I convince my boyfriend?

Dear Mrs Powell,

I spoke to you a few years ago and you explained to me that the best chance of getting selected under the Express Entry System was for my boyfriend and myself to sit the English exam and get our education assessed. Since then, I have done everything. I got eight in my English exam, and I got the report to show that my bachelor’s degree is acceptable in Canada.

The only problem is that I have been waiting on my boyfriend to do his part. He refuses to sit the English exam and won’t apply to get the credential assessed. I don’t know what else to do. I am now 29 years old and I know that you said it’s best to apply before I’m 30. Can you tell me what I should do or tell my boyfriend to get him to do the test? What can I do to ensure that I qualify. I look forward to your advice.

AG

Dear AG,

I am pleased to hear from you again. Congratulations on your English language scores and for obtaining your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report. These are the two basic documents required for entry into the express entry pool. You have completed the first of many steps towards becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

I remember you quite well. You are a brilliant and ambitious young woman who is focused on making your dreams come true in Canada, where you hope to work as a nurse practitioner. I recall your enthusiasm, determination, and the hesitancy of your boyfriend. Do you recall that I asked you, “How can two people walk unless they agree?”

I will remind you that you are embarking on a remarkable journey. Sometimes you will need to walk, run, climb hills, and fly to achieve your goals. Acquiring the ECA and the IELTS result is just the beginning of the process. If you cannot cooperate with each other at this fundamental stage, how will you cope when you both face greater challenges in a new country? Did it occur to you that he may simply not want to be on this journey? He may have other plans or goals that do not involve going to Canada. Is he fearful of the examination? Perhaps you need to ask him these questions now, so that you can make an informed decision.

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS THAT EXPIRE

All economic immigrants are required to provide proof of their language skills and education. If you have been residing with your boyfriend for a year or more, then your relationship would be classified as common-law. If he plans on going with you to Canada, then Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will need proof of his language results. It would benefit you as a couple if you both had high scores for your English language test. If he is not going with you, then you would just need to indicate that on the application.

While I cannot tell you what to do about your boyfriend, I can tell you that, on your own, you could be a strong candidate for Canadian permanent residence, based on factors such as a high English language score, education, over three years’ work experience in an in-demand healthcare occupation, and the fact that you have a number of relatives in Canada. With your aunts and sibling in Ontario and New Brunswick, you stand a good chance of receiving a provincial nomination. If you get a provincial nomination, you will automatically have enough points to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence and get to proceed to the next step in the application process.

Do not forget about the settlement funds requirement. You will also need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself in Canada while you take the time to integrate and find a job. The amount required depends on the number of persons in your immediate family. For example, for a single person, the amount of savings and/or investments should be no less than C$14,690; for a family of two – C$18,288; for a family of three – C$22,483; and for a family of four – C$27,297.

Time is of the essence! Your English exam results are only valid for two years, while your ECA report is valid for five years. Age is also an important factor. You will lose points as you get older. Therefore, the sooner you apply, the better it will be for you. You are welcome to schedule another consultation if you would like to discuss this further.

Deidre S. Powell is a Canadian lawyer, mediator and notary public. You may connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, telephone/WhatsApp 613-695-8777