Canadian Permanent Residence
My life-changing path to a brighter future
Context
In late 2022, I took a life-changing decision: to leave Morocco—my home country—and build a future in Canada. I embarked on the journey of becoming a permanent resident through Express Entry, a personal mission driven by the need for stability, growth, and the opportunity to reach my full potential. The immigration process was long, complex, and high-stakes, but I approached it as a structured project with clear phases, dependencies, and deadlines.
Methodology
Given the fixed steps and strict requirements set by the Canadian immigration process, I adopted a predictive (waterfall) approach, from preparation to final submission. Each phase depended on the successful completion of the previous one, with little to no room for iteration or flexibility. Tasks such as credential assessment, language testing, document gathering, and medical exams were tightly scheduled, requiring careful planning and execution.
Process
Requirements gathering: Researched eligibility criteria and documented the exact steps of the Express Entry process.
ECA (Educational Credential Assessment): Submitted documents to WES (World Education Services) and tracked evaluation status until completion.
Language testing: Scheduled and completed both the IELTS General Training and TCF Canada exams, setting strict preparation timelines for each.
Express Entry profile: Submitted my ECA and language test results (TCF and IELTS General Training) as prerequisites. My score was strong enough to meet the cutoff, and I received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) following an IRCC draw in Q1 of 2023.
Document collection: Prepared and organized all the necessary paperwork, including identity documents, reference letter, payslips, police certificate, and financial proofs.
Medical exam: Booked and completed an upfront medical exam with an IRCC-approved physician.
Submission: Uploaded all finalized documents to the IRCC portal, cross-checked each requirement, and submitted the application.
Monitoring and follow-up: Regularly tracked application status on the IRCC portal, completed biometrics, responded to all correspondence, and submitted my passport for visa stamping. Retrieved it upon final approval.
Stakeholder management: Effectively communicated my plans and timeline to key stakeholders—my family and employer—to manage expectations. This included preparing my family for my departure and coordinating a smooth transition at work after receiving PR approval and handing in appropriate notice months in advance.
Artifacts
Throughout the project, I maintained:
- A detailed checklist with dependencies for every stage.
- A personal calendar with deadlines and appointment reminders (tests, medical exam, ECA timeline, biometrics…).
- Structured folders and backups of all supporting documents.
- Personal notes documenting the PR application journey, departure preparation, and both pre- and post-arrival procedures. This included research on job search strategies, housing, banking, and other essential aspects of settling in as a newcomer to Canada.
In Q4 of 2023, I officially landed in Canada and became a permanent resident.
Featured image by Freepik (slightly edited). Used for display purposes.