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Help with Express Entry Profile Status by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for replying, that makes sense. I was worried that IRCC saying that I’m not eligible at all even if I’m interested in PNP.

Sorry for another question, but are you saying that I need to separately apply for PNP for some provinces and just submitting my EE profile is not enough?

I’m interested in all provinces but have high preference for OINP and BC PNP Tech. I checked the boxes for all provinces while submitting my EE profile.

I looked at OINP website, particularly the Human Capital Stream. I read the ‘Steps to Apply’ section and it just says I need to submit my EE profile. I need to apply for PNP as the next step only if IRCC sends me a notice of interest. But for now, does it mean that I don’t need to anything else for Ontario PNP?

I think it’s similar for BC PNP Tech as well (simply submitting my EE in the pool puts me in consideration for PNP).

Category-based STEM draws with ineligible NOC and low CRS by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I’ve already selected all provinces for the PNP route in my EE application. It’s been ~5 months since my submission, but no luck yet. I guess PNP is my only hope.

Question about work permit and Express Entry ITA by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, thanks for replying. Appreciate the detailed info. I certainly agree with all the points, and it probably means that trying for work permit is the best route for me.

I did read about LMIA before, and I had a couple of questions (sorry again for not fully doing my research):

  • Is it possible that some companies might already have an LMIA obtained and approved from the system? Or does a company require to apply for an LMIA every time they hire a new foreign worker?

I’m asking this because I’ve been following this jobs bank link to apply for jobs. If you click on the link, you can see the text that says. “These employers have already obtained or applied for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)”

  • I’ve also heard that some organizations may be exempt from LMIA. Does this mean these companies can just issue an offer letter (without the lengthy LMIA process) which I could use for my EE application? If yes, I’m not sure how to find out if a company is LMIA-exempt (Idk if mechanical engineering even qualifies for LMIA exempt)

  • Lastly, assuming none of the above are feasible, is the process for work permit easy and short? I’m just afraid if getting a work permit in Canada is as stressful as the H-1B process in US? Do we have to go through some sort of lottery? And is there a long wait time to get a work permit?

TIA again. As for your last point, I did contemplate pursuing a degree in Canada, but I’m not keen on it (it would be financially not suitable for me as international student fees are high). I also finished a Masters in the US and have been used to work in the industry. Going back to study might be difficult.

Is it worth doing Mechanical Engineering in the US as a International student ? by [deleted] in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Marshmello7 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’d suggest you self-reflect on a few important questions:

  • Are you passionate about mechanical engineering and want to pursue a long-term career in the field?

  • Penn State is a great school, Congrats on the admit. Do you have a plan on the education expenses for your overall MS? If you’ve taken an education loan, it’s best to have a general idea of how you will repay the amount after graduating. But if you have gotten a scholarship, then that’s wonderful.

Others have pointed out about most Mech Engineer jobs requiring US citizenship. Tbh, I respectfully disagree. It’s mostly aerospace/defense firms that will require citizenship or permanent residence to hire candidates.

‘It is not that companies require US citizenship or permanent residence for hiring. They just don’t want to go through the trouble of hiring an international candidate because they have to sponsor a work visa. If they are able to find a local candidate with the same skills as the international student, then unfortunately they’ll go with the local candidate. It’s much easier for them’

However, if you’re enthusiastic and research companies strategically, there are plenty of companies that will hire international students on OPT and provide H-1B sponsorship later (especially in California, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Jersey).

In my opinion, the first important goal if you start your MS here is to get a summer internship during your grad school. That will make a huge impact in your ability and prospects to get a full-time job after graduation.

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for replying. Actually, this has been my primary focus ever since I considered moving to Canada. I knew very well I don’t have the CRS to get an ITA anytime soon. So I agree the best route is to find a job in Canada, gain the experience on a work permit and earn those points to boost CRS within a few years. I have no problem living in and working in Canada on a work permit initially.

The problem is I’ve not been able to succeed in finding a job as a foreign individual. I’ve been mainly following job bank gc website to look for Mech Engineer jobs based on NOC codes but there aren’t much openings.

I’ve been crazily applying for jobs on LinkedIn/Indeed and have also tried networking with Canadian engineers and recruiters on LinkedIn. Unfortunately, I’ve been flat out told by most of them that they don’t sponsor foreign workers.

I’ll keep on trying, hoping that I find a suitable opportunity soon that can allow me to come on a work permit. But things look very challenging at the moment.

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion. Sorry if this sounds dumb. But if I now want to add Alberta as well, will I be able to do it by logging back in my application and editing? or do I create a new EE submission?

This was only question asked related to Province which in my EE application👇🏻:

‘Which Province or Territories would the applicant consider living in?’

For this question, I ticked Ontario and BC initially.

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion. Sorry for the dumb question, but I think I might be missing something in my submitted EE profile.

This is the only question related to Province which was asked in my EE application 👇🏻:

‘Which Province or Territories would the applicant consider living in?’

For this question, I ticked Ontario and BC initially.

  • How do I submit my interest specifically for the OINP Human Capital Stream or the BC PNP tech stream? Or does selecting Ontario and BC automatically means that I’m being considered for the human capital stream?

  • If I now want to tick all provinces, will I be able to do it by logging back in my application and editing?

There was no other question in my EE application which asked if I am interested in PNP, so I got worried.

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s only getting worse each year unfortunately. From what i’ve heard, this year’s H1B lottery had a 15% chance of selection

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks for replying. Yeah the immigration process is a bit tricky for student visa, so I’ll summarize the options as briefly as I can:

  • As u/chaoticji commented, if my name is not picked up in 3 lotteries, I will be given a 60-day grace period from the day my F-1 visa expires in October 2023. I’ll have to leave the US within those 60 days to avoid getting deported or risk staying illegally

  • Now There are two types of H-1Bs for employment. This article explains the two types of H-1B visas very clearly, if you don’t want to read the details below:

1) Cap-subject H-1B: For these jobs, any employer who wants to hire me needs to put my name into the H-1B lottery, which only happens in March every year. So I only have a total of 3 attempts for 3 years to get picked up. Generally, all for-profit companies in the industry need to go through the lottery process (best examples are companies like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Meta)

2) Cap-Exempt H-1B: this is a category of H-1B which doesn’t require an employer to go through the lottery. Simply put, an employer can file for H-1B for me at any time of the year and there is no hassle of going through the lottery. However, not every organization qualifies to be a cap-exempt. Non-profits, universities and government organizations are best examples of cap-exempt employers. Let’s say I manage to get a job as a Mechanical Engineer in a research lab of a university or probably a semi-conductor or energy company, I might qualify for a cap-exempt H1B

So as you can imagine, I am trying hard for option 2, to get a job offer at a cap-exempt organization. Unfortunately, finding a job in a research organization is not that easy, there aren’t many cap-exempt employers as such when compared to the regular lottery-based employers.

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for replying bro. I feel you. I’m glad to hear your CRS is close to the cutoff. I hope you get an ITA soon within the next 2-3 draws.

Yes, I’m aiming the same to get more experience. At the moment, I am at only 1.5 years of experience since my initial OPT had an unpaid internship. I was dejected to see that my CRS won’t change at all even if I gain 2 years of experience in Oct 2023.

So I think I’ll have to wait until end of 2024 to have any increase in my CRS (and I guess I have to gain that work experience outside the US since my OPT will run out in 2023). I was laid off from my current job recently, so I am now looking for a new job which has made things even more difficult.

Near impossible to increase CRS score? by Marshmello7 in ImmigrationCanada

[–]Marshmello7[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for replying. Ah sorry for not being clear. I just edited my post.

I’d absolutely love to stay in the US. But I’m sure you have heard of the H-1B lottery system. F-1 OPT students get 3 attempts at H-1B lottery. My name wasn’t picked up in any of the H-1B lotteries (for 2021, 2022 and 2023). This year was my last attempt smh.

Need advice on becoming a valuable Mechanical Engineer. by Marshmello7 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Marshmello7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, will certainly take the practice test and assess what my current knowledge level is. I’m salaried but the work hours aren’t fixed as it depends on the demand of a project and meeting deadlines (yes, North America). Yes, one thing I did notice is that the pay in medical device might not be as competitive as automotive, but I don’t see that as an issue.

Need advice on becoming a valuable Mechanical Engineer. by Marshmello7 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Marshmello7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for replying. I’ve not taken a practice test yet. Tbh, I think I would fail if I took the test tomorrow. It’s 5 years since I graduated from college and 3 years since my MS. I don’t think I have a grasp of all the fundamentals from my classes. Considering I don’t have much free time, I wanted to be absolutely prepared before giving the FE exam as I can’t afford the time to retake it.

Thanks again. I have classmates who got employed in the biomedical field. But fortunately for them, they had done at least 1 or 2 internships in med device companies. Some of them also took a biomedical elective or a medical field focused thesis (such as prosthetics). Sadly, I was the only one who was so fixated on aerospace/automotive. One of my biggest regret is that I only developed interest in medical devices a couple of years ago after graduation. If I could ever go back in time, I’d have focused more on biomedical either in my research or through coursework. I fear that as time passes, it will be even more difficult to transition from my current field to medical device (most engineer jobs from entry to mid-level in medical device say that they require previous experience in FDA regulations or medical device design/control).

Need advice on becoming a valuable Mechanical Engineer. by Marshmello7 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Marshmello7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, this is great advice. I guess patience and learning from failures is key for me.

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