A 25-year-old with a Bachelor of Arts plus a postgraduate diploma and 3 years of IT Business Analyst experience (expected band 7) asked how to start the PNP or Express Entry process.
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) draws were reported as paused at the time, so members pointed toward provincial routes as the more active option.
- OINP's Tech draw was suggested as a realistic target if your NOC is currently in demand and your CRS lands in range — but note the contradiction in the thread: another member specifically said Business Analyst (NOC 2171) is not an in-demand NOC for OINP, so verify current OINP in-demand lists yourself before counting on this route.
- Complete your ECA (e.g. through IQAS) before applying, since it's needed to confirm your foreign credentials count toward CRS.
- Push your language score as high as possible. One member recommended aiming for CELPIP 9 in each band to strengthen the profile, given the current unpredictability of invitation timing.
- Set up your Express Entry profile and expect a wait — members were candid that with FSW paused, EE candidates without a PNP nomination may be waiting a long time for an invitation.
Takeaway: get your ECA done, aim for a strong language score, and actively check current OINP (or other provincial) in-demand occupation lists for your specific NOC rather than assuming eligibility either way — since group members disagreed on whether Business Analyst NOC 2171 currently qualifies.