Canada Express Entry could be an immigration option for Harry and Meghan if the latter were the principal applicant

The news of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepping back from their senior royal duties and choosing Canada as their part-time home has caused a significant amount of buzz and led to immigration experts speculating as to whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would qualify for permanent residence in Canada.

Many news outlets have also participated in the discussion and evaluated potential pathways that could make royal immigration possible. There is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and also the Self-Employment Program, which could be the ideal pathway for Meghan. Harry could opt then opt for the Family reunification program. The couple can try to get a provincial nomination in British Columbia or become immigrant entrepreneurs.

The FSWP could be made to work for the royal couple if Meghan decided to create an Express Entry profile as the primary applicant. Express Entry candidates have to update their profile and then rely on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to give them an assessment score on the basis of human capital factors like education, age, work experience, and language fluency.

The candidates with the highest scores are then given invitations, which enable them to apply for Canadian permanent residence via the usual Express Entry draws. The processing of applications by the Government of Canada can take up to six months. Since Meghan and Harry are married, one of them has to be the principal applicant, and then the other becomes the accompanying spouse.

Age will be an important factor in this scenario. Since Meghan Markle worked as an actor in Canada for many years, it could give her an edge. She is also well-versed in French after studying it for six years. French language proficiency and Canadian work experience could increase Meghan’s score. However, precise details have to be known in order to estimate the exact score.