Canada allows ‘express entry’ for economic migrants

Now, skilled professionals keen to migrate to Canada can jump the queue for becoming permanent residents, if they have a valid job offer. They can even have their residency application processed in less than six months.

Under the new ‘Express Entry’ scheme to become effective January 2015, the Canada Immigration department will who receive a valid job offer or nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will “quickly” invite people with job offer to apply for permanent residency.

“Express Entry” is not to be confused with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which is only used to fill temporary skill shortages.

Candidates with a job offer or nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are eligible under the “Express Entry” category which is designed to deal with regional labour shortages, and help fill open jobs for which there are no available Canadian workers.

Described as the “game changer” by the country’s immigration minister, “Express Entry” replaces the now-scrapped Formerly referred to as “Expression of Interest” category, and will be open to skilled immigrants.

It will allow the Canadian government to “select the best candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada, rather than those who happen to be first in line,” says a statement issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC – the immigration department of Canada).

“It will also prevent backlogs and allow CIC to better coordinate application volume with the annual immigration levels plan.”

Visa applicants can expect faster processing times of six months or less when invited to come to Canada in four key economic streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the PNP.

More importantly, employers will have a key role in selecting economic immigrants and providing advice to the Government of Canada. Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander says that over the course of spring 2014, CIC will work with provincial and territorial governments to hold a series of cross-Canada information sessions to provide employers with more information about this exciting new system.

Express Entry promises to be a game-changer for Canadian immigration and Canada’s economy, says Chris.

“It will revolutionize the way we attract skilled immigrants, and get them working here faster. Our government is actively engaged with our provincial and territorial partners, and with employers, to make January’s launch of Express Entry a success.”

 

Quick facts

• Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2014 will invest $14 million over two years and $4.7 million per year ongoing to ensuring the successful implementation of Express Entry.
• With Express Entry, Canada will be able to select the best candidates who are most likely to achieve success in Canada, rather than the first person in line.
• The Government of Canada’s new and improved Job Bank will help facilitate matches between Canadian employers and Express Entry candidates.
• Having a valid job offer or provincial/territorial nomination will guarantee Express Entry candidates an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

More information

Backgrounder — Expression of Interest (EOI): Preparing for Success in 2015

Economic Action Plan 2014