Canada has launched Express Entry, a new application management system that will help attract highly skilled immigrants to the country and get them working and contributing to the Canadian economy faster.
Express Entry was launched on Jan. 1, 2015. It will change the way the Government of Canada manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of Provincial Nominee Programs.
Under Express Entry, candidates who qualify for one of these programs will be placed in a pool and ranked based on factors linked to projected economic success in Canada. The candidates who rank highest will be invited to apply to immigrate
Express Entry will help match employers with skilled workers when Canadians can’t be found to fill positions. Candidates with a job offer, or with a nomination from a provincial or territorial government, will be given enough bonus points to be drawn from the pool.
Government of Canada’s annual immigration plan for 2015 is to welcome between 260,000 and 285,000 new permanent residents. The plan features the highest planned level of admissions in recent history.
Express Entry will not include an eligible occupation list or occupation caps at the time of launch. To be eligible to enter the pool, Express Entry candidates must have skilled work experience in a National Occupational Code 0, A or B occupations. Jobs offered to candidates in the pool must be in one of these categories. Job offers are also subject to the LMIA requirements in place at that time. Candidates must also meet the minimum language requirements (for NOC 0 and A occupations: CLB 7 and for NOC B occupations: CLB 5).
The rules for applying as a federal skilled worker can change from time to time by Citizenship and Immigration Canada without any prior notice.
If you find that you do not qualify to apply as a federal skilled worker then there are many other ways to immigrate to Canada. Please contact us to find out about your chances to immigrate to Canada under other categories.
