Canada ready for Express Entry

There’s less than a month to go until Canada launches its brand new ‘Express Entry’ immigration system.

Launching on 1st January 2015, the Express Entry system will manage applications for three federal economic immigration programmes – the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Federal Skilled Trades Programme and the Canadian Experience Class – and will also be able to be used by Canadian Provinces and Territories to select a portion of candidates through their Provincial Nominee Programmes.

Express Entry will help select skilled immigrants based on their skills and experience. Applicants will first need to disclose their desire to emigrate to Canada, outlining their individual work experience, qualifications and current job status and will then be placed in a pool from where the most relevant applicants will be invited to apply for a visa. Those with valid job offers or provincial/territorial nominations will be picked first.

The first draw for an invitation to apply is scheduled for the last week of January and only once candidates have been selected from the pool will they need to complete the immigration process, which includes health and security checks. Applications will be processed in six months or less.

“ With the launch of Express Entry in January, our Government will build on our strong and proven record of helping immigrants succeed, and helping Canada’s economy thrive,” said Chris Alexander, Canada’s Immigration Minister on Monday. “Starting 1st January we will be able to select the top economic immigrants who will contribute to our economy, labour market and communities.”

Article published 3rd December 2014