Express Entry Canada

On 1st January 2015, Canada launched its new Express Entry visa system, aimed at improving the visa selection process for permanent residency
and speeding up decision times to six months or less.

The Express Entry program is for those wishing to move to Canada permanently under the Skilled Worker program, Skilled Trades program or the Canadian Experience Class. Eligible applicants are able to apply, and then those who meet the minimum criteria will be accepted into the pool of applicants.

Candidates are then ranked according to language proficiency, education and work experience, and various other factors. The previous system also used a points system; however Express Entry is different in that the process is automated at this stage and only some of the applicants will be allowed to submit an application. Extra points are awarded to candidates who already have a job lined up.

The highest ranking candidates will then be invited to apply for permanent residence, and should have their application processed within six months or less. The first invitations to apply will be issued during the last week of January, and there will be numerous other draws throughout the year.

It is hoped that the system will make it easier for employers to find suitable job applicants from abroad.

Express Entry summary

• The Express Entry system will process applications for Canadian permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
• Canadian Provinces and Territories will be able to use the new system to select candidates for their Provincial Nominee Programs.
• Candidates are added to a pool of applicants, where the highest ranking individuals are then invited to apply for one of the programs. For successful applicants the immigration

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