09-04-2014
Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced yesterday that the Canadian government will introduce a new immigration model in 2015. The new model will be called “Express Entry” and should make Canada’s immigration system faster, more flexible, and more competitive compared to other countries. The main goal of the model is to improve how immigration meets the economic and labour needs of different regions across Canada.
The Express Entry will be implemented to reduce waiting times to about six months or less. This number is definitely an improvement from the current backlogs of applications. The government wants to be able to fast-track candidates who will fit with the labor market in Canada.
The Express Entry model will be used in Canada’s four major economic immigration classes: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and some individuals in the Provincial Nominee Program.
Applicants who are accepted under the Express Entry model with a valid offer or employment or as a provincial nominee will be able to apply for permanent residency. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the “Express Entry” will also be used to quickly fill worker shortages but will also have the goal of ensuring that those workers can eventually settle as Canadians.
Employers will also play a key role in determining who will be accepted through the Express Entry model. Their input is important, as they know the labour shortages and needs of local businesses. The government of Canada will be setting up information sessions for employers in Spring 2014 in order to increase their awareness of this new model.
Find all of the details on the new Express Entry program at FWCanada’s Express Entry webpage.
FWCanada is a Montreal-based immigration law firm that provides professional legal services on Canadian immigration. For more tips and updates on Canadian immigration, follow FWCanada on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
