In January 2015, Canada implemented a new Express Entry application management process for economic immigration programs in order to meet current needs.

These new changes will allow for

• More recruitment possibilities for employers; and
• More opportunities for prospective skilled immigrants.

Under the Express Entry system, candidates with skilled work experience who meet certain criteria will be accepted into a pool of possible candidates for immigration to Canada. These candidates will then be ranked against others in the pool using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System. Those who rank high enough will be invited to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada.

Express Entry: The new two-step application process

Advantages of the Express Entry:

• The federal, provincial and territorial governments in Canada, as well as Canadian employers, will all have a more direct role in economic immigration new and improved Job Bank by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will connect Canadian employers with a comprehensive pool of skilled candidates for hire, should they be unable to find Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents to do the job.

• Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer or a provincial or territorial nomination will quickly be invited to apply for permanent residence.
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will be able to select candidates that are most likely to succeed in Canada, rather than those who happen to be first in line

Express Entry candidates will benefit from processing times of six months or less

All Express Entry candidates will be given a score out of 1,200,
based on the four parts of the Comprehensive Ranking System formula:

1. Skills and experience factors that are key to economic success for immigrants once in Canada
2. Skills and experience factors of a candidate’s spouse or common-law partner (such as language skills and education). These are known to result in better economic success for both the spouse or common-law
partner and the candidate.
3. Skills transferability (including education and work experience),
factors that will result in better chances of being employed, and higher
earnings
4. Additional points for those with a nomination from a province or territory or a valid job offer.