Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Introducing the Express Entry Program

Are you a skilled worker looking to immigrate permanently to Canada? Depending on the type of skilled work experience that you have, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the federal Express Entry program. To learn more about the federal Express Entry program, the application process and how you may qualify, read the rest of this blog.

What is the Federal Express Entry Program

The Express Entry program is one of the pathways to immigrate to Canada permanently. The program targets skilled foreign workers with the ability and qualifications to help boost Canada’s economy. There are three programs under the express entry program. These are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry Draws

By now, most people are familiar with the new way to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada, Express Entry. Introduced on January 1^st 2015, it was a major overhaul of the previous PR application system which consisted of people rushing to submit paper applications before their Federal Skilled Worker occupation category’s cap had been reached, or before the Canadian Experience Class application cap had been reached for the year. Express Entry meant the elimination of paper applications, the elimination of caps for all categories (Canadian Experience Class ‘CEC’, Federal Skilled Worker Program ‘FSWP’, and Federal Skilled Trades Program “FSTP’), and the elimination of long processing times with multiple requests for things like medicals and Right of Permanent Residence Fees.

Overall, the government seems satisfied with the Express Entry system’s results, with only a few small alterations to the program being made so far. On the other hand, many PR hopefuls feel cheated by the system, especially Canada’s international student community; who feel that the current point score distribution puts them at a disadvantage.

What is the Express Entry Program?

Express Entry is a new system for managing visa applications for Canadian permanent residence. The Express Entry system is an online portal where applicants can submit their forms and other documentation electronically and receive updates through their online profile. The electronic system was launched in January, 2015.

The Express Entry system has replaced the old paper based application system for the following economic immigration programs: