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 1st 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.
