New Processing Model for Permanent Residence Program
April 12, 2014
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Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced a new processing model for permanent residence applications that it intends to implement in January 2015. Modeled after similar programs in Australia and New Zealand, the Express Entry program will feature a two-part electronic matching program that pairs skilled foreign workers seeking to immigrate to Canada with employers seeking to fill positions based on regional labor needs.
Under the Express Entry program, formerly named “Expression of Interest,” foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada will file an online application detailing their language proficiency, work experience and educational credentials. Applicants will be assigned a score based on an assessment of their personal circumstances against a pre-defined points test.
Applicants will then be placed in a pool from which employers will be able to select candidates who best match their national and regional skills needs. Selected candidates will be invited to submit an immigration application under an existing permanent residence program, such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Provincial Nominee program. Candidates who are not selected will not be able to apply for permanent residence, thus reducing the number of applications CIC has to fully adjudicate.
Express Entry seeks to eliminate application backlogs, improve processing times, and better address each region’s labor needs. CIC aims to process applications in six months or less. Current permanent residence processing times range from ten to 30 months, depending on the category and filing location.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Express Entry will allow employers to access a pre-assessed candidate pool, potentially providing an additional recruitment tool and a cost-effective way to enter the international labor market. The pre-assessment process will also mean that permanent residence may be an alternative route for employers seeking ways to transfer senior or crucial staff. It could also provide an alternative to successive work permit extensions.
Foreign nationals considering the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Provincial Nominee programs are advised to submit applications as soon as possible before eligibility criteria change.
How Fragomen Can Assist
Fragomen can assist with assessment of eligibility for these programs and with preparation and submission of applications across Canada. Fragomen will be able to provide guidance on the new criteria once announced. Fragomen is also available to prepare and submit applications under the current permanent residence regime until Express Entry launches.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
© 2009 - 2015 © Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
Under the Express Entry program, formerly named “Expression of Interest,” foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada will file an online application detailing their language proficiency, work experience and educational credentials. Applicants will be assigned a score based on an assessment of their personal circumstances against a pre-defined points test.
Applicants will then be placed in a pool from which employers will be able to select candidates who best match their national and regional skills needs. Selected candidates will be invited to submit an immigration application under an existing permanent residence program, such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades or Provincial Nominee program. Candidates who are not selected will not be able to apply for permanent residence, thus reducing the number of applications CIC has to fully adjudicate.
Express Entry seeks to eliminate application backlogs, improve processing times, and better address each region’s labor needs. CIC aims to process applications in six months or less. Current permanent residence processing times range from ten to 30 months, depending on the category and filing location.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Express Entry will allow employers to access a pre-assessed candidate pool, potentially providing an additional recruitment tool and a cost-effective way to enter the international labor market. The pre-assessment process will also mean that permanent residence may be an alternative route for employers seeking ways to transfer senior or crucial staff. It could also provide an alternative to successive work permit extensions.
Foreign nationals considering the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Provincial Nominee programs are advised to submit applications as soon as possible before eligibility criteria change.
How Fragomen Can Assist
Fragomen can assist with assessment of eligibility for these programs and with preparation and submission of applications across Canada. Fragomen will be able to provide guidance on the new criteria once announced. Fragomen is also available to prepare and submit applications under the current permanent residence regime until Express Entry launches.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
© 2009 - 2015 © Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
