Express Entry – Now LIVE and accepting applications
Express Entry, Canada’s newest immigrant selection system is now is now live and accepting applications from all over the world. Click here to learn more about the program and how we can help. You may also call our office at +416-665-3939 or Toll-free in North America 1-888-808-7338.
Open Work Permits for Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Effective December 22, 2014 and as part of a 1 year trial, Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) will be issuing Open Work Permits to certain spouses or common-law partners who are applying for permanent residence from inside Canada. Previously, sponsored spouses would have to wait until first stage approval to be issued open work permits. Since first stage approval is taking nearly 16 months, it creates major hardships in that these people cannot work while living in Canada waiting for their applications to be finalized.
Applicants who have already submitted their application for permanent residence under the Spouse/Common-Law class but have not yet applied for an open work permit should do so immediately.
If an applicant has already received an approval in principal, they have the option of applying for a work permit online.
Applicants who have yet to submit their applications for permanent residence should also complete an application for a work permit and submit along with their application for permanent residence.
For more information please contact our office.
New Hiring System for Canadian Employers – Express Entry pool
Express Entry – New Hiring System for Canadian Employers
Canadian employers who have trouble finding employees to fill necessary positions will now have the option to use Canada’s newest tool. On January 1st, 2015 at approximately 12 noon EST, the Government of Canada will be launching Express Entry. Despite many critics, including us, the government of Canada believes it is a great new tool that help Canadian organizations to build their workforce.
If you are unable to fill a position in your workforce with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident you can consider hiring an experienced foreign worker through the Express Entry ‘pool’.
Citizenship & Immigration Canada is making the Express Entry pool available to anyone from anywhere in the world. This selection tool will manage applications from foreigners making an expression of their interest to become permanent residents in Canada. Citizenship & Immigration Canada will select individuals from the pool to become permanent residents based on a Comprehensive Ranking System. Canadian employers will be able to get access to the pool of candidates and nominate those they believe would contribute best to their organizations.
If you are an employer and would like more information on Express Entry and how it can help your organization, call our office to speak with a Regulated Immigration Consultant today.
New Immigration Program: Canada Express Entry – New Points System
Canada Express Entry (EE) Program
As of January 1st, 2015 Canada will only accept applications for permanent residence through the Express Entry program. Candidates who would otherwise qualify through any of the following 3 programs will be eligible to submit an application to show their interest in obtaining permanent residence in Canada:
- Federal Skilled Workers
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominees
The Canada Express Entry program is points based, and is incredibly confusing. There are many variables, and candidates may apply as single, or with dependents to ensure they are awarded the highest number of points. Candidates will have to pass an English language test and have their educational credentials assessed and possess at least 12 months of full time paid skilled work experience.
Candidates who have previously worked or studied in Canada will be awarded additional points. Those candidates who have arranged employment offers or have been nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program will be among those who are selected as priority.
How it Works
Candidates create an Express Entry profile. The candidate will receive an automatic score which will be used by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) to determine which candidates, compared to others within the ‘pool’ will be invited to apply. Since candidates will be ‘competing’ with other candidates in the ‘pool’ it is important that your profile is created with the most accurate and appropriate information.
CIC will begin “inviting” applicants to apply with the first invitations being sent out in the last two weeks of January.
Arranged Job Offers and Provincial Nominations
Candidates who will apply through Canada Express Entry program with arranged job offers or provincial nominations will be selected first before those who have not secured a job in Canada nor have a provincial nomination. Citizenship & Immigration will be able to control the ‘dial’ on how many applicants they will be bring to Canada, and ensure that only the most qualified, skilled, and those who can contribute to Canada’s economy the most will be invited to apply. Candidates who do not have arranged employment offers will need to register with the national job bank which is designed to assist them in finding an employer.
Receiving an Invitation to Apply
Candidates will be invited to apply as per Canada’s needs and requirements at the time. Applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply (IOA) will be required to submit their supporting documentation within 60 days of receiving the IOA. It is important to note that your Express Entry profile must be accurate and consistent with the documentation provided, otherwise applicants could be considered to have misrepresented their circumstances and be banned from the program.
Processing Times
Citizenship & Immigration Canada is committed to processing applicants who have received an invitation to apply within 6 months from the time they submit all requirements. Thereby, speeding up the process for potential immigrants.
No Guarantees – Like a Lottery
While the Canada Express Entry program is open to anyone, there are no guarantees that a candidate will be invited to apply. This is similar to a lottery, with the exception that the more points you are awarded, the higher your chances are to be invited. We strongly recommend that candidates consult a professional before entering in the program to ensure the highest number of points will be awarded.
Contact our office to speak with a professional regulated consultant
We encourage you to call our office for any further information or to discuss your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.