Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has launched an electronic system (Express Entry) for efficient management of applications for migration to Canada. Started in January 2015 this system allows potential candidates to apply online with details of their profile.  

This program clubs applications being currently received for:

1.Federal Skilled Worker Program,

2.Federal Skilled Trades Program, and

3.Canadian Experience Class

This Express Entry system doesn’t change the immigration program requirements in any manner; it is being introduced to catalyse the entire selection process.  

Anyone can apply and submit their details, which will be collected in a pool. The system will then pick the top ranking candidates from amongst all applications received. Ranking of the candidates will be based on a point-system called the comprehensive ranking system (CRS).

The Government of Canada, provinces (except Quebec) and territories under the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Canadian employers will be able to select from this pool.

Thus those candidates with nomination from province or territory and those with job offers supported by Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC’s) Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements will have an edge.

Later in 2015, Job Bank will help the Canadian employers’ match their requirements with the candidates’ pool based on skill set, relevant work experience, language ability, education and domain knowledge.  This would only be applicable for the applicants who don’t already have a job offer or nomination. These applicants would need to set up a Job Seeker account.  

As of now, the candidates who are skilled in any of the occupations listed in the National Occupational Code (NOC) categories 0, A or B only will be eligible to apply.

These selected applicants will be invited to apply (an Invitation to Apply will be issued) online for the complete permanent residency application, within 60 days from the invitation.  It is noteworthy that these draws to invite will take place at regular intervals. Online Submission of the profile is free and will be valid for one year. Even after receiving the Invitation, the grant of permanent residency will be based on Canada’s immigration laws.

In short, the Express Entry to Canada is a program for selecting skilled, qualified and those with English language ability to migrate faster and cater to the needs of the local labour market for which no Canadian or Permanent Resident is available and suitable. It has been indicated that for the chosen candidates, if all goes well, the processing of the permanent residencies could take 6 months or less.