Attracting skilled immigrants

10/16/2014

Preparing for the launch of Express Entry

October 15, 2014 —Regina —Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander was in Regina today to deliver the keynote address at the SkilledMigration human resources conference. Alexander spoke to human resources professionals from across Canada about how, with the launch of Express Entry in 2015, Canada will be able to attract skilled immigrants who are most likely to succeed.

Express Entry will provide a faster and more effective way for skilled immigrants to start working in Canada permanently. It will transform the way the Government of Canada manages applications from four existing economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program. Through Express Entry, foreign nationals who meet the criteria for one of the federal immigration programs will be accepted into a pool of potential candidates. Employers in Canada will be able to consider Express Entry candidates who meet their needs when they cannot find a Canadian or permanent resident for the job. All Express Entry candidates invited to apply, including those who receive a valid job offer from an employer in Canada or a provincial/territorial nomination will have their application for permanent residence processed in six months or less.

For more information on Express Entry, please see www.canada.ca/ExpressEntry.

Quick facts

• Express Entry will transform Canada’s immigration system into one that is faster and more responsive to economic and labour market needs.
• Express Entry candidates who are invited to apply for permanent residence can expect faster processing times of six months or less.
• Citizenship Week is taking place this year from October 13-19, 2014
• Since 2006, Canada has enjoyed the highest sustained levels of immigration in Canadian history—an average of a quarter million newcomers each year. Accordingly, the demand for citizenship has increased by 30 percent.

Quote

“Our government is transforming our immigration system to ensure the Canadian economy remains strong and we are continuing to fuel our future growth and prosperity. With the launch of Express Entry in 2015, employers will be able to select the skilled immigrants they need to fill available jobs when they cannot find a qualified Canadian or permanent resident. The Express Entry system will help Canada meet its economic and labour market needs.”

Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister

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