 |
The Canadian Government has announced reforms to its economic immigrant recruitment program, which, as of January 2015, will be operating under the name “Express Entry.”
The program, formerly known as the “Expression of Interest” program, allows employers and governments to nominate workers for fast track immigration if their skills are deemed to be particularly in demand. They are able to skip the queue, thus allowing for “express entry,” ahead of others who might have applied before them.
The new program will help to streamline the process, and allow for qualified workers to quickly apply for permanent residency once they have a job offer in Canada. Applications will be processed within six months, according to Immigration Minister Chris Alexander.
Qualified applicants would apply through Provincial Nominee Programs, which will require coordination and cooperation between various levels of governments as well as employers. Toward that end, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration has also announced plans for consultations across the country regarding the “Express Entry” program.
“Express Entry promises to be a game-changer for Canadian immigration and Canada’s economy,” said Minister Alexander upon announcing the reforms. “It will revolutionize the way we attract skilled immigrants, and get them working here faster. Our government is actively engaged with our provincial and territorial partners, and with employers, to make January’s launch of Express Entry a success.”
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
