A New Era in Immigration
Since January 2015, Canada's immigration landscape has been revolutionized by the introduction of the Express Entry system by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This digital platform streamlines applications for permanent residency under specific economic immigration categories.
Here's a snapshot of how it works:
- Profile Creation: Aspirants can set up an Express Entry profile anytime, detailing their qualifications.
- Entry into the Pool: Once vetted and accepted, candidates join the Express Entry pool.
- Invitation to Apply: Regular draws from the pool determine who receives an invitation for permanent residence. The inaugural draw in January 2015 saw 779 individuals, with a minimum of 886 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), being invited.
- Ranking System: The CRS ranks candidates in the pool. The initial draw favoured those with high scores, typically backed by provincial nominations or job offers validated by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA-backed job offer alone grants 600 points in the CRS.
- Future Projections: IRCC plans multiple draws annually, aiming to diversify the range of candidates selected. Over time, many without Canadian job offers are expected to receive invitations, ensuring Canada meets its immigration objectives.
A representative from IRCC emphasized the commitment to the 2015 immigration target, suggesting that while employer participation might be gradual, the focus will be on high-scoring candidates to fulfill economic class admissions targets.
For those in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Mill Bay, British Columbia, seeking clarity on the Express Entry system or any other immigration-related queries, Infinity Law is here to guide you every step of the way.