A new immigration program will help those who are eligible through a more expedient immigration process towards Canadian permanent residence. Watch this video for more information. Then, fill out our immigration assessment form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
Introduced in January 2015, Canada's Express Entry (EE) system was developed to allow Canada to meet its future labour market needs in order to maintain long-term economic growth. In 2020, the immigration target was set at 195,800 through federal economic programs, like those under the Express Entry System, and this number is expected to significantly increase as the year continues. In 2020, Express Entry was estimated to issue 91,800 Invitations to Apply (ITA's) for permanent residency, which was surpassed; issuing an impressive 107,950 ITA's.
Canada confidently continues to accept and process Express Entry applications, despite the current pandemic travel restrictions. In fact, Canada's new immigration totals have been set for the next three years, promising to welcome over 1.2 million newcomers by the year 2023.
2021 - 108,500 ITAs
2022 - 110,500 ITAs
2023 - 113,750 ITAs
Canada's Express Entry system was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and it is used to select candidates for immigration to Canada through various Federal Economic Immigration programs. Candidates who intend to apply for immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian Experience Class are required to do so through the system.
As the main driver of economic migration to Canada, the Express Entry system is seen as a flagship program providing a fast-tracked route to Canadian immigration.
Points will now be awarded for study in Canada above high school. The CRS will award 15 points for a one or two-year diploma or certificate and 30 points for a degree, diploma, or certificate of three years or longer, including a master's, professional or doctoral degree.
With these changes, more former international students will be able to transition to permanent residency using the system. Former international students are a key source of candidates for the system because of their age, education, skills, and experience. Permanently integrating into Canadian society will be easier for them, because they have already familiarized themselves with life in Canada.
Candidates will now have 60 days to complete an application for permanent residence if they get an invitation to apply. This will give candidates more time to gather all the required documentation and submit a complete application.
Since the new changes came into effect the number of ITAs issued has progressively increased and the number of CRS points required has significantly decreased.
Applications can take as little as six months to process, making this program one of the fastest immigration programs in Canada. Only immigrants who have the right skills required in each province can qualify, unlike the Green Card Lotteries used in the U.S.
Applicants who are successful can eventually apply for permanent residence in Canada.