What's the catch to Canada's new Express Entry System?

English: The main entrance of in , , Canada, featuring Canadian provincial flags. Nederlands: Hoofdingang van Canada's Wonderland met de Canadese provinciale vlaggen, gefotografeerd in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Marieton Pacheco, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Posted at 02/24/2015 12:29 PM

VANCOUVER, Canada - Canada recently implemented an online Express Entry System for those wanting to migrate to the country.

The Express Entry System allows an applicant to create an online profile, type in his best qualifications to be invited for permanent residency.

But immigration experts say there is a catch

Since its launch in January, more than 1,500 have already been invited to apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry System. But their invitation did not come from creating an online profile alone.

"It is very important to note that under this system, while you may qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Trades Worker or under the Canadian Experience Class, you need to be able to show them that you have the offer of employment or the provincial nominations," said Arelene Tungohan, certified immigration consultant.

The Express Entry System is supposedly a faster route for entering Canada through its economic migration streams like the Federal Skilled workers, Provincial Nominations, and Experienced Class Programs.

Creating an online profile gives points for one's skills, education, work experience, and other relevant information. It is also supposed to allow one to register with Canada's job bank.

"Employers would be able to supposedly to go to job bank and handpick candidates who will be employed by them. Ang hindi alam ng marami na yung job bank portion hindi pa gumagana," she said.

Job offers and provincial nominations are not essential, but they give significant points, about half of the total 1200 points one can get under the new system.

This, Tungohan said, is where the challenge lies.

"If you don't have like a provincial nomination or an arranged employment LMIA-Based (Labor Market Impact Assessment) arranged employment, then anong laban mo sa mayroong ganun? Kasi the arranged employment and the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) will give you 600 points. So this is really employer-driven. Ang hinahanap ng Canada at first right now is for those who already have work," she said.

This early, government claims the initial results are impressive as the new system is working to fill Canada's labor market needs.

Most of those invited were applicants from the sciences, electrical and construction industries.

Upon receiving an invitation, applicants have 60 days to complete and submit requirements with Immigration Canada guaranteeing a 6-month processing time.

Read more from Balitang America.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/02/24/15/whats-catch-canadas-new-express-entry-system

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Regina launches website directed at welcoming immigrants

The Kramer Imax Theatre located at the Saskatchewan Science Centre in the renovated former Regina powerhouse on the north shore of east Wascana Lake (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The City of Regina has received $30,000 from the federal and provincial governments to launch welcometoregina.ca, which aims to help new immigrants settle in the city.

"It's very important," Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan's Minister responsible for immigration, said. "Newcomers often have some very, very real challenges being brand new in Canada, brand new in Saskatchewan, and brand new in Regina."

Harrison added the site contains information that many people who have always lived here may take for granted, such as where to shop for groceries. He said the site was created with help from newcomer groups like the Regina Open Door Society, who provided further insight on what new immigrants to Regina often want and need to know.

'Newcomers often have some very, very real challenges.'- Jeremy Harrison

Regina city councillor Shawn Fraser was also on hand for the website's launch. He said it's a good step toward helping people fit in to the city, but citizens can always do more to make people feel welcome. 

"That means going out of our way, if you can, to introduce yourself to your neighbours, to help people out," Fraser said. "Open Door Society is a great way to get involved. There's lots of opportunities around the city to welcome new Canadians." 

The money for the website is administered through Citizenship and Immigration Canada, through an agreement between the federal and provincial governments. It allows for grants toward cities and municipalities that want to provide online information for immigrants. 

Harrison said Saskatoon, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw have also received help for websites similar to the one created for people arriving in Regina.

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-launches-website-directed-at-welcoming-immigrants-1.2950632

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Inviting In-Demand, Skilled Immigrants to Canada

The lock between Chateau Laurier and Parliament Hill in Canada's capital city, Ottawa, Canada, situated on the Ottawa River. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First round of Express Entry candidates invited to fill labour market needs and contribute to Canada's economic growth

February 2, 2015 - Ottawa -Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander today announced that the first round of top-ranked candidates from Canada's Express Entry system is already helping to fill demonstrated and verifiable gaps in Canada's labour market.

On Saturday, January 31, 779 skilled workers, including professionals in natural and applied sciences, and industrial, electrical and construction trades, were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Each of these candidates declared that they already have a valid job offer or provincial nomination.

Under Express Entry, skilled workers who want to apply to Canada's key economic immigration programs are able to create an online profile and express their interest in coming to Canada permanently.

Candidates who are accepted into the pool are ranked according to various factors, including language proficiency, education and work experience. Each is a leading indicator of one's likelihood of integrating fully and quickly into Canadian society and making an optimal contribution to the economy.

Canada will regularly invite the highest-ranking candidates from the pool to apply to immigrate. With most applications being processed in six months or less, candidates will be able to contribute to Canada's economy and job market more quickly than ever before.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

www.canada.ca/ExpressEntry

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Saskatchewan Introduces Express Entry Sub-Category

A "Welcome to Saskatchewan" sign greets drivers on the highway as they leave the province of Alberta and enter the province of Saskatchewan in Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Canadian province—Saskatchewan, has introduced a new Express Entry category entitled as Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-category, under its PNP (Provincial Nominee Program). This new sub-category is committed to skilled employees who would like to reside and work in Saskatchewan.

The SINP (Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program) nominates people who are in the federal Express Entry pool with proper skills, work experience as well as language abilities required to effectively settle and assimilate into province’s labor market and societies.

Under this stream, the province has allotted 775 spaces and the good thing is applicants don’t require an employment offer to apply. Successfully selected applicants will have the right to reside and work in the province with rewarding standard of living, rising economy and the low unemployment rate in Canada.

However, in order to apply for Saskatchewan Express Entry Sub-Category, applicants must meet certain prerequisites such as; they must be accepted into federal Express Entry pool and posses Express Entry Profile Number along with Job Seeker Validation Code. Applicants should secure at least 60 points out of 100 in the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program point assessment grid and language proficiency is needed either in French or English language.

Applicants must have completed at least one year of training or post-secondary education which is equivalent to Canada’s education system and has resulted in a diploma, degree, credential, or a certificate comparable to a trade credential.

Applicants should also show their minimum work experience level pertinent to their education or training field. The minimum work experience can be either one year during the past 10 years in skilled profession (non-trades), or two years in the skilled trade during the past five years or one year of skilled work experience in Canada during the past three years in trades or non-trades. The work experience should be in high skilled occupations listed on NOC “0”, “A” or “B” occupations, which are considered to be in-demand occupations in Saskatchewan.

Source: http://www.migrationideas.com/news/saskatchewan-introduces-express-entry-sub-category/407/

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Resources for Internationally Trained Engineers In Canada.

English: The near-completion Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ALBERTA

Bredin Institute

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Program

Calgary, Alberta

The BIM program is especially geared toward assisting those who are looking for employment as engineering designers and drafters. The program focuses on language training and computer software training to prepare students for jobs in the engineering community.

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

Engineering and Technology Upgrading Program

Calgary, Alberta

Offered by CCIS, a non-profit volunteer organization, this program helps internationally educated professionals upgrade their skills. It also features a work placement so participants can gain Canadian work experience within the program. Much of the focus is on employability, helping to connect students with local engineering firms.

Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN)

Engineers’ and Technologists’ Integration Program (ETIP)

Edmonton, Alberta

ETIP focuses on improving students’ English language proficiency and adapting their current skills to Canadian standards. The program helps students develop their computer skills and prepares them for conducting their own successful job searches. Upon completion of the program, students will have acquired professional recognition and membership with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).

MANITOBA

University of Manitoba

Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Program (IEEQ)

Winnipeg, Manitoba

The IEEQ Program combines university engineering courses, cultural orientation, professional networking, language/communication support and co-op work experience to help students be considered “academically qualified” by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM). This leads to obtaining a Professional Engineer licence.

University of Winnipeg

English for Engineering Professionals

Winnipeg, Manitoba

This course is designed for Manitoba residents who plan to continue their engineering careers in the province. Students should already be in the process of getting their foreign credentials recognized by the Manitoba regulatory body before taking the course. For those who cannot attend the classroom sessions, this course is also offered online.

University of Winnipeg

Technical Communication for Engineering Professionals

Winnipeg, Manitoba

This free program is the next step up from English for Engineering Professionals, which is a prerequisite for it. It teaches the English skills internationally educated engineers need to successfully work in Manitoba. Students need to be permanent residents of Canada and have Canadian Language Benchmark levels of seven or above.

ONTARIO

Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES)

Engineering Connections

Toronto, Ontario

This is a program designed to prepare internationally trained engineers for getting licensed and ultimately working in Ontario. Participants learn job search strategies, workplace communication and Ontario employer expectations. The program also offers various workshops on Canadian Engineering Codes, software for engineers and project management.

Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES)

Engineering Connections: Project Management

Toronto, Ontario

This program is specifically designed for internationally trained engineers who want to work in project management. Students gain an understanding of the Canadian project management field while they learn the fundamentals of project management and Microsoft Project software. This program also provides post-employment support for participants needing job-specific language development.

Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Engineering Software Skills Enhancement Program

Toronto, Ontario

Humber’s free part-time program offers engineers technical and software training to give them the skills Ontario employers require. The program specifically focuses on civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, providing training in AutoCAD, Solidworks, PLCs, MS-Project and other such software. In addition, job search assistance, educational counselling and communication skills development are also offered.

Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)

Examination Skills Preparation for Internationally Trained Engineers

Toronto, Ontario

Internationally trained engineers seeking Ontario licences can benefit from the preparation offered by this program. This course prepares students for the Professional Practice Examination, teaching them the technical information needed to pass the exam and the role of exam writing in Canada. Students also learn legal and ethical Canadian workplace practices.

Ryerson University

International Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging (IEEQB) Program

Toronto, Ontario

Ryerson’s Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science offers this program in collaboration with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). The program gives internationally trained engineers the opportunity to obtain the academic requirements for getting licensed with the PEO. Students who wish to improve their English language proficiency can opt to take English as a Second/Additional Language courses as well.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Professional Access and Integration Enhancement (PAIE III) Program: Environmental Engineers and Geoscientists for a Green Economy

Toronto, Ontario

This program is specifically designed for environmental engineers and geoscientists. It helps them get licensed and employed in Ontario. Participants are given technical training as well as occupation-specific language and workplace culture training. As part of the program, they will complete a one-year paid work placement to gain Canadian work experience. Participants will also take the Professional Practice Exams to become licensed Professional Engineers and Professional Geoscientists with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) and the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO).

University of Toronto

Licensing International Engineers into the Profession (LIEP)

Toronto, Ontario

This program provides a unique alternative path to the Professional Engineer licence. Instead of taking the Confirmatory Examination Program by Professional Engineering Ontario (PEO), internationally trained engineers can take LIEP. The program offers professional engineering courses which are accepted by PEO. Students are also offered career development support and preparation for writing the Professional Practice Examination (PPE).

University of Waterloo

Bridging Programs for Internationally Trained Professionals

Waterloo, Ontario

The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering offers bridging programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and systems design engineering. The programs are all focused on helping internationally trained engineers upgrade their skills and credentials to successfully work in their fields in Canada.

Source: http://canadianimmigrant.ca/work-and-education/engineering

Canada’s Nova Scotia Introduces Express Entry Immigration Programme

Canada's province of Nova Scotia has introduced a new immigration programme called Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry which gives migrants the opportunity to settle down in Canada even without a job offer at hand. The province has set to accommodate 350 applications for this year.

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REUTERS/Chris Wattie
Canada's Employment Minister Jason Kenney (R) speaks during a news conference with Immigration Minister Chris Alexander in Ottawa June 20 , 2014. REUTERS/Chris Wattie

But while a job offer is not a requirement, Canada Immigration points out that an applicant still needs to adhere to a point-based system, where s/he must have a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to be eligible for application. The programme is available to individuals along with their spouse or common-law partner as well as dependent children under 19 years old.

Each applicant will be assessed based on a points grid that measures education, language ability, work experience, age and adaptability factors. The potential candidate will also be evaluated if s/he already has an arranged job offer from a Nova Scotia-based employer.

Before one can apply, s/he must have had at least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in one of the 29 skilled opportunity occupations considered in-demand within the past five years. Such opportunity occupations include various professions in the engineering, science, healthcare, finance and computing industries.

Language ability in English or French will be assessed and will be subjected to a minimum score in a test recognised by the government of Canada. It could either be the IELTS or CELPIP for English or TEF for French. The applicant is highly advised to attain at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven in one of these tests. Nova Scotia may also require a foreign diploma, certificate or credential if a candidate does not have a post-secondary Canadian educational credential.

Potential candidates to the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry have two application routes, either:

§  apply directly to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration (NSOI) and then enter the Express Entry pool with a provincial nomination, which will trigger an invitation to apply for permanent residence; or

§  be selected from the Express Entry pool by the NSOI.

Nova Scotia has at least three types of immigration programmes: The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry programme; the Skilled worker programme; and, the Family Business Worker programme. Nova Scotia is forecast to have the third-highest level of economic growth of all Canadian provinces in 2015.

Source: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/579199/20150115/canada-nova-scotia-immigration.htm#.VLkm3yvF-So

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Open Work Permits for Spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Effective December 22, 2014 and as part of a 1 year trial, Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) will be issuing Open Work Permits to certain spouses or common-law partners who are applying for permanent residence from inside Canada.  Previously, sponsored spouses would have to wait until first stage approval to be issued open work permits. Since first stage approval is taking nearly 16 months, it creates major hardships in that these people cannot work while living in Canada waiting for their applications to be finalized.

Applicants who have already submitted their application for permanent residence under the Spouse/Common-Law class but have not yet applied for an open work permit should do so immediately.

If an applicant has already received an approval in principal, they have the option of applying for a work permit online.

Applicants who have yet to submit their applications for permanent residence should also complete an application for a work permit and submit along with their application for permanent residence.

Source: http://www.theimmigrationteam.com/2014/12/23/open-work-permits-spouses-canadian-citizens-permanent-residents/

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Ensuring Long-Term Prosperity and Economic Growth

Country of birth of "immigrants and non-permanent residents" in Canada in 2001 Census (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of immigration in fueling economic growth and is planning to welcome between 260,000 and 285,000 new permanent residents in 2015, an increase of approximately 19,000 planned admissions over last year.

The economic category will account for the largest segment of the 2015 levels plan, at almost 65 per cent of overall admissions. The remaining 35 per cent will consist of family class immigrants, refugees and others admitted under humanitarian programs.

Higher levels in 2015 are an indication of the Government of Canada’s strategy of supporting economic growth by addressing current and future labour needs by increasing admissions in key economic programs. Canada’s future economic growth will require a steady stream of new immigrants to meet labour market demands.  

The increase in levels will also assist Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s implementation of the new application management system, Express Entry, in January 2015 and positions our immigration system to focus more on economic immigration in the future. This first year of Express Entry will be a transition year for economic immigration: while new applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will be managed in Express Entry, most admissions in 2015 will be of applicants who applied under the previous system. Increasing admission levels creates the conditions for the success of the new system in 2015 by providing enough space to accommodate pre-Express Entry cases while providing flexibility to admit higher volumes under Express Entry as soon as possible.

Highlights:

• The FSWP admissions will rise slightly in 2015 to up to 51,000. This program will continue to accept the most permanent resident admissions for 2015.
• The CEC has grown rapidly since launching in late 2008, with more admissions expected this year than ever before. To accommodate the rapid growth of this popular program, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will accept up to 23,000 permanent residents through the CEC in 2015. 
• Canada plans to welcome up to 48,000 permanent residents under the PNP in 2015. This represents the highest-ever provincial nominee admissions in history.
• An increase in admissions to the caregiver programs will take place in 2015. The increase of up to 30,000 caregivers will help to accelerate reduction of the existing Live-in Caregiver Program backlog.

Text version

Graph showing rapid growth of the CEC program from 2009 to 2013, broken down by principal applicants and spouses/dependants.

Year	CEC principal applicants	CEC spouses and dependants
2009	1,775	770
2010	2,533	1,384
2011	3,973	2,054
2012	5,943	3,416
2013	15,304	11,460

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is targeting the type of economic immigrant Canada wants: people who have demonstrated success in the Canadian labour market and who have the skills to contribute to our country over the long run. The CEC has grown rapidly since launching in late 2008, with more admissions expected this year than ever before. To accommodate the rapid growth of this popular program, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will accept up to 23,000 permanent residents through the CEC in 2015.

Text version

Two maps, one from the year 2000 and the other from 2013, showing the growth and dispersion of economic immigrants thanks to the Provincial Nominee Program. The 2013 map shows greater dispersion of PNP immigrants throughout the country, particularly in the Prairies and Maritime provinces.

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program is Canada’s second-largest economic immigration program and has helped to diversify and spread the benefits of immigration across the country. Canada plans to welcome between 46,000 and 48,000 permanent residents under the PNP in 2015. This represents the highest-ever provincial nominee admissions in history.

Source: CIC

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