Canada’s Express Entry Program
Canada’s Express Entry Program Help
The Express Entry program is a new immigration program. As of 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has implemented this new Express Entry program for those wishing to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada based on economic benefit. With offices in both Calgary and Edmonton, the immigration lawyers at Kahane Law Office ((403)-225-8810 and (780) 571-8463 respectively) help with your questions and application under the Express Entry program.
What Is The Canadian Program?
Under the Canadian Express Entry program, CIC is changing from a yearly cap-based program, to a rolling database program. This means that the program operates as an ongoing system. This process should simplify the application process for permanent residency in Canada. A simplified program allows more qualified people to enter Canada for a chance at a new life here.
What is the Express Entry Process?
Under the Express Entry system in Canada, applicants that meet the criteria for either the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Canadian Experience Class Program, must create an Express Entry profile with CIC. After creating this profile, and if they meet the requirements for one of the above programs, the candidate will receive a breakdown of how many points they have scored in the program. Those points will determine if they will be considered for permanent residency under the Express Entry program.
The Express Entry Points System
The government has the right to modify the program from time to time. Some main characteristics remain consistent. As it stands now, points are issued for a number of skills and traits. For example, these skills and traits include:
- Professional work experience (in and out of Canada);
- Level of education;
- Age; and lastly
- Language ability (in English, French, or both).
The maximum number of points obtainable in Express Entry program is 1200. 600 of these points are based solely on whether the candidate holds a valid job offer from an employer in Canada, in their field. This valid job offer includes a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) obtain by the employer from Service Canada. This means that those candidates that do not hold an LMIA may score a maximum of 600 points under the Express Entry program. We have a lot more information on Express Entry Points here.
How Long Is An Express Entry Profile Valid For?
The time frame starts on the creation of a profile. Once a candidate creates an Express Entry profile in Canada, that profile will be searchable by CIC in the Express Entry database for up to one year. If they candidate does not receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within that year, they must re-enter a new profile. Future applications receive the same qualification as first time applications. However, to avoid missing an invitation, utilize the services of a lawyer to maximize your chances of success.
Express Entry Selection Process
The selection process that the CIC uses in periodically choosing candidates is not 100% clear at this point. However, CIC has noted in their 2015 Immigration Levels Plan that they will be accepting between 260,000 and 285,000 permanent residents to Canada in 2015. Of those numbers, they have earmarked between 68,000 and 74,000 positions for the Express Entry program candidates. As with any new program, more information will become available as time goes on. This includes changes that update the program.
Do I Need A Lawyer?
Strictly speaking you do not need a lawyer for the Express Entry program. That said, the Canadian government’s instructions for properly completing the Express Entry application can be confusing. To be considered for any government program, it is essential to properly complete your application. If you fail to properly submit your express entry profile, you may lose or delay your chance to become a permanent resident. In some instances, people then must leave Canada. Avoid delays, stress and additional costs by getting the help you need.
Canada’s Express Entry Program Help!
We can help. The legal team at Kahane Law Office is here to help with your Express Entry application. Our team is made up of lawyers, support staff and former Citizenship and Immigration Canada employees who know the system. If you want to become apply or would like to schedule a consultation, call the experienced team at Kahane Law Immigration Legal Services now. CONNECT NOW. We can be reached toll-free at 1-877-225-8817 (or 403-225-8810 in Calgary, Alberta and 780-571-8463 in Edmonton), or email us directly here.