Dear Mr Brown:

I wish to migrate to Canada. I am not qualified under the Federal Skilled Worker programme. However, I have heard about the new Express Entry programme. I would like to find out more information about the distinction between the Federal Skilled Worker Programme and the new programme to determine whether I will qualify for the latter.

— PC

Dear PC:

Although I discussed the introduction of the Express Entry programme earlier this year in a previous column, I am responding to your question for two reasons. First, I am currently receiving many similar questions. Second, I find that it is critical at this point for potential applicants to understand the programme because it is not only new, but will replace a somewhat familiar programme that has been around for many years.

Express Entry

The Express Entry programme will be launched in January 2015. It is a model of economic immigration which entails the active recruitment of potential immigrants instead of merely relying on the submissions

of applicants.

The Express Entry electronic application management system will apply to four existing economic programs — the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Federal Skilled Trades Programme, Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programme.

Foreign nationals who meet the criteria for one of the federal immigration programmes will be placed into a pool, from which employers will be able to consider candidates who meet their needs when they cannot find a Canadian or permanent resident for the job.

Employment

Express Entry candidates who receive a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer or nomination under the Provincial Nominee Programme will be invited to apply for permanent residence soon after. Each job offer will be subject to Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Stages

The first stage entails prospective immigrants submitting a form to indicate their interest in migrating to Canada. Individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria will have their expressions of interest placed in a pool and ranked against others in the pool, based on official language proficiency, level of education, occupation, work experience, age and other measures of adaptability. The second stage entails the issue of an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The invitation would be based on either direct selection by a Canadian employer or achieving a certain rank or a combination thereof.

As it relates to your question, I will state that the distinction of the program is for the Canadian government to focus on who are most likely to succeed economically in Canada, rather than passively process all applicants in a queue. As such, satisfying the eligibility criteria, marketability and/or employment will be the key to success.

For further information visit jamaica2canada.com.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel, education agent and managing director of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com.