Posts Tagged ‘Federal Skilled Worker’

Update on Express Entry

Henry Chang | October 16, 2016 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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Since Express Entry began on January 1, 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”), formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada, has issued several rounds of Invitations to Apply (“ITAs”).  An ITA allows a foreign national to submit their application for permanent residence under one of the following categories:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

Express Entry applicants are selected to receive an ITA based on how many points they are assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”).

As of the date of this article, CIC has issued a total of 44 rounds of ITAs.  A summary of these Express Entry rounds appears below:

  • In Round #1 (January 31, 2015), IRCC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 886 CRS points.
  • In Round #2 (February 7, 2015), IRCC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 818 CRS points.
  • In Round #3 (February 20, 2015), IRCC issued 849 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 808 CRS points.
  • In Round #4 (February 27, 2015), IRCC issued 1187 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 735 CRS points.
  • In Round #5 (March 20, 2015), IRCC issued 1620 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 481 CRS points.
  • In Round #6 (March 27, 2015), IRCC issued 1637 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #7 (April 10, 2015), IRCC issued 925 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #8 (April 17, 2015), IRCC issued 715 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #9 (May 22, 2015), IRCC issued 1361 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 755 CRS points.
  • In Round #10 (June 12, 2015), IRCC issued 1501 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 482 CRS points.
  • In Round #11 (June 26, 2015), IRCC issued 1575 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #12 (July 10, 2015), IRCC issued 1516 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 463 CRS points.
  • In Round #13 (July 17, 2015), IRCC issued 1581 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 451 CRS points.
  • In Round #14 (August 7, 2015), IRCC issued 1402 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 471 CRS points.
  • In Round #15 (August 21, 2015), IRCC issued 1523 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 456 CRS points.
  • In Round #16 (September 8, 2015), IRCC issued 1517 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 459 CRS points.
  • In Round #17 (September 18, 2015), IRCC issued 1545 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #18 (October 2, 2015), IRCC issued 1530 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #19 (October 23, 2015), IRCC issued 1502 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 489 CRS points.
  • In Round #20 (November 13, 2015), IRCC issued 1506 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.
  • In Round #21 (November 27, 2015), IRCC issued 1559 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 472 CRS points.
  • In Round #22 (December 4, 2015), IRCC issued 1451 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 461 CRS points.
  • In Round #23 (December 18, 2015), IRCC issued 1503 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 460 CRS points.
  • In Round #24 (January 6, 2016), IRCC issued 1463 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 461 CRS points.
  • In Round #25 (January 13, 2016), IRCC issued 1518 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #26 (January 27, 2016), IRCC issued 1468 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 457 CRS points.
  • In Round #27 (February 10, 2016), IRCC issued 1505 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 459 CRS points.
  • In Round #28 (February 24, 2016), IRCC issued 1484 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #29 (March 9, 2016), IRCC issued 1013 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 473 CRS points.
  • In Round #30 (March 23, 2016), IRCC issued 1014 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 470 CRS points.
  • In Round #31 (April 6, 2016), IRCC issued 954 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 470 CRS points.
  • In Round #32 (April 20, 2016), IRCC issued 1018 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 468 CRS points.
  • In Round #33 (May 6, 2016), IRCC issued 799 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 534 CRS points.
  • In Round #34 (May 18, 2016), IRCC issued 763 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.
  • In Round #35 (June 1, 2016), IRCC issued 762 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 483 CRS points.
  • In Round #36 (June 15, 2016), IRCC issued 752 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 488 CRS points.
  • In Round #37 (June 29, 2016), IRCC issued 773 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 482 CRS points.
  • In Round #38 (July 13, 2016), IRCC issued 747 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 482 CRS points.
  • In Round #39 (July 27, 2016), IRCC issued 755 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 488 CRS points.
  • In Round #40 (August 10, 2016), IRCC issued 754 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 490 CRS points.
  • In Round #41 (August 24, 2016), IRCC issued 750 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 538 CRS points.
  • In Round #42 (September 7, 2016), IRCC issued 1,000 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 491 CRS points.
  • In Round #43 (September 21, 2016), IRCC issued 1,288 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 483 CRS points.
  • In Round #44 (October 12, 2016), IRCC issued 1,518 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.

The lowest minimum CRS score that was previously eligible to receive an ITA was 450 points, which occurred in rounds 17 and 18.  However, the minimum CRS score subsequently rose to over 480 points in rounds 19 and 20.

This was still a low enough score for a candidate to be selected without a Labour Market Impact Assessment or a nomination under a provincial nominee program Express Entry stream.  However, many applicants were hoping that the minimum CRS score would continue to drop before the end of 2015; this clearly did not occur.

Fortunately, the minimum CRS score has dropped several times during 2016, to levels approaching rounds 19 and 20.  In rounds 25 and 28, the minimum CRS score dropped to as low as 453 points.  That said, the minimum CRS score also rose to as high as 538 points in round 41.  In the most recent round on October 12, 2016, the minimum CRS score was 484 points.


Update on Express Entry

Henry Chang | June 12, 2016 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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Since Express Entry began on January 1, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) has issued several rounds of Invitations to Apply (“ITAs”).  An ITA allows a foreign national to submit their application for permanent residence under one of the following categories:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

Express Entry applicants are selected to receive an ITA based on how many points they are assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”).

As of the date of this article, CIC has issued a total of 35 rounds of ITAs.  A summary of these Express Entry rounds appears below:

  • In Round #1 (January 31, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 886 CRS points.
  • In Round #2 (February 7, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 818 CRS points.
  • In Round #3 (February 20, 2015), CIC issued 849 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 808 CRS points.
  • In Round #4 (February 27, 2015), CIC issued 1187 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 735 CRS points.
  • In Round #5 (March 20, 2015), CIC issued 1620 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 481 CRS points.
  • In Round #6 (March 27, 2015), CIC issued 1637 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #7 (April 10, 2015), CIC issued 925 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #8 (April 17, 2015), CIC issued 715 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #9 (May 22, 2015), CIC issued 1361 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 755 CRS points.
  • In Round #10 (June 12, 2015), CIC issued 1501 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 482 CRS points.
  • In Round #11 (June 26, 2015), CIC issued 1575 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #12 (July 10, 2015), CIC issued 1516 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 463 CRS points.
  • In Round #13 (July 17, 2015), CIC issued 1581 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 451 CRS points.
  • In Round #14 (August 7, 2015), CIC issued 1402 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 471 CRS points.
  • In Round #15 (August 21, 2015), CIC issued 1523 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 456 CRS points.
  • In Round #16 (September 8, 2015), CIC issued 1517 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 459 CRS points.
  • In Round #17 (September 18, 2015), CIC issued 1545 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #18 (October 2, 2015), CIC issued 1530 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #19 (October 23, 2015), CIC issued 1502 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 489 CRS points.
  • In Round #20 (November 13, 2015), CIC issued 1506 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.
  • In Round #21 (November 27, 2015), CIC issued 1559 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 472 CRS points.
  • In Round #22 (December 4, 2015), CIC issued 1451 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 461 CRS points.
  • In Round #23 (December 18, 2015), CIC issued 1503 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 460 CRS points.
  • In Round #24 (January 6, 2016), CIC issued 1463 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 461 CRS points.
  • In Round #25 (January 13, 2016), CIC issued 1518 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #26 (January 27, 2016), CIC issued 1468 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 457 CRS points.
  • In Round #27 (February 10, 2016), CIC issued 1505 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 459 CRS points.
  • In Round #28 (February 24, 2016), CIC issued 1484 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #29 (March 9, 2016), CIC issued 1013 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 473 CRS points.
  • In Round #30 (March 23, 2016), CIC issued 1014 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 470 CRS points.
  • In Round #31 (April 6, 2016), CIC issued 954 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 470 CRS points.
  • In Round #32 (April 20, 2016), CIC issued 1018 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 468 CRS points.
  • In Round #33 (May 6, 2016), CIC issued 799 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 534 CRS points.
  • In Round #34 (May 18, 2016), CIC issued 763 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.
  • In Round #35 (June 1, 2016), CIC issued 762 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 483 CRS points

The lowest minimum CRS score that was previously eligible to receive an ITA was 450 points, which occurred in rounds 17 and 18.  However, the minimum CRS score subsequently rose to over 480 points in rounds 19 and 20.

This was still a low enough score for a candidate to be selected without a Labour Market Impact Assessment or a nomination under a provincial nominee program Express Entry stream.  However, many applicants were hoping that the minimum CRS score would continue to drop before the end of 2015; this clearly did not occur.

Fortunately, the minimum CRS score has dropped several times during 2016, to levels approaching rounds 19 and 20.  In rounds 25 and 28, the minimum CRS score dropped to as low as 453 points.  That said, the minimum CRS score also rose to as high as 534 points in round 33.  In the most recent round on June 1, 2016, the minimum CRS score was 483 points.


Update on Express Entry

Henry Chang | February 15, 2016 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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Since Express Entry began on January 1, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) has issued several rounds of Invitations to Apply (“ITAs”).  An ITA allows a foreign national to submit their application for permanent residence under one of the following categories:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

Express Entry applicants are selected to receive an ITA based on how many points they are assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”).

As of the date of this article, CIC has issued a total of 26 rounds of ITAs.  A summary of these Express Entry rounds appears below:

  • In Round #1 (January 31, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 886 CRS points.
  • In Round #2 (February 7, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 818 CRS points.
  • In Round #3 (February 20, 2015), CIC issued 849 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 808 CRS points.
  • In Round #4 (February 27, 2015), CIC issued 1187 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 735 CRS points.
  • In Round #5 (March 20, 2015), CIC issued 1620 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 481 CRS points.
  • In Round #6 (March 27, 2015), CIC issued 1637 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #7 (April 10, 2015), CIC issued 925 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #8 (April 17, 2015), CIC issued 715 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #9 (May 22, 2015), CIC issued 1361 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 755 CRS points.
  • In Round #10 (June 12, 2015), CIC issued 1501 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 482 CRS points.
  • In Round #11 (June 26, 2015), CIC issued 1575 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #12 (July 10, 2015), CIC issued 1516 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 463 CRS points.
  • In Round #13 (July 17, 2015), CIC issued 1581 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 451 CRS points.
  • In Round #14 (August 7, 2015), CIC issued 1402 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 471 CRS points.
  • In Round #15 (August 21, 2015), CIC issued 1523 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 456 CRS points.
  • In Round #16 (September 8, 2015), CIC issued 1517 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 459 CRS points.
  • In Round #17 (September 18, 2015), CIC issued 1545 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #18 (October 2, 2015), CIC issued 1530 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #19 (October 23, 2015), CIC issued 1502 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 489 CRS points.
  • In Round #20 (November 13, 2015), CIC issued 1506 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.
  • In Round #21 (November 27, 2015), CIC issued 1559 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 472 CRS points.
  • In Round #22 (December 4, 2015), CIC issued 1451 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 461 CRS points.
  • In Round #23 (December 18, 2015), CIC issued 1503 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 460 CRS points.
  • In Round #24 (January 6, 2016), CIC issued 1463 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 461 CRS points.
  • In Round #25 (January 13, 2016), CIC issued 1518 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #26 (January 27, 2016), CIC issued 1468 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 457 CRS points.

The lowest minimum CRS score that was previously eligible to receive an ITA was 450 points, which occurred in rounds 17 and 18.  However, the minimum CRS score subsequently rose to over 480 in the rounds 19 and 20.

This was still a low enough score for a candidate to be selected without a Labour Market Impact Assessment or a nomination under a provincial nominee program Express Entry stream.  However, many applicants were hoping that the minimum CRS score would continue to drop before the end of 2015; this clearly did not occur.

Fortunately, the minimum CRS score appears to be dropping again.  The last two rounds (rounds 25 and 26) have required minimum CRS scores (453 points and 457 points) that have approached the levels used in rounds 17 and 18.


Update on Express Entry

Henry Chang | December 6, 2015 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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Since Express Entry began on January 1, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) has issued several rounds of Invitations to Apply (“ITAs”).  An ITA allows a foreign national to submit their application for permanent residence under one of the following categories:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

Express Entry applicants are selected to receive an ITA based on how many points they are assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”).

As of the date of this article, CIC has issued  a total of 20 rounds of ITAs.  A summary of these Express Entry rounds appears below:

  • In Round #1 (January 31, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 886 CRS points.
  • In Round #2 (February 7, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 818 CRS points.
  • In Round #3 (February 20, 2015), CIC issued 849 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 808 CRS points.
  • In Round #4 (February 27, 2015), CIC issued 1187 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 735 CRS points.
  • In Round #5 (March 20, 2015), CIC issued 1620 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 481 CRS points.
  • In Round #6 (March 27, 2015), CIC issued 1637 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #7 (April 10, 2015), CIC issued 925 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #8 (April 17, 2015), CIC issued 715 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.
  • In Round #9 (May 22, 2015), CIC issued 1361 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 755 CRS points.
  • In Round #10 (June 12, 2015), CIC issued 1501 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 482 CRS points.
  • In Round #11 (June 26, 2015), CIC issued 1575 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 469 CRS points.
  • In Round #12 (July 10, 2015), CIC issued 1516 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 463 CRS points.
  • In Round #13 (July 17, 2015), CIC issued 1581 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 451 CRS points.
  • In Round #14 (August 7, 2015), CIC issued 1402 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 471 CRS points.
  • In Round #15 (August 21, 2015), CIC issued 1523 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 456 CRS points.
  • In Round #16 (September 8, 2015), CIC issued 1517 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 459 CRS points.
  • In Round #17 (September 18, 2015), CIC issued 1545 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #18 (October 2, 2015), CIC issued 1530 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 450 CRS points.
  • In Round #19 (October 23, 2015), CIC issued 1502 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 489 CRS points.
  • In Round #20 (November 13, 2015), CIC issued 1506 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 484 CRS points.

Although the lowest CRS score eligible to receive an ITA has been 450 points (which occurred in rounds 17 and 18, the minimum CRS score has risen to over 480 in the last two rounds (rounds 19 and 20).  This is still a low enough score for a candidate to be selected without a Labour Market Impact Assessment or a nomination under a provincial nominee program Express Entry stream.  However, many applicants were hoping that the minimum CRS score would continue to drop for the remainder of the year; this clearly did not occur.


Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Establishes Two Express Entry Streams

Henry Chang | September 13, 2015 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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Overview

As previously discussed, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) implemented its Express Entry system on January 1, 2015.  Applicants seeking permanent residence under one of the following classes must now submit an Express Entry Profile and then wait until they receive an Invitation to Apply (“ITA”) before they will be permitted to seek permanent residence:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

The fourth class describes a foreign national who has received a nomination certificate from a Provincial PNP.  A PNP nomination gives the foreign national an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”) points under Express Entry, which makes it much more likely that they will receive an ITA quickly.

When the CIC Express Entry Program began on January 1, 2015, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (the “OINP”), formerly known as the Ontario PNP, still did not have an Express Entry Stream in place.  However, the OINP has now announced two Express Entry Streams: (1) the Human Capital Priorities Stream, and (2) the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream.

The Ontario Human Capital Priorities Stream is for English-speaking skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Ontario. The Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is for French-Speaking skilled workers who have strong English language abilities and who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.

Both Ontario Express Entry Streams require a potential applicant to first qualify under CIC’s Express Entry pool, based on either the FSW Class or the CEC.  This means that they must submit an Express Entry profile with CIC and be accepted into the pool of Express Entry candidates, under either the FSW Class or CEC.

Applicants also may not apply directly to the OINP under either of the Ontario Express Entry Streams.  They must first wait until they receive a Notification of Interest (“NOI”) from Ontario.

Refugee claimants currently in Canada are also not eligible to seek a nomination under either of the Ontario Express Entry Streams.

Provincial Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply under either the Human Capital Priorities Stream or the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, applicants must satisfy the following provincial criteria:

Work Experience

All applicants require a minimum level of work experience:

  • If an applicant chooses to be assessed against the FSW criteria, he or she must have a minimum of one year of continuous and full-time employment (1,560 hours or more) or an equal amount in continuous part-time paid work experience in a National Occupation Classification (“NOC”) level 0, A, or B occupation in the past five years from the date of the PT Notification of Interest from Ontario.  The one year minimum of continuous and full-time (or equivalent continuous part-time) employment must have been completed in one specific NOC occupation.
  • If an applicant chooses to be assessed against the CEC criteria, he or she must have a minimum of one year of cumulative and full-time employment (1,560 hours or more) or an equal amount in part-time paid work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation in Canada in the past three years from the date of the PT notification of interest from Ontario.

Education

All applicants must have a Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. degree or an Educational Credential Assessment (“ECA”) report produced by a designated organization indicating that their foreign education is the equivalent of a Canadian Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. degree.

Language Requirements

For the Human Capital Priorities Stream, all applicants must have a language level of Canadian Language Benchmark (“CLB”) 7 or above in all language competencies (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French.  For the French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, all applicants must have a French-language level of CLB 7 or above in all language competencies (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) AND an English-language level of CLB 6 in all competencies.

Acceptable tests for language ability are:

  • International English Language Testing (“IELTS”) [General Training Test only] or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (“CELPIP”) [General Test only] for English testing; or
  • Test d’Evaluation de Français (“TEF”) for French testing.

Express Entry Ranking

All applicants must score a minimum of 400 CRS points in CIC’s Express Entry system. The applicant’s CRS score must remain at or above 400 during both the Ontario nomination processing stage and at the federal permanent residence processing stage.

Settlement Funds

All applicants must possess sufficient funds and/or income to cover settlement costs in Ontario.  Funds must be unencumbered, readily transferable in a convertible currency, and supported by bank statements. Income may be demonstrated from ongoing employment in Ontario or a valid job offer in Ontario (the applicant must be able to legally work in Ontario).

Intention to Reside in Ontario

All applicants must intend to reside in Ontario, as demonstrated by a statement of intent and indication of ties to Ontario.

Additional Requirements

Additionally, if an applicant chooses to qualify under the FSW criteria, they will also be assessed against CIC’s six selection factors to ensure that they meet the minimum requirement of 67 points of assessment under the FSW Class.

Selection and Processing of Ontario Express Entry Stream Applicants

To determine which candidates will receive a NOI, the OINP searches CIC’s Express Entry pool and identifies potential candidates who meet the criteria of the two Ontario Express Entry Streams.  If it identifies a desirable applicant in CIC’s Express Entry pool, the applicant will receive an NOI from the OINP, through CIC’s web portal.

The NOI invites the applicant to apply for nomination under the one of the two Express Entry Streams.  Upon receipt of this NOI, the applicant will have 45 days to apply for a nomination certificate.

If the application is approved, the applicant will receive notification from the OINP.  The Applicant will have 30 days to accept the nomination from Ontario, within CIC’s Express Entry system.

A nomination from the OINP will give the applicant an additional 600 CRS points (once their express Entry Profile has been updated) and they should receive an ITA from CIC soon after.  Once the applicant receives an ITA from CIC, they will have 60 days to apply for permanent residence.


Update in Express Entry

Henry Chang | April 13, 2015 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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I previously reported that, since Express Entry began on January 1, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) had issued four rounds of Invitations to Apply (“ITAs”).  An ITA allows a foreign national to submit their application for permanent residence under one of the following categories:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

Express Entry applicants were selected to receive an ITA based on how many points they were assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”).

CIC has now issued two additional rounds of ITAs, bringing the total to six since Express Entry commenced.  A summary of all six Express Entry rounds to date appears below:

  • In Round #1 (January 31, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 886 CRS points.
  • In Round #2 (February 7, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 818 CRS points.
  • In Round #3 (February 20, 2015), CIC issued 849 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 808 CRS points.
  • In Round #4 (February 27, 2015), CIC issued 1187 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 735 CRS points.
  • In Round #5 (March 20, 2015), CIC issued 1620 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 481 CRS points.
  • In Round #6 (March 27, 2015), CIC issued 1637 ITAs.  Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 453 CRS points.

CIC is clearly increasing the number of ITAs that it issues in each round and is also lowering the minimum CRS score that applies in each round.  In fact, during the last two rounds, the lowest eligible CRS score dropped below 600.  This means that at least some of the ITAs issued during the last two rounds were sent to applicants who did not have arranged employment or a nomination certificate issued under an express entry stream.  This is a welcome trend, which I hope will continue for the balance of the year.


Update on Express Entry

Henry Chang | March 10, 2015 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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previously reported that, since Express Entry began on January 1, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) had issued two rounds of Invitations to Apply (“ITAs”).  An ITA allows a foreign national to submit their application for permanent residence under one of the following categories:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  • The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  • The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; or
  • Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

Express Entry applicants were selected to receive an ITA based on how many points they were assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”).

Since my previous report, CIC has now issued two additional rounds of ITAs, bringing the total to four since Express Entry commenced.  A summary of all four Express Entry rounds to date appears below:

  • In Round #1 (January 31, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs. Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 886 CRS points.
  • In Round #2 (February 7, 2015), CIC issued 779 ITAs. Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 818 CRS points.
  • In Round #3 (February 20, 2015), CIC issued 849 ITAs. Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 808 CRS points.
  • In Round #4 (February 27, 2015), CIC issued 1187 ITAs. Applicants in this round were required to receive at least 735 CRS points.

It would appear as though CIC is slowing increasing the number of ITAs that it issues in each round.  It is also lowering the minimum CRS score that applies in each round.

This is definitely a step in the right direction.  However, the total number of ITAs being issued is still relatively small, given the fact that Express Entry applies to all cases filed under the FSW, CEC, FST, and Express Entry Stream.  Also, even with a minimum score of 735 CRS points, an applicant cannot receive an ITA unless he or she either: (1) has arranged employment, or (2) has a nomination certificate issued under the Express Entry stream of a PNP.

Hopefully, future rounds will allow for a greater number of ITAs and a minimum score below 600 CRS points.


CIC Issues Ministerial Instructions Relating to Express Entry

Henry Chang | December 18, 2014 in Canadian Immigration | Comments (0)

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Introduction

On December 1, 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) published Ministerial Instructions relating to its proposed Express Entry System (“Express Entry”).  Express Entry will come into effect on January 1, 2015, at 12:00 noon EST, and will apply to the following categories:

  1. The Federal Skilled Worker (“FSW”) Class;
  2. The Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”);
  3. The Federal Skilled Trades (“FST”) Class; and
  4. Members of the Provincial Nominee Class who fall within the Express Entry Stream of a Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”).

In summary, Express Entry will apply to all FSW, CEC, and FST applications filed on or after January 1, 2015.  However, it will not apply to any existing PNP streams.  Instead, each province will have the option of establishing a new Express Entry Stream under its existing PNP.

Overview

Potential candidates will be permitted to submit an online Express Entry profile (i.e. an “Expression of Interest”).  At this time, they will be asked to provide information about their: (a) skills, (b) work experience, (c) language ability, (d) education, and (e) other relevant factors.  However, if a candidate is unable to submit an Expression of Interest online, due to a physical or mental disability, it may be submitted by another means made available by CIC for that purpose.

Candidates who meet the applicable eligibility requirements of at least one of the classes described above (i.e. FSW, CEC, FST, or PNP Express Entry stream) will be accepted into a special pool of candidates (the “Express Entry Pool”).  However, acceptance into the Express Entry Pool does not guarantee that a particular candidate will be issued an Invitation to Apply (“ITA”) for permanent residence.  Instead, candidates in the Express Entry Pool will be ranked against each other using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System; these points will be awarded using the information contained in each candidate’s Expression of Interest.  The candidates with the highest ranking will be periodically selected from the Express Entry Pool.

Candidates may not receive an ITA unless they satisfy the following requirements:

  1. They must satisfy the eligibility requirements of at least one of the classes described above (i.e. FSW, CEC, FST, or PNP Express Entry stream).
  2. They must have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (“LMIA”), if they are working in Canada under a work permit issued pursuant to: (1) an international agreement between Canada and one or more foreign countries (such as a work permit based on the NAFTA or similar free trade agreements), or (2) a federal-provincial agreement (such as a work permit based on a PNP Nomination Certificate).  This language was particularly troubling because appeared to preclude the issuance of an ITA to certain foreign workers who would not otherwise require an LMIA, unless their Canadian employer obtained one on their behalf.  However, CIC later confirmed that it only intended to clarify that a temporary foreign worker in Canada under an LMIA-exempt work permit would not earn any Express Entry ranking points for arranged employment.
  3. Within 30 days from the date that they submit their Expression of Interest, they must register with the Job Bank maintained by Employment and Social Development Canada (“ESDC”), if they do not have a qualifying offer of arranged employment or are not named in a Nomination Certificate issued under a PNP Express Entry stream at the end of that period.

If someone receives an ITA, they will have sixty days to submit an online application for permanent residence.  CIC expects to process the majority of complete applications (meaning those with all the necessary supporting documents) in six months or less.

Candidates accepted into the Express Entry Pool may remain in the pool for up to twelve months, starting on the date that their Expression of Interest was submitted.  If they do not receive an ITA during this period, they will be removed from the pool.  However, they may submit a new Expression of Interest; if they still satisfy the criteria, they can re-enter the Express Entry Pool.

If a candidate declines the invitation within the sixty-day period, the remaining portion of the original one-year period of their inclusion in the Express Entry Pool will continue.  However, if the candidate does not decline the invitation within the sixty-day period and does not make an application for permanent residence within that period, the Expression of Interest will end, regardless of the portion of the one-year period that remains.

Mandatory Submission of Educational Credential Assessments and Language Proficiency Results

Candidates will be required to provide the results of an assessment of their proficiency in English or French (issued by a designated language testing organization or institution) at the time that they submit their Expression of Interest.  Language proficiency assessments are valid for a period of two years from the date that they are issued.

In addition, candidates who are relying on foreign education will be required to provide the results of a valid educational credential equivalency assessment (issued by a designated credential evaluation organization or institution) at the time that they submit their Expression of Interest.  Educational credential assessments are valid for a period of five years from the date that they are issued.

The Comprehensive Ranking System

The ranking of candidates who are included in the Express Entry Pool will be based on the total number of points assigned to each candidate, using the information provided in their Expression of Interest and in accordance with the Comprehensive Ranking System, which considers the following factors:

  1. Core human capital factors;
  2. Accompanying spouse or common-law partner factors;
  3. Skill transferability factors; and
  4. Factors relating to a provincial nomination or a qualifying offer of arranged employment.

Maximum Points Allocations

The total number of points that may be assigned under the Comprehensive Ranking System is 1200 points.  These points will be allocated as follows:

  1. Where a candidate has no accompanying spouse or common-law partner: (i) a maximum of 500 points for core human capital factors, (ii) a maximum of 100 points for skill transferrability factors, and (iii) a maximum of 600 points for either a provincial nomination or a qualifying offer of arranged employment; and
  2. Where a candidate has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner: (i) a maximum of 460 points for the core human capital factors, (ii) a maximum of 40 points for accompanying spouse or common-law partner factors, (iii) a maximum of 100 points for skill transferability factors, and (iv) a maximum of 600 points for either a provincial nomination or a qualifying offer of arranged employment.

Core Human Capital Factors

Age

For a candidate who has no accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points for age are assigned as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate is 17 years of age or less;
  2. 99 points, if the candidate is 18 years of age;
  3. 105 points, if the candidate is 19 years of age;
  4. 110 points, if the candidate is 20 to 29 years of age;
  5. 105 points, if the candidate is 30 years of age;
  6. 99 points, if the candidate is 31 years of age;
  7. 94 points, if the candidate is 32 years of age;
  8. 88 points, if the candidate is 33 years of age;
  9. 83 points, if the candidate is 34 years of age;
  10. 77 points, if the candidate is 35 years of age;
  11. 72 points, if the candidate is 36 years of age;
  12. 66 points, if the candidate is 37 years of age;
  13. 61 points, if the candidate is 38 years of age;
  14. 55 points, if the candidate is 39 years of age;
  15. 50 points, if the candidate is 40 years of age;
  16. 39 points, if the candidate is 41 years of age;
  17. 28 points, if the candidate is 42 years of age;
  18. 17 points, if the candidate is 43 years of age;
  19. 6 points, if the candidate is 44 years of age; and
  20. 0 points, if the candidate is 45 years of age or more.

For a candidate who has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points for age are assigned as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate is 17 years of age or less;
  2. 90 points, if the candidate is 18 years of age;
  3. 95 points, if the candidate is 19 years of age;
  4. 100 points, if the candidate is 20 to 29 years of age;
  5. 95 points, if the candidate is 30 years of age;
  6. 90 points, if the candidate is 31 years of age;
  7. 85 points, if the candidate is 32 years of age;
  8. 80 points, if the candidate is 33 years of age;
  9. 75 points, if the candidate is 34 years of age;
  10. 70 points, if the candidate is 35 years of age;
  11. 65 points, if the candidate is 36 years of age;
  12. 60 points, if the candidate is 37 years of age;
  13. 55 points, if the candidate is 38 years of age;
  14. 50 points, if the candidate is 39 years of age;
  15. 45 points, if the candidate is 40 years of age;
  16. 35 points, if the candidate is 41 years of age;
  17. 25 points, if the candidate is 42 years of age;
  18. 15 points, if the candidate is 43 years of age;
  19. 5 points, if the candidate is 44 years of age; and
  20. 0 points, if the candidate is 45 years of age or more.

Level of Education

For a candidate who has no accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points for level of education are assigned as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate has less than a secondary school credential,
  2. 30 points, if the candidate has a secondary school credential,
  3. 90 points, if the candidate has a one-year post-secondary program credential,
  4. 98 points, if the candidate has a two-year post-secondary program credential,
  5. 120 points, if the candidate has a post-secondary program credential of three years or more,
  6. 128 points, if the candidate has two or more post-secondary program credentials and at least one of them was issued at the completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more,
  7. 135 points, if the candidate has a university-level credential at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (“NOC”) matrix at Skill level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required, and
  8. 150 points, if the candidate has a university-level credential at the doctoral level.

For a candidate who has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points for level of education are assigned as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate has less than a secondary school credential;
  2. 28 points, if the candidate has a secondary school credential;
  3. 84 points, if the candidate has a one-year post-secondary program credential;
  4. 91 points, if the candidate has a two-year post-secondary program credential;
  5. 112 points, if the candidate has a post-secondary program credential of three years or more;
  6. 119 points, if the candidate has two or more post-secondary program credentials and at least one of them was issued at the completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more;
  7. 126 points, if the candidate has a university-level credential at the master’s level or an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the NOC matrix at Skill level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required; and
  8. 140 points, if the candidate has a university-level credential at the doctoral level.

Education points will be assigned based on the highest level of education obtained.  However, in order for a candidate to be assigned points for education, the following must apply:

  1. Their educational credentials must be Canadian educational credentials; or
  2. They must have a valid educational credential equivalency assessment issued by a designated credential evaluation organization or institution.

Official Language Proficiency

Overview

Points will be assigned to candidates for proficiency in their first official language and for proficiency in their second official language.  As a result, they must indicate which of Canada’s two official languages (English or French) is their primary language and which is their secondary language.  In order to receive points for language, candidates must also have their proficiency assessed by a designated language testing organization or institution.

First Official Language

Points will be assigned for each language skill area (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of the candidate’s first official language.  The calculation of points will be based on their benchmark level, as assessed under the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

For a candidate who has no accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points will be assigned for each language skill area as follows:

  1. 0 points for being assessed at less than level 4;
  2. 6 points for being assessed at level 4 or 5;
  3. 9 points for being assessed at level 6;
  4. 17 points for being assessed at level 7;
  5. 23 points for being assessed at level 8;
  6. 31 points for being assessed at level 9; and
  7. 34 points for being assessed at level 10 or higher.

The maximum number of points that may be assigned for all four language skill areas, taken together, in the candidate’s first official language is 136 points.

For a candidate who has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points will be assigned for each language skill area as follows:

  1. 0 points for being assessed at less than level 4;
  2. 6 points for being assessed at level 4 or 5;
  3. 8 points for being assessed at level 6;
  4. 16 points for being assessed at level 7;
  5. 22 points for being assessed at level 8;
  6. 29 points for being assessed at level 9; and
  7. 32 points for being assessed at level 10 or higher.

The maximum number of points that may be assigned for all four language skill areas, taken together, in the candidate’s first official language is 128 points.

Second Official Language

Points will also be assigned for each language skill area (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of the candidate’s second official language.  The calculation of points will again be based on their benchmark level, as assessed under the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

Points will be assigned for each language skill area as follows:

  1. 0 points for being assessed at level 4 or less;
  2. 1 point for being assessed at level 5 or 6;
  3. 3 points for being assessed at level 7 or 8; and
  4. 6 points for being assessed at level 9 or higher.

For a candidate who has no accompanying spouse or common-law partner, the maximum number of points that may be assigned for all of the language skill areas, taken together, in the second official language is 24 points.  For a candidate who has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, the maximum number of points that may be assigned for all of the language skill areas, taken together, in the second official language is 22 points.

Canadian Work Experience

Points will be assigned to candidates for Canadian work experience, which is defined as work experience that:

  1. Is acquired by a candidate in Canada in one or more occupations listed in Skill Type 0 Management Occupations or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification matrix;
  2. Consists of continuous full-time work experience or the full-time equivalent for part-time work experience; and
  3. Is acquired within the 10-year period preceding the day on which points are assigned to the candidate.

Full-time employment means employment of at least 30 hours per week.  A period of work experience that exceeds full-time work in one occupation, or simultaneous periods of work experience in more than one full-time occupation, will be evaluated as a single period of full-time work experience in a single occupation.

Any period of employment during which the candidate was engaged in full-time study, engaged in self-employment, or engaged in unauthorized work may not be counted when calculating the period of work experience.  The candidate must also have had temporary resident status during their period of work experience and any period of full-time study or training.

The candidate must specify in their Expression of Interest the four-digit code in the NOC that corresponds to each of the occupations they have engaged in while accumulating their Canadian work experience.  They must also have performed the actions described in the lead statement for the occupation as set out in the occupational descriptions of the NOC, as well as a substantial number of the main duties described therein (including all essential duties).

For a candidate who has no accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points will be assigned for Canadian work experience as follows:

  1. 0 points, for no Canadian work experience or less than one year of such experience;
  2. 40 points, for one year of Canadian work experience;
  3. 53 points, for two years of Canadian work experience;
  4. 64 points, for three years of Canadian work experience;
  5. 72 points, for four years of Canadian work experience; and
  6. 80 points, for five or more years of Canadian work experience.

For a candidate who has an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, points will be assigned for Canadian work experience as follows:

  1. 0 points, for no Canadian work experience or less than one year of such experience;
  2. 35 points, for one year of Canadian work experience;
  3. 46 points, for two years of Canadian work experience;
  4. 56 points for three years of Canadian work experience;
  5. 63 points, for four years of Canadian work experience; and
  6. 70 points, for five or more years of Canadian work experience.

Accompanying Spouse or Common-law Partner

Points will also be assigned based on accompanying spouse or common-law partner factors, which consist of the following: (a) level of education, (b) official language proficiency; and (c) Canadian work experience.  Each of these factors is described below.

Level of Education

In order for a candidate to be assigned points for education of the accompanying spouse or common-law partner (if applicable), the following must apply:

  1. Their educational credentials must be Canadian educational credentials; or
  2. They must have a valid educational credential equivalency assessment issued by a designated credential evaluation organization or institution.

Points will be assigned for the level of education of the accompanying spouse or common law partner as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has less than a secondary school credential;
  2. 2 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a secondary school credential;
  3. 6 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a one-year post-secondary program credential;
  4. 7 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a two-year post-secondary program credential;
  5. 8 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a post-secondary program credential of three years or more;
  6. 9 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has two or more post-secondary program credentials and at least one of them was issued at the completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more;
  7. 10 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a university-level credential at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the NOC matrix at Skill level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required; and
  8. 10 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a university-level credential at the doctoral level.

Official Language Proficiency

Points will be assigned for each language skill area (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) for the first official language (but not the second official language) of the accompanying spouse or common law partner.  The candidate must specify which official language is to be considered the first official language of the spouse or common-law partner.

The language proficiency of the accompanying spouse or common-law partner must be assessed by a designed organization or institution.  Points assigned for proficiency in English will be based on the results assessed according to the benchmarks set out in Canadian Language Benchmarks and the points assigned for proficiency in the French language are to be based on the results assessed according to the benchmarks set out in the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

Points will be assigned to the candidate for the proficiency of their accompanying spouse or common-law partner, in each language skill area (reading, writing, listening and speaking), as follows:

  1. 0 points for being assessed at level 4 or less;
  2. 1 point for being assessed at level 5 or 6;
  3. 3 points for being assessed at level 7 or 8; and
  4. 5 points for being assessed at level 9 or higher.

The maximum number of points that may be assigned for all of the language skill areas, taken together, is 20 points.

Canadian Work Experience

Points will be assigned to the candidate, based on the Canadian work experience of the accompanying spouse or common-law partner, as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has no Canadian work experience or less than one year of such experience;
  2. 5 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has one year of Canadian work experience;
  3. 7 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has two years of Canadian work experience;
  4. 8 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has three years of Canadian work experience;
  5. 9 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has four years of Canadian work experience; and
  6. 10 points, if the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has five or more years of Canadian work experience.

In order for the candidate to be assigned points for the Canadian work experience of their accompanying spouse or common-law partner, the Expression of Interest must include the four-digit code in the NOC that corresponds to each of the occupations that the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has engaged in while accumulating their Canadian work experience.  The spouse or common-law partner also must have performed the actions described in the lead statement for the occupation as set out in the occupational descriptions of the NOC, as well as a substantial number of the main duties (including all essential duties).

Skill Transferability Factors

Combination of Level of Education and Official Language Proficiency

The points are to be assigned for a combination of a candidate’s level of education and language proficiency (in their first official language) as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate has a secondary school credential, regardless of their proficiency in their first official language;
  2. 13 points, if the candidate has a post-secondary program credential of one or more years and is assessed overall in their first official language at level 7 on all language skill areas, with one or more areas assessed at less than level 9;
  3. 25 points, if the candidate has a post-secondary program credential of one or more years and is assessed in their first official language at level 9 or higher on all language skill areas;
  4. 25 points, if the candidate has two or more post-secondary program credentials, one of which was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more, and is assessed overall in their first official language at level 7 on all language skill areas, with one or more areas assessed at less than level 9; and
  5. 50 points, if the candidate has two or more post-secondary program credentials, one of which was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more, and is assessed in their first official language at level 9 or higher on all language skill areas.

Points are to be assigned based on the highest level of post-secondary education obtained.

Combination of Level of Education and Canadian Work Experience

Points are to be assigned for a combination of a candidate’s level of education and Canadian work experience as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate has a secondary school credential, regardless of their Canadian work experience;
  2. 13 points, if the candidate has a post-secondary program credential of one year or more and one year of Canadian work experience;
  3. 25 points, if the candidate has a post-secondary program credential of one year or more and two or more years of Canadian work experience;
  4. 25 points, if the candidate has two or more post-secondary program credentials, one of which was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more, and one year of Canadian work experience; and
  5. 50 points, if the candidate has two or more post-secondary program credentials, one of which was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or more, and two or more years of Canadian work experience.

The above points are to be assigned based on the highest level of post-secondary education obtained.

The points assigned for: (a) education plus language, and (b) education plus Canadian work experience may be combined.  However, the total number of points earned for these two factors combined may not exceed 50 points.

Combination of Foreign Work Experience and Official Language Proficiency

Points are to be assigned for a combination of a candidate’s foreign work experience and language proficiency (in their first official language) as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate has no foreign work experience, regardless of their proficiency in their first official language;
  2. 13 points, if the candidate has one or two years of foreign work experience and is assessed overall in their first official language at level 7 on all language skill areas, with one or more areas assessed at less than level 9;
  3. 25 points, if the candidate has one or two years of foreign work experience and is assessed in their first official language at level 9 or higher on all language skill areas ;
  4. 25 points, if the candidate has three years of foreign work experience and is assessed overall in their first official language at level 7 on all language skill areas, with one or more areas assessed at less than level 9; and
  5. 50 points, if the candidate has three years of foreign work experience and is assessed in their first official language at level 9 or higher on all language skill areas.

In order for the candidate to be assigned points for foreign work experience, the Expression of Interest must include the four-digit code in the NOC that corresponds to each of the occupations that the candidate has engaged in while accumulating their foreign work experience.  The candidate must also have performed the actions described in the lead statement for the occupation as set out in the occupational descriptions of the NOC, as well as a substantial number of the main duties (including all essential duties).

Combination of Canadian Work Experience and Foreign Work Experience

Points are to be assigned for a combination of a candidate’s Canadian work experience and foreign work experience as follows:

  1. 0 points, if the candidate has no foreign work experience, regardless of their Canadian work experience;
  2. 13 points, if the candidate has one or two years of foreign work experience and one year of Canadian work experience;
  3. 25 points, if the candidate has one or two years of foreign work experience and two or more years of Canadian work experience;
  4. 25 points, if the candidate has three or more years of foreign work experience and one year of Canadian work experience; and
  5. 50 points, if the candidate has three or more years of foreign work experience and two or more years of Canadian work experience.

The points assigned for: (a) foreign work experience plus language, and (b) Canadian work experience plus foreign work experience may be combined.  However, the total number of points earned for these two factors combined may not exceed 50 points.

Combination of Certificate of Qualification and Official Language Proficiency

Points are to be assigned for a combination of a candidate’s certificate of qualification (in a trade occupation issued by a province) and language proficiency (in their first official language) as follows:

  1. 25 points, if the candidate has a certificate of qualification and is assessed overall in their first official language under the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens at benchmark level 5 or higher on all language skill areas, with one or more areas assessed under level 7; and
  2. 50 points, if the candidate has a certificate of qualification and is assessed in their first official language under the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens at benchmark level 7 or higher on all language skill areas.

Maximum Overall Points for Skill Transferability Factors

The maximum number of points that may be assigned for all of the skill transferability factors taken together is 100 points.

Provincial Nomination under an Express Entry Stream

A total of 600 points may be assigned to a candidate if he or she is named in a Nomination Certificate issued by a PNP and the nomination has been: (a) verified by the relevant province, and (b) accepted by the candidate.  However, these points will be lost if the Nomination Certificate is revoked by the province that issued it, or if the candidate declines the nomination.  In addition, a candidate who receives 600 points for provincial nomination may not receive points for arranged employment.

Offer of Arranged Employment

A total of 600 points may be assigned to a candidate if they have a qualifying offer of arranged employment.  However, these points will be lost if the offer is revoked or ceases to be a qualifying offer of arranged employment. In addition, a candidate who receives 600 points for arranged employment may not receive points for provincial nomination.

The term “qualifying offer of arranged employment” means:

  1. An offer of employment in a Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B occupation, made by an employer (other than a blacklisted employer or an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada) for full-time work in Canada that is non-seasonal, permanent, and supported by an LMIA;
  2. An offer of employment, in a Skill Level B occupation eligible under the FST, that is made by up to two employers (other than a blacklisted employer or an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada), for continuous, full-time work in Canada for at least one year and that is supported by an LMIA;
  3. An offer of employment in a Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B occupation, made to a candidate who is working in Canada for the employer listed on their work permit (other than a blacklisted employer or an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada) for full-time work in Canada that is non-seasonal and permanent, if the work permit was issued on the basis of an LMIA; or
  4. An offer of employment in a Skill Level B occupation eligible under the FST, that is made to a candidate by one or both employers listed on their work permit (other than a blacklisted employer or an embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada) for continuous, full-time work in Canada for at least one year in a skilled trade occupation that is in the same minor group set out in the NOC as the occupation specified on their work permit, if the work permit was issued on the basis of an LMIA.

Conclusion

Express Entry will add additional complex layer of bureaucracy to the FSW, CEC, and FST classes.  It will also significantly increase the level of uncertainty for candidates seeking permanent residence under these classes, since it will no longer be possible to reliably predict how long it will take for an applicant to be selected from the Express Entry pool.  Many applicants could be included in the Express Entry Pool only to have their Expressions of Interest cancelled one year later if they are not selected.

The Government of Canada has suggested a processing time of six months or less for candidates who are issued an ITA, which is a significant improvement over current processing times.  However, these improved processing times may not be worth the increased uncertainty that will result from the implementation of Express Entry.

We will be watching to see how these cases are processed once Express Entry begins on January 1, 2015.