Express Entry Questions and Answers

Express Entry Questions

In this article, I will address questions and answers for Express Entry in order for you to further understand what Express Entry entails. Express Entry is intended for permanent resident applicants that fall under specific federal economic immigration programs. It is essentially intended to assist foreign nationals to enter Canada on factors that will ultimately benefit the Canadian economy. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply for Express Entry, I suggest you read our article on Express Entry steps before reading this question and answer article. This article is intended to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to Express Entry.

Q: Does Express Entry in any way change current immigration program requirements?

A: Thankfully, it does not. Express Entry is not intended to change any current immigration program requirements. Furthermore, Express Entry is not a new program as it has been regulated and implemented for some time now. It is, however, a new way for Immigration Canada to manage applications for specific economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class and a part of the Provincial Nominee Program.

Q: Do Provinces and Territories use Express Entry?

A: Provinces and Territories use Express Entry through the Provincial Nominee Program. The purpose of the Provincial and Territorial Nominee Program (PNP) is to meet the immigration and labour market needs within their local communities. Should you be nominated by a Province or Territory, you will receive enough additional points for Express Entry to be invited to apply for permanent residence at the next eligible round of invitations. The Provinces and Territories are the ones to determine the criteria used to nominate Express Entry candidates. Furthermore, in order to become a prospect candidate for PNP, you must also meet the required criteria of at least one of the federal immigration programs that fall under Express Entry in order to enter the pool of candidates. All applicants must also submit their application online.

Q: To be a Provincial Nominee, what steps do I need to take for Express Entry?

A: There are two different scenarios that you can pursue should you like to be considered as a Provincial Nominee. You can either apply to the PNP first, if you get the nomination then you may fill out an Express Entry profile; or, you may fill out the Express Entry profile first. Provinces and Territories have the ability to search the Express Entry pool and offer you to apply for their PNP. If this is the case and you get your nomination certificate, you may then update your Express Entry profile with the appropriate information. If you choose to go with either option and once you have updated your Express Entry profile with your nomination certificate, you will receive enough additional points to be invited to apply at the next eligible round of invitation.

Q: How is Job Bank incorporated with Express Entry?

A: Job Bank and Express Entry are intertwined in that they both offer the ability for employers in Canada to seek out foreign nationals that obtain the required skills that they are searching for. This makes the process much easier for employers and prospect employees to connect with each other. In almost all cases, the Canadian employer must register with Job Bank, prior to hiring a foreign national worker. The Canadian employer must also post their ad for a minimum of 30 days on the Job Bank, in addition to the other ad requirements. If the Canadian employer cannot find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fulfill the job, then they may broaden their search to include foreign national workers. The benefit of the Job Bank is that Express Entry candidates may explore prospect employment and sign up through Job Match to get notifications on jobs that match their skill set and designated qualifications. On the other hand, while on Job Bank, Canadian employers will also be matched to Canadian and permanent resident Job Seeker profiles. The matches are determined based on the employer’s job listing and the candidate’s skills, knowledge and work experience. The only way to be matched is if the candidate is eligible through Express Entry.

Q: Does Express Entry Result in a Faster Application Processing Time?

A: Yes, indeed it does. Express Entry is designed to help applications process faster for eligible permanent residents. The processing times for Express Entry applications are faster for several reasons. Express Entry is an electronic application system that makes applying much easier for eligible candidates. There is also pre-screening of potential applications that include analyzing eligibility criteria. Express Entry also only invites as many eligible candidates that can be processed at a time, of course within the standard of six months or less. With all of these benefits in mind, it is easy to see that the Express Entry process has been developed to make it easier for applicants and employers altogether.

Contact Akrami & Associates

Should you have any further questions or feel confused or worried about applying through Express Entry, it is important to discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will ease your worries and assist with the application process. Keep in mind, many immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own, especially if you are unfamiliar, and it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients gain permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply through Express Entry, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!