Canada rolls out new residency selection system

Anyone considering a move to Canada should take note of the new Express Entry selection system now in place.

Previously all residency applications were processed in order of receipt, but now the Canadian authorities will be able to hand-pick workers with the aim of delivering the workforce the country needs through immigration.

The new system came into force at the start of the month, and according to Canada’s citizenship and immigration website, cic.gc.ca, the first draw for an invitation to apply is planned for this week.

Migration programmes

The changes mean that applicants for permanent residence under certain economic migration programmes will now make an electronic expression of interest, and those who meet certain criteria will be accepted into a pool.

They will then be ranked against other candidates in the pool, with points given for factors such as a job offer, skills and experience.

"It is important that those Irish workers who want to apply for residency enter this pool with the maximum points that they can achieve, as higher-ranking candidates will be invited to apply, depending on their occupation demand and labour market expectations, first," said Edwina Shanahan, a migration expert with visafirst.com.

The new system means that the estimated 2,000 Irish workers expected to apply for Canadian residence visas this year will face a more selective process.