The Government of Canada is thinking about making some changes to the Express Entry system. The Government claims that such modifications will help in inviting applicants according to the economic objective of the country.
Aiden Strickland, a spokesperson who represented the immigration minister of Canada claimed that these improvisations will assist in enhancing the country’s potential to select applicants who can also match the economical requirements.
He further added by saying that this step will have a positive impact on eliminating the shortage in the Canadian labor market.
With the growing number of applicants entering the Express Entry pool, implementing this step would help in conducting draws that would be specific for applicants having language skills, healthcare skills, etc.
This matter is being discussed in the Parliament of Canada.
All the modifications were put in front of the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship by the IRCC on the 19th of May.
Modifications
The modifications in Express Entry were supported by statements like, it will assist in inviting applicants on a new basis, which would be the economic objective of the country.
He also explained the eligibility criteria of the new Express Entry which would be designed by the minister. The candidates will be analyzed on the basis of factors like educational background, their previous work experience, language skills, etc.
This could be explained with an example if the country needs to develop the tech sector, a special draw for Express Entry profile will be conducted, under which the eligibility criteria would be based on the work experience, educational background, and language skills of the applicant.
After receiving all the applications, qualifying candidates who come as the top scorers will be granted the invitations.
Although the minister has to regularly publish all the important details like the eligibility criteria on the official website of the IRCC.
The Minister too has to inform Parliament regarding the economic goal they are aiming for, the use of drawing, etc.
Although there have been no specific occupations listed by the Minister for the draws.
The Immigration Minister of Canada does not consider the present situation as the ideal time to call immigrants who have a particular skill, work experience, educational background, etc.
But if the amendments are approved by the Parliament of Canada, the respective situation can be changed.
The modifications will themselves lead to the direct approval of candidates.
For example- If the draw focuses on inviting immigrants who are French speakers, they will be rewarded with bonus points which will significantly raise their total score and thus increase their respective ranks.
All French speakers may not be invited, but the most competent among them will get the invitation.
To test the proposed theory, if the Parliament approves it. The Immigration Department of Canada will practically test it by conducting a virtual invitation round for Express Entry candidates who are French speakers.
The Minister has yet to decide on the targeted groups who will receive the invitations.
The Canadian Government will interact with the experts of different industries like employers, stakeholders, etc. Regarding this decision.
Express Entry in 2022
The Canadian Government’s virtual management tool of 3 immigration programs CEC, FSTP, and FSWP.
The applicants are judged and then given scores according to their previous work experience, qualification, skill set, etc.
The IRCC struggled with a major issue of backlog applications, and in order to resolve this issue, it had to stop conducting the release of applications for the CEC and FSWP categories.
The immigration minister of Canada introduced the resummon of applications of both the categories from the approaching July and it had also assured its people to process all the Express Entry applications within a time frame of 6 months.
He had also claimed that these modifications will not have an effect on the existing application that the IRCC has.
Current Argument
The Department has been asked to provide the details of groups of immigrants who can be affected by the modifications to be made in the Express Entry.
Kwan was unable to respond to the question of the groups which will be impacted. He further explained that the Government is not well aware of the groups who will be affected by this decision and the only target of the amendment is to select candidates who could contribute to the Canadian economy.
Kwan also stated that this framework can only be proved to be successful if there is a piece of formal information regarding the professions that need assistance from foreign workers.
Salma Zahid, a member of the Liberal Party, recommended proposing the modifications by 27th May.
The Finance Ministry of Canada will be given permission to execute the study for changes on the Express Entry.
The Standing Committee on Finance will take the decision to modify the amendments into a legal bill after it receives the letter.
