Canada’s Express Entry – A slow start

After the first five months it’s clear the new PR process has missed the mark on all three of its goals. Worse, the new program has created some unintended consequences. 

First, the application system is restrictive and leaves little room for discretion. With only an e-mail address for inquiries, no one is available to talk to throughout the process.

Second, it reduces the independence of PR applicants. They must wait for an “invitation to apply” (ITA) along with tens of thousands of other applicants, based on a points threshold set by the government which can change week to week.

Third, the program also seems to miss the mark by assigning 600 additional points to those who have labour market impact assessments (LMIA) or provincial nomination certificates under the provincial nominee program (PNP). This could result in applicants who have less experience or education being chosen for PR status ahead of more experienced or senior executive skilled professionals. This unfairly penalizes foreign workers who entered Canada under NAFTA or by intra-company transfer and who don’t have an LMIA.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Slow start to express entry.