Existing Canadian Immigrants Skeptical of New ‘Express Entry’ System

As recently reported on CBC.ca – A newly released government study conducted by Ipsos Reid study and commissioned by Citizenship and Immigration, suggests recent Canadian immigrants have an apprehension regarding Ottawa’s ‘Express Entry’ System that would ensure would-be immigrants possess skills that are in demand in Canada.

Canadian Immigrants Question New ‘Express Entry’ System

Many contributors to the study questioned why it was Ottawa isn’t doing more to find jobs for qualified immigrants already in the country? Those surveyed expressed that they “have been frustrated by the lack of recognition of their credentials and their inability to acquire a sufficient amount of Canadian experience.”

“A number of participants in all sessions wondered why the government was focusing on those who have yet to immigrate to Canada rather than those who have already immigrated,” the Ipsos
study revealed as a general consensus amongst those involved.

The New ‘Express Entry’ System

The government’s new Express Entry System that will launch in January, will allow Canadian employers to select skilled candidates from abroad if there are no Canadians or permanent residents available for the work.

Express entry candidates who are offered jobs or nominated under the so-called provincial nominee program will be invited to apply for permanent residency.

The government hopes the new system will reduce the need for temporary foreign workers and help address the country’s supposed skills shortage. Immigration Minister Chris Alexander has called express entry a “top priority” for his department. The government has begun accepting 25,000 applications under the federal skilled worker program ahead of the launch of the new system.

Studies Suggest the New ‘Express Entry’ System May Be Flawed

The participants in the  Ipsos Reid study suggests and were “quick to caution that the potential for fraudulent behaviour” was real, whether on the part of applicant or the prospective employer.

Another government study suggests that highly skilled newcomers already in Canada face “huge obstacles” preventing them from finding jobs even when their credentials are in order. Employment Minister Jason Kenney’s departmant says the government plans to address those complaints shortly.

We will report more on this and other related immigration stories as the information becomes available.

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