Read the beginning of the article:
On Canada's new immigration strategy (part 1)
What is the Express Entry system for?
Honestly, why the Express Entry system had to be created in the form in which it was implemented remains a mystery to me. At least, I see no logic in it.
So far, there are no clear explanations from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration on how the selection criteria for the Express Entry system and the Federal Skilled Worker Class program align.
In general, it looks like a few years ago someone had a great idea to completely change not only immigration programs but the very principle of selection. At that time, it was announced that this new system would soon be implemented. However, this endeavor, apparently, became one of the many other experiments of Canada's former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney, that is, ended in complete fiasco.
Nevertheless, because the new system for receiving immigration applications was widely advertised, money was spent on it, and preparation for it was associated with an actual paralysis of Canada's immigration system for several years, they could not avoid implementing it, and forcibly integrated it into a set of programs that work perfectly well without the Express Entry system. I would like to hope that this is not the case, that the creation of the Express Entry system really makes great sense, but the illogicality of the built system causes complete bewilderment and the impression of a failed experiment, the result of which is forcibly presented as a victory.
So far, the only logical explanation for the purpose of the Express Entry selection system is the opportunity for immigration officials to set criteria themselves for selecting applications that have already scored 67 points, without the need to officially change the program's selection requirements.
For example, since January 2015, lists of in-demand professions have been abolished. However, this does not mean they may not exist at all. The Express Entry system allows immigration officials to select from the database only those applicants whose profession is on a certain list. The same applies to other parameters, including language proficiency, age, etc. That is, it gives officials the freedom to select only those they need, without any guarantee of immigration for everyone else.
This of course does not fully correspond to what was stated in connection with the introduction of the Express Entry system, but this is the only logical explanation that comes to mind. On the other hand, all this could have been achieved by much simpler means.
What to consider when applying for immigration under FSWP
In my opinion, despite all the contradictions of the new Express Entry selection system, now is a very good time to apply for immigration to Canada.
For 2015, an increased quota has been allocated for the number of immigration visas issued, while there are virtually no applications awaiting processing. Most importantly, the government needs to show that the new system is working effectively, so in the initial stages, a favorable attitude can be expected towards all submitted applications.
At the same time, you should not go to the other extreme and think that immigration has become easier. Unfortunately, I have been encountering this misconception quite often lately. The impression of the ease of going through immigration is created primarily because at the initial stage it is enough to fill out an online form. For this reason, many people somehow get the illusion that this is what immigration is all about. In reality, the opposite is true.
The insidiousness of the new system is that indeed, at the first stage you only need to fill out a form and provide the most general information about yourself. However, few people think about the fact that all documents must be prepared in advance, and that all online information submitted must fully correspond to these documents.
For example, although there is no list of in-demand specialties, I personally am sure that such lists in the form of directives to immigration authorities will be in effect. At the very least, the introduction of the Express Entry system was explained by the need to be able to quickly select those specialists that Canada needs. This suggests the regular appearance of allocations both with a list of needed specialties and specialties for which applications should not be accepted.
Accordingly, when preparing to apply under the FSWP program, you should choose the NOC that corresponds to the nature of your duties and that is more in demand in Canada. Also, the principle of preparing documents in such a way that they are understandable to immigration officials and do not raise questions due to inconsistencies remains in force.
It must be remembered that after receiving an invitation to submit documents to immigration authorities, you will have only two months to do so. This period is extremely short to gather all necessary documents and prepare them in the required format. Therefore, documents must be ready at the time of filling out your online form.
Most importantly, the attitude towards document verification has become stricter. If you are caught or suspected of providing false information about yourself, you will be declared an inadmissible person, and you will be prohibited from applying for immigration to Canada for 5 years. In practice, this means that when you reapply after 5 years, you automatically fall into the category of persons who are undesirable for Canada, so your chances of successful immigration become minimal.
Therefore, document preparation must be done in advance and very thoroughly, so that the immigration officer reviewing your case will have no questions.
Conclusions
Unfortunately, there is no talk yet of any final configuration of Canada's immigration system. Therefore, the hopes for establishing clear long-term rules of the game, which are so important for future immigrants, have so far remained just hopes.
Most importantly, it remains unclear how the Express Entry system will work in practice, what its purpose is, and how long it will survive in the form in which it has been introduced now. Personally, I assume that within the next two to three years it will either be completely abolished, or the system will undergo a serious transformation.
Much will depend on the results of the federal elections. In the event of another party's victory in the elections, or at least the loss of an absolute majority in parliament by the Conservatives, the question of abolishing the Harper government's innovations in immigration will arise again in full force.
Therefore, there is no talk of stability in the immigration sphere yet. I think the period of uncertainty will last for more than a year.
However, we should not forget about the positive aspect that I have already mentioned. Since all measures are timed to the upcoming federal elections, which will take place approximately in the fall of 2015, the ministry will be fairly lenient towards the submitted applications throughout this period.
Therefore, now is a very favorable time to submit applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Do not miss this opportunity.
Elena Ryabinina.
"Russian Toronto"