The new Express Entry electronic application management system will launch this coming January 2015. The new system will apply to 4 existing economic programs: The Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program. Through this new system foreign nationals, who meet the criteria for one of the federal immigration programs will be placed in a pool, from which employers would be able to consider candidates who meet their needs when they cannot find a Canadian to do the job. The Job Bank will help facilitate matches between employers and candidates.

Express Entry candidates who receive a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer or nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program will be invited to apply for permanent residence soon after. All jobs offers will still be subject to a Labour Market Impact Assessment in place at that time.

Express Entry candidates who are invited to apply for permanent residence can expect faster processing times of six months or less.

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Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, announced the launch of the CAN+ program in India. The program is open to Indian nationals who have traveled to Canada or the United States of America within the last 10 years. Under the program, these individuals will benefit from more efficient and expedited processing.

Other government initiatives that will increase trade and travel from India include:

• three visa “express” programs for Indian business people, students and tourists
• 10 visa application centers (VACs) across India
• standardized multiple-entry visa at a reduced fee of CAD $100

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