Canada Express Entry: Myths Debunked!

[caption id="attachment_1885" align="alignleft" width="300"] Canada Express Entry opens from 1st January, 2015[/caption] Canada Express Entry will start from 1^st January, 2015, allowing skilled professionals to migrate to Canada and settle there permanently. That said, there are few misconceptions regarding this new migration program that need to be addressed.

1. It Is for Everybody

There is only half truth in this statement. Applicants can be of any profession, but the catch is - they have to be eligible under the following federal economic immigration program in order to get into the Canada Express Entry pool:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program
• The Canadian Experience Class

2. Job Offer, a Must for Canada Express Entry

There's no such rule that an applicant must have a job offer in hand. Not really needed. However, those with provincial nomination certificate or a job offer will of course have a higher chance of migration to Canada. Applications of eligible candidates from the aforementioned immigration programs will go through a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A total of 1,200 points will be awarded to the candidates, of which maximum 600 points will come for if the applicant holds a job offer. The higher the rank, better the chances of applying under the scheme. Even so, a job offer is beneficial but not mandatory.

3. FSWP Occupation List Will Continue

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, there won't be any occupation list as of 1st January, 2015. Candidates have to prove that they have worked in the skilled occupation for at least one year in the last 10 years.

4. No Language Test Required

English or French language test recognized by the Government of Canada is mandatory, be it IELTS or CELPIP for English or TEF for French. So it is advisable to take a language test at the earliest and be ready to apply under Canada Express Entry program.

5. Information Once Entered in Pool Cannot Be Changed

Candidates can make changes to their information even in the Express Entry pool. Details such as core competence, work information, a job offer from a Canadian employer, etc. can be updated anytime to increase the score. Canada expects to accommodate as many as 180,000 skilled migrants through Canada Express Entry program. Eligible candidates can start gathering supporting documents to file an application.