Applicants for certain Canadian immigration programs can look forward to a faster permanent residency process in the new year. Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and parts of the Provincial Nominee Program should complete the Express Entry process in six months. The current process takes one to two years.

The Express Entry program requires applicants to fill out an online profile by providing information about their education, work experience, and skills. Applicants will be ranked based on certain factors and the highest ranking candidates – as well as those with valid job offers or provincial/territorial nomination certificates – will be invited to apply for permanent residence. Invitees will have 60 days to file an electronic application for permanent residence.

Candidates who are not invited to apply for permanent residence will have to register with the Job Bank. These candidates are eligible to re-apply for the Express Entry program after 12 months.