Canada
to Pursue ‘Expression of Interest’ Immigration Model
FEBRUARY,
2013
In
the future, Canada plans to adopt a new model of immigration known as the
‘Expression of Interest’ (EOI) system. The EOI system will be implemented with
the intent of better targeting skilled immigrants to fill specific Canadian
labour market needs. By more carefully selecting immigrants, it is expected
that this system will better benefit both the Canadian economy and newcomers
themselves.
Citizenship
and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to implement the EOI system sometime in
2014. When that happens, it will mean significant change for a system that has
been accused of rigidity and stagnation. However, with careful planning, CIC
has expressed confidence that the transition to an EOI system will ultimately
make Canada a leader in the global competition for the world’s most desirable
immigrants.
What
is an ‘EOI’ System?
Canada’s
EOI model will be based on a system that was devised in New Zealand. A similar
system was adopted by Australia in 2012 for its economic immigration programs.
Announcements
made by CIC, as well as an analysis of the Australian system, give clues as to
how an EOI model would function in Canada.
Under
an EOI program, prospective immigrants first complete an online form which
states their interest in becoming a permanent resident of Canada. It is
important to note that an EOI is not an application for a permanent resident
visa. Rather, it indicates an individual’s request to become a candidate for
permanent residency.
The
EOI form will include important information about the prospective applicant,
such as work experience, assessed educational credentials, and proof of
English/French language proficiency. In addition, EOI candidates will be
‘assigned a points score and ranked’. Not all individuals who submit an EOI
application will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency, and not
all those who are invited to apply will necessarily receive a visa.
In
the Australian EOI system, prospective immigrants can be found and nominated by
either an Australian employer or a state/territory government. It is likely
that Canada will follow a similar route.
Speaking
to the Globe and Mail newspaper, Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Minister
Jason Kenney explained that candidates would go into a ‘pool’, from which the
most desirable can be ‘fished out’ by employers and by Federal, Provincial, or
Territorial governments.
Implementing
the EOI System in Canada
Specific
details as to how the EOI system will be implemented are forthcoming. However,
it has already been announced that consultations have been held with key
Federal, Provincial, and Territorial stakeholders about the system.
The
EOI system has the potential to greatly assist provinces in addressing their
specific labour market needs by providing their governing bodies with a range
of eligible skilled professionals. This opportunity has been met with approval
from many provincial stakeholders.
“Immigration
is vital for economic growth and our system must be more competitive
internationally,” said Stephen Khan, the Alberta Minister of Enterprise and
Advanced Education. “On behalf of the provinces and territories, we look
forward to continuing our work with the Government of Canada to transform the
immigration system, making it faster and more responsive to
provincial/territorial needs.”
No
announcement has been made as to how an EOI system will interact with current
immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker, Quebec Skilled Worker,
and Provincial Nominee programs. The Federal Skilled Worker program, currently
the most popular for Canadian permanent residency, is expected to begin accepting
applications on May 4th, 2013.
EOI
Impact for Workers
If
all goes as planned, an EOI system could greatly benefit both prospective
immigrants and the Canadian economy as a whole.
Most
importantly, those selected for permanent residency may arrive in Canada with
employment in their field already secured. This, combined with fast processing
times, is a great advantage to immigrants. Says Minister Kenney, “[immigrants]
would arrive in Canada as permanent residents with prearranged jobs and
literally be going to work at their skill level within a few days of arrival.”
Many
prospective immigrants are intimidated by the prospect of finding employment in
Canada when still living abroad. The EOI model could take this element out of
the equation, instead letting Canadian employers do the work of contacting
those candidates they deem qualified for a certain job.
The
implementation of the EOI system will be one of the final steps in Canada’s
immigration system transitioning from one of inflexibility to one that can
quickly address the country’s needs. As Minister Kenney has said, “this is the
future as opposed to the past.”