Express Entry System May Backfire on Canada’s International Student Prospects

Millions of students swarmed into Canada because of its policy of preference of permanent residency for those who graduate from there. International students who graduated from Canadian colleges and Universities were given preference over students who studied elsewhere when they applied for a permanent residence visa after their graduation.

It is not known whether it is for better or worse, but the Canadian Immigration rules have definitely changed. These changes make it more difficult for students from outside the country who have recently passed out of universities in Canada to get permanent residency.

The New system

Canada launched a new method on January 1, namely the Express Entry System. This program was designed to select the best talents according to their ranking and thus increase the number of skilled work force in Canada by processing their applications within six months.

The predicament

Canadian Bureau of International Education‘s Vice President Jennifer Humphries said, “Institutions want to paint a very clear accurate picture for incoming students. Immigrants who’ve integrated and adapted would seem tailor made for the Canadian labor force.”

The present and former international students are now facing an intricate and tricky situation.  The Canadian economy has probably been enriched with the fees they paid and goods and services they used during their study period.  They came by and large to settle in Canada, but that may no longer be an option.

The process

The Canadian government has released only minimal information about the Express Entry System. The candidate has to fill an online application; in which they have to submit information about themselves, their education and employment experience. On the basis of the application, the candidate will be ranked and placed in a pool with other skilled workers seeking permanent residency.

Assessment criteria and course of action

The assessment scheme looks at the candidate’s language proficiency in English and French, educational qualifications, work experience in Canada and other factors that might give the candidate an edge over others. A sketchy course of action in the Express Entry system is described:

• The applicants are to have a minimum rank to qualify for the pool of candidates waiting for their Canadian immigration. Applicants with previous Canadian work experienced are ranked higher in the pool.
• All applicants can opt to register in Canada’s Job Bank. If certain employers don’t find a Canadian fit for the job, they have the option to pick a person from the Job Bank.
• Provincial Nominee Program enables territories and provinces to choose candidates. If applicants are so selected they have to attach their nomination certificate along with their Express Entry form.
• In cases where a Canadian company or a province/territory shows an interest in a particular applicant, the government performs medical and criminal checks on those individuals and their dependent family members. Educational details and language proficiency is only cross checked in case the candidate is selected for permanent residency.
• The applicant will then be able to obtain permanent residence status, if the background checks come clear.

Students at an impasse

The previous system ensured that international students could settle permanently in Canada after their graduation and a year’s work experience. But with the new Express Entry program, things have become rather complicated. In spite of the Canadian experience being a boost up ensuring a higher ranking, the fact that just getting listed onto the Express Entry pool will not be enough to obtain permanent residency. Now students will have to compete with others who have studied from a third world country and try and reach a higher ranking.

This would be very unfair on the students as they have spent so much money is getting better education. It is also unwise on the part of the authorities not to consider their years of experience in being accustomed to the culture and language.

Universities in Canada have lost their sheen and appeal because of the introduction of the new system. Hopefully, the government will find a way to obtain permanent residency for the international students with Canadian work experience.

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Binny Kuriakose

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