“Express Entry” law leaves international students behind

Significant changes to Canada’s immigration management system have made it more difficult for international post-graduates who graduated from Canadian universities to become permanent residents of Canada. The Express Entry immigration selection system, which came into operation on January 1 of this year, requires candidates eligible for permanent resident status to make an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada. The government of Canada then invites certain individuals from this pool of candidates to apply for permanent residence using a points-based system. A huge number of points — 600 out of a total of 1,200 — are allocated to individuals with a job offer from a Canadian employer or nomination from a Canadian province. In most cases, provincial  nominations require the candidate to have a  job offer. In order for the job offer to be valid for the purposes of Express Entry, the employer has to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which serves as proof that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are ready, willing and able to fill the position. The new system has repercussions for international students wishing to remain in Canada after their studies who, until recently, have typically followed a path to permanent residence that does not require their employer to obtain a LMIA. Most international students who graduate from a Canadian university are eligible for an open work permit upon completion of their study program. This work permit may be issued for the duration the program, up to a maximum of three years. (Canadavisa)