Starting January 2015, skilled foreign workers will have access to Express Entry, a new federal government immigration application management system intended to prioritize applicants and accelerate the process.

Skilled workers, who want to apply to Canada’s key economic immigration programs, now must create an online profile to express their interest in coming to Canada permanently.

Candidates who meet the minimum criteria will be accepted into the pool and will be given a score based on language proficiency, education and work experience.

According to the government, these are leading indicators of one’s likelihood of integrating fully and quickly into Canada’s economy and society.

Once a candidate is invited to apply, they have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residence which should be processed in six months or less. Candidates can stay in the pool for up to 12 months and can reapply after that time.

For detailed information, please refer to the program website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/express/express-entry.asp