Cap Reached For Canadian Experience Class Program: Applicants Must Now Use Express Entry

February 3, 2015 – Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has indicated that the cap for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream was reached on October 20, 2014. The Canadian Experience Class stream accepted 8,000 applications for Permanent Residency between May 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. Despite reaching the cap in October, CIC did not update their website to reflect that the program was effectively closed.

With the impending launch of Express Entry - Canada's new application management system – in January of this year, applications surged as applicants rushed to be considered for Permanent Residency under the old rules.

Who is affected?

All applicantions for Permanent Residence through the Canadian Experience Class stream received after October 20, 2014 are affected. Applicants through the Provincial Nominee Program and Federal Skilled Worker/Trades programs are not currently affected

What does this mean?

All applications received after October 20, 2014 will be returned along with unprocessed application fees. Any new application must be made through the Express Entry system.

What should I do?

If you wish to resubmit an application for Permanent Residency, you must now make your application using the new Express Entry system. Express Entry is Canada's new application management system. In order to apply, you must:

1. Qualify for one of Canada's three application streams
2. Complete an online profile through Express Entry
3. Register with the Job Bank (if you do not have a qualifying job offer)
4. Keep your profile up to date and wait.

Profiles in the Express Entry pool will be regularly reviewed and those selected to proceed will be issued an "Invitation to Apply" for Permanent Residence. Once selected, you must complete your application within 60 days.

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