What is the Express Entry System in the context of Canadian immigration?

The Express Entry System is fundamentally a process designed to efficiently manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Introduced in 2015, it aims to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to Canada's economy. It streamlines the immigration process by using a point-based system to evaluate candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Candidates create an online profile and are placed into a pool where they are ranked against others. Regular draws are conducted, inviting candidates with the highest scores to apply for permanent residence. This system not only helps in selecting candidates most likely to succeed in Canada but also allows the government to respond to labor market needs.

The other options refer to different aspects of immigration that do not align with the primary function of the Express Entry System. For example, short-term work permits, rural immigration initiatives, and student visa applications have distinct processes and criteria separate from the skilled worker immigration pathway handled by Express Entry.