New immigration rules making it easier for locals to apply for permanent residence in Canada will be presented tomorrow night by Michael Watts, Immigration Programme Manager from the Consulate General of Canada in New York.

Mr Watts is to speak at 5.30pm in the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s Tradewinds Auditorium.

Starting in January, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will launch a new electronic system, Express Entry, to speed up applications covering certain economic programmes.

The new system gives employers a greater role in selecting economic immigrants. Candidates will complete an online profile, and those who meet Express Entry criteria will be placed in a pool of applicants. Those without valid job offers must register in Canada’s Job Bank to be connected with eligible employers.

Those successful will then be invited to apply for permanent residence, and process their electronic applications within six months.