You just need to find a skilled job. No, it was not internal company transfers. They just found skilled job in the NL. And I'm 100% sure it is easier to find a job in the NL than EE process.Does Netherlands have an immigration program? Or are these friends who ended up there due to internal company transfers?
I see lots of software developers and engineers have been spending their time for express entry. Just find a job in the NL or Sweden. I think they have smoother immigration process than Canada, especially the NL and Sweden. No process fees, no need to wait for unpredictable draws, no language exam, no ECA, shorter processing times, less taxes(NL 30% rule), better jobs(35hours per week, 40days vacation), better health care, better weather (no -30C and snow), way better purchasing power...
I can't believe in myself, how I wasted two years for express entry...