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CANADA DECLARES FURTHER CHANGES TO FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has made an announcement about the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The plan is currently pending and is due to re-open in May 2013.
The CIC report advises if an applicant intends to apply for the revamped FSWP in May that it intends to make three announcements in April about the program. We have advised the same earlier in January 2013 also: https://www.bilimoriaassociate.com/immigration-news-detail.php?rId=114
CIC says it will make available details of the following in April.
• There will be a cap on the number of applications in the first year of the new FSWP. The level of the cap will, presumably, be announced in April.
• There will be a new list of priority occupations. This too should be revealed in April.
• Canadian Immigration will make known the list of organisations that will be authorised to conduct educational assessments under the new FSWP.
CIC also advised that if an applicant completes the application before this information is released the application will not be accepted for consideration. Also, if an application does not comply with all the requirements of the new FSWP, then the application will not be processed.
Canada's main skilled immigration path on FSWP - Federal Skilled Worker Program The FSWP - Federal Skilled Worker Program was Canada's main immigration route for skilled workers until it was suspended by CIC in June 2012. Previously, about 55,000 people gained Canadian permanent residence under the FSWP annually. However, a substantial backlog of applications had built up with some people waiting eight years to have their applications processed.
Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney announced in June 2012 that all applications made before 28th February 2008 would be terminated and the application fees of applicants returned. This decision has been challenged in the courts by some of those applicants. Their case is currently being heard by the Canadian federal court.
In July 2012, Mr Kenney announced the temporary closure of the FSWP. No fresh applications have been accepted since then. Mr Kenney said that this would allow the backlog to be further reduced and allow CIC to reform the program. In December 2012, Mr Kenney announced a series of changes that will apply to the FSWP when it re-opens.
FSWP - Federal Skilled Worker Program changed while suspended
They include the following:
• A higher minimum entry of skill in either English or French (Canada's two official languages) than before. Applicants will now have to show by way of a test that they meet level 7 of the Canadian Language level.
• A larger number of points will be granted to younger applicants than under the old system.
• A fresh 'Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) scheme will allow the Canadian government to evaluate foreign educational qualifications with Canadian qualification.
• An improvement of the 'Arranged Employment' rules so that those with an offer of employment can be hired more quickly
• Extra points will be granted to FSWP Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants if their spouse has attained a certain level of English or French capability and/or has work experience in Canada.
Mr Kenney has advised that he intends to reform the FSWP in future so that it is more similar to the Australian 'expression of interest' system. He says that this will enable CIC to select the immigrants with the right skills for Canadian business.
Bilimoria & Associate is specialised in Immigration visas with many years of experience dealing with all types of visa applications for Canada. Bilimoria & Associate liaisons with with Member of Law Society of Upper Canada and Canadian Bar Association (Immigration section) (CPTLS). We can assist you with preparing a successful visa application to Canada.
Please write to us to assess your eligibility at: neville@bilimoriaassociate.com or contact us at +91 44 2822 7222 / 2823 9229 / 4350 8191 to guide you and assist you in your visa application to Canada.