Can I change jobs? And how long to process?

[melster]

I applied under the FSW programme in March 2009, and received my letter confirming receipt in May 2009.  I sent all of my documents with my application, and have arranged employment in Canada with a 3 year work permit.  I have a couple of questions, please let me know if they are answered elsewhere, I couldn't find them anywhere.

1) How long are applications taking at the moment?
I tried to check my status on the website and it didn't return a result.  Maybe that means they haven't even started processing it.

2) What happens to my application if I change jobs?
I've had an offer for another job which would be much better for me.  However, it is a one year contract.  Does that mean my application would effectively get thrown out?  They have said they would definitely consider offering a permanent post at the end of the contract, but can't at the moment due to head count issues (it is to cover mat leave).

3) How long are experience class applications taking?
If I took this job, and my application got thrown out, how long would it take me to apply under experience class? (I am currently at the 13 month mark of working full time in Canada)

4) Can I get them to 'hang on' to my documents?
Say I took this contract, then got another permanent job in a few months, at which point I'd want to reinstate my application, can I somehow ask them to hang on to my application rather than throwing it out and me resubmitting (all the expense plus getting documents all over again).

5) What happens if I change to another permanent job?
As I understand it, this would delay my application a bit, but mainly I'd just send in a replacement permanent job offer letter and it would go ahead pretty much unchanged.

Thanks so much for your help/ advice!!

[accreddy]

1) No exact timelines for now, but anywhere between 6 months - 1 yr.

2) You would have to update the information to CIC about your new job offer and since it is not permanent they would probably refuse your application.

3) Again no specific timelines (6 months - 1 yr.). You would have to wait till you finish 2 yrs. (as temporary foreign worker).

4) You would have to file a new application.

5) I suppose you can update CIC. It might depend at what stage your application is in.