applied simplified process 2007 aug - doc req oct 2012 - reply for status query below
Dear Sir
Thank you for your enquiry to the Immigration Section of the High Commission of Canada in Singapore.
Canadian Federal Budget 2012 proposed to terminate applications and return fees paid by certain Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applicants who applied prior to February 27, 2008. This proposal was introduced in Parliament and has now become law. Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) is preparing to close FSW files if applicants:
applied before February 27, 2008; and
have not had a decision made by an immigration officer based on FSW program selection criteria before March 29, 2012.
A decision based on selection criteria means that an immigration officer:
has assessed the FSW application against the points grid, and
has made a decision on whether or not the applicant meets the selection criteria of the program.
The application about which you are enquiring was received by CIC prior to February 27, 2008. As of March 29, 2012, no decision had been made based on the selection criteria.
CIC will return fees paid for applications that are closed under these provisions. The fee return process is currently being finalized, and will involve confirming up-to-date contact and payee information. CIC has set up a central task force based in Ottawa to handle the fee return process. More details will be posted on the CIC website as they become available: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/notice-qa.asp
Applicants whose files are closed by CIC may re-apply under the current FSW criteria or under any other immigration category for which they may be eligible. Those who have the skills Canada needs now will likely have their applications processed much more quickly. To find out more, visit the CIC website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp. CIC is focussing its resources on facilitating the arrival of skilled immigrants who apply under the current eligibility criteria. New FSW applications are processed within 12 months.
We hope this information will be of assistance.
