Evaluation of the Federal Skilled Worker program

[Roger55]

Interesting study:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/evaluation/fswp/section3.asp

The allocation of points and entry into CAIPS is done in two steps. The first step, ‘paper screening’, is based on a review of the documentation in the applicant file and is generally conducted by locally engaged staff in Canadian Visa Offices Abroad (CVOA). It typically results in a paper screening decision entered in CAIPS. The paper screening points can be changed by the visa officer who makes the selection decision on the application and enters selection points into CAIPS (second step of the process). If the interview is waived (about 80% of IRPA cases) the selection decision is positive but the selection points are reset to 0. Therefore, the only information remaining for these individuals is paper screening points. The IMDB analysis used paper screening points, unless selection points were available. Tests were conducted to ensure that paper screening points provided an acceptable alternative. For those individuals for whom paper screening points and selection decision data were available (ie: those who were interviewed), results show a low level of variability. Results indicate that for most variables, paper screening and selection results were close (language showed the greatest variation, with 72% of points remaining the same between paper screening and selection).9 When the values changed, it was generally to increase the number of points awarded. Therefore, it can be assumed that using the paper screening points rather than selection points (when not available) would, if anything, provide a more conservative picture of the situation.

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[Mezo2009]

Thanks Roger. Truly appreciated.

Mezo

 

[Mezo2009]

Dear all,

Thought to share the main findings of the research and evaluation of the FSWP:

A. All stakeholder groups recognize a strong, continuing need for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

B. The findings from the IMDB data analysis and the FSW surveys demonstrate that IRPA FSWs become established economically and meet the needs of employers.

C. Adoption of the new FSWP selection criteria in 2002 has improved the economic performance of FSWs and is broadly supported by the interviewees.

D. Skilled workers who have arranged employment have significantly higher employment earnings than those who did not have an Arranged Employment Offer (AEO). However, staff at some Canadian Visa Offices Abroad (CVOA) have serious concerns regarding the integrity of AEOs as they currently exist.

E. Processing times show that IRPA was successful in reducing the time associated with the selection decision and final decision. However, this was largely offset by an increase in the time required to complete the paper screening, as the rate of applications received exceeded the capacity to process them. Notwithstanding this, the revisions have resulted in a system that is more transparent, objective, and easier to understand.

F. While most interviewees view the current selection criteria to be appropriate given the objectives of the Program, many identified potential opportunities for improvement with respect to the assessment process and the number of points awarded for certain criteria.

G. Most provincial governments prefer the PNP due to its perceived responsiveness about provincial priorities and needs. As the PNP has expanded in recent years, the levels for the FSWP have been reduced, to ensure CIC adheres to the annual levels plan.

H. The characteristics of FSWs have changed and are more diversified with the introduction of IRPA.

I. Information regarding points is deleted in CAIPS for applicants whose interviews are waived.

Cheers

Mezo