Inquiries about FSWP

[Odyssian]

Hello everyone, I'm new over here and decided to sign up to share and learn more about the immigration program I'm planning to apply to.
I'm from Romania and have 2 cousins with families in Calgary Alberta where I'd like to immigrate to... just found out though that having cousins won't earn me any points however I hope that with the new point system I'll be able to pull it off with a good IELTS score I got a month ago.

Anyway to get to the point, I'd like to know if I've missed it or not... is there an official date to when we will be able to send applications for the FSW category next year? They say the new program starts from January the 1'st but will they be accepting application starting January or will it be on a later date?

Another thing I'd like to clarify, regarding the documents checklist, I know I have to translate all documents into English but do all documents have to be legalized as well? for example: Employment contract? to be on the safe side I'm thinking of legalizing everything...
Well so far it's a nice little headache trying to get everything together, like proper letter of reference from the company I worked at, because I got a letter of recomandation from them but it's not exactly like what CIC asks... so have to ask them to redo that... oh joy.

Odyss

 

[Cappuccino]

You haven't missed it. FSWP is currently not open for applicants without a job offer.

It is expected to open early next year, could be January, could be a little after.

They'll almost certainly be some new forms to complete so it's not really possible to send the application in anticipation of an opening date. Really just get supporting docs together (work experience, education, IELTS etc) and then be in a state of readiness for an announcement.

When the FSWP DOES re-open since it seems there will be no list, there will be a big scrabble to get applications within whatever cap they set.

But not much one can do other than prepare documents, until an official announcement is made.

Wayne.

 

[Cappuccino]

According to the new shiny CIC website:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp

"Note: As of July 1, 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has temporarily stopped accepting applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). This temporary pause does not apply to those with a qualifying job offer or applying under the PhD stream. We will likely start accepting applications again when the revised FSWP selection criteria take effect. Proposed FSWP changes should come into force in 2013."


This seems to have been modified recently, I think it previously mentioned "early 2013".

May indicate it's not expected to come into force until we're several months into 2013.

Wayne.

 

[Odyssian]

Thanks for the reply Wayne, I'll be eagerly awaiting January to see what they announce. Hope they won't take too long though. Cheers!

Odyss.