FAQ
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/immigrate/skilled/index.asp
Changes to federal skilled worker programs as of July 1, 2012
Why are you putting a temporary pause on Federal Skilled Worker applications?
Why are you putting a temporary pause on Federal Skilled Worker applications?
CIC is implementing a temporary pause in order to draw down the FSWP inventory, helping to clear way for the introduction of a new application management system to support our “just in time” vision of immigration. The temporary will also enable the Department to concentrate efforts on bringing in an improved FSWP to select skilled workers who will be better positioned to succeed in the Canadian economy.
Application intake will likely be re-opened to coincide with the launch of the revised FSWP selection criteria and new Federal Skilled Trades Program. The proposed regulatory amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette in the coming months and are expected to take effect by early 2013.
It is important to note that this temporary pause on new FSWP applications does not apply to candidates with qualifying offers of arranged employment or to those applying under the PhD eligibility stream.
Will CIC continue to process existing Federal Skilled Worker applications in the inventory?
Will CIC continue to process existing Federal Skilled Worker applications in the inventory?
Yes, CIC will continue processing eligible Federal Skilled Worker applications received to date.
What sort of changes can we expect in the new FSWP grid?
What sort of changes can we expect in the new FSWP grid?
Based on the FSWP program evaluation and stakeholder and online consultations in spring 2011, the FSW selection criteria will be modernized, with an updated distribution of points on the grid. The proposed changes are intended to better select skilled immigrants who will be able to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Proposed changes include:
• introducing minimum official language thresholds and increasing points for language;
• making changes to the assessment of education points to reflect a foreign educational credential's value in Canada;
• redistributing points for age to benefit younger immigrants who will be active members of the workforce for a longer timeframe;
• reducing points for foreign work experience and increasing points for Canadian work experience;
• increasing the integrity of and simplifying the process for the Arranged Employment factor; and
• facilitating the immigration of skilled tradespersons by establishing a separate Federal Skilled Trades program using selection criteria that are more specific to those in the skilled trades.
When will the revised FSWP be in place?
When will the revised FSWP be in place?
The full regulatory changes proposed to the Federal Skilled Worker selection criteria, the new Federal Skilled Trades class and the Canadian Experience class changes will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette in the coming months. Final publication is expected before the end of the year, with the new requirements taking effect in early 2013. The Department also expects to issue an updated occupation list at that time.
