Hi,
Since there have been many thread floated with this information scattered in different threads, I thought to put them all together for the new applicants.
International Students who were earlier able to apply for immigration under the FSW rule, now will not be able to apply under that rule as it has been removed.
Firstly, this is regarding the recent changes announced and effective for application from 26th June 2010 and onwards.
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp#list
A quick check list for CIO
1. Application For Permanent Residence in Canada (IMM 0008 - Generic) - completed - Original
2. Schedule 1: Background Declaration (IMM 0008 - Schedule 1) - completed, dated and signed - Original
(Include a Schedule 1 form completed by:
the principal applicant
spouse or common-law partner
each dependent child over 18 years of age)
3. Schedule 3: Economic Classes - Federal Skilled Worker (IMM 0008- schedule 3) - completed - Original
4. Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) - completed, dated and signed - Original
(Completed by:
the principal applicant
spouse or common-law partner
each dependent child over the age of 18 years)
5. Use of a representative (IMM 5476) - Original
Complete, date, sign and include this form in your application if you have a representative.
6. Fee payment form - Application for permanent residence - Federal skilled worker class (IMM 5620) - Original
7. A photocopy of your passport's bio-data page, (principal applicant only) - Copy
8. 2 self-addressed mailing labels one in English or French and the second in the official language of your country
9. Language proficiency test results from one of the following designated testing agencies:
IELTS - Original
CELPIP or - Original
TEF - Original
10. Fee payment
In Canadian funds only, you may pay:
· by certified cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada” or
· with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Do not enclose cash.
11. Submit only the documents requested on as per the applicable local visa office checklist - Copy Only [Not Originals]
- That means that you will have to send the copy of all the documents which were earlier submitted to local visa office after CIO approval. CIO will now check the eligibility as per the documents only. Copy of documents are required and not originals except Language ability proof and PCC
- Only send the IELTS and PCC in original to CIO, Nova Scotia
(Local Visa Office Selection: Visa office specific document checklist for the visa office that serves:
· your country of nationality; or
· the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least
one year.)
Eligibility criteria for federal skilled worker applications
Under changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, federal skilled worker applications are assessed for eligibility according to the criteria listed below. Note: This does not apply to applicants intending to live in the province of Quebec.
These criteria affect you only if you applied on or after June 26, 2010. If your application was received before June 26, 2010, it will be processed according to the rules that were in effect at that time
If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of June 26, 2010, a maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.
These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.
Is my application eligible for processing?
For your application to be eligible for processing, you must include the results of your official language proficiency test, and either:
have a valid offer of arranged employment, OR
be a skilled worker who has had one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in at least one of the following eligible occupations within the last ten years:
0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3111 Specialist Physicians
3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3142 Physiotherapists
3152 Registered Nurses
3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
6241 Chefs
6242 Cooks
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
7242 Industrial Electricians
7251 Plumbers
7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371 Crane Operators
7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
NOTE: the occupations above are all Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification list.
If you are not sure if you should apply as a skilled worker, you can use the eligibility tool to get an idea of whether your application would be eligible for processing.
If you apply and do not meet the above criteria, you will be informed of this and your processing fee will be refunded.
Now for new applicants, following are the changes and documents required to be sent to CIO with the initial application
Additions
- Language proficiency test results from one of the following designated testing agencies:
· IELTS - Original Certificate
· CELPIP or - Original Certificate
· TEF. - Original Certificate
- Visa office specific document checklist for the visa office that serves:
· your country of nationality; or
· the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least
one year.
The visa office document checklist can be obtained on CIC's website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/skilled-mission.asp.
This document checklist (use it as the cover page). Submit only the documents requested on this checklist.
- PCC It has to be submit to CIO along with the application
All applicants must submit police certificates/clearances to the CIO as part of the application process. You and all of your family members who are 18 years of age and older and who are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens will have to provide:
a valid police certificate, or
a police clearance, or
a record of no information.
These documents are to be provided for each country other than Canada, in which you have lived for six consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18. Note: If you or your family members were under 18 years of age (16 years of age in certain jurisdictions) for the entire time you lived in a particular country, you do not need to provide a police certificate for that country. When you submit your application to the CIO, please ensure that your certificates were not issued more than three months earlier. If a certificate is not in English or French, submit both the certificate and the original copy of a translation prepared by an accredited translator. Unless otherwise specified on our website, it is your responsibility to contact the police or relevant authorities. When doing so, you may have to:
pay a fee for the service, and
provide information or documentation such as:
o photographs,
o fingerprints,
Step 1. Gather documents
Step 2. Complete the application
Step 3. Pay the fees
Step 4. Mail the application
Complete all sections. If any section is not applicable to you, write “N/A” (“Not applicable”). If your application is incomplete it will be returned to you, and processing will not begin. Do not leave any blanks.
The Address has be modified where the application has to be sent (CIO)
Regular mail:
Applicants applying under category 1:
[size=20pt]Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
Attn.: SW1 - NOC # _ _ _ _ PO BOX 7500 Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Canada
Applicants applying under category 2:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 8500
196 George Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 1J3
Or by courier:
Applicants applying under category 1:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
Attn.: SW1 - NOC # _ _ _ _ PO BOX 7500 Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Applicants applying under category 2:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
Attn.: SW2 - NOC # _ _ _ _ PO BOX 7500 Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Frequently asked questions – Changes to federal skilled worker and investor immigration programs
On Federal Skilled Worker Program Changes
1. Who are federal skilled workers and why do we need them?
Federal skilled worker immigrants are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada. Canada needs federal skilled workers because they have the right mix of skills, education, and experience to meet the current and long term demands of the economy. They also have the transferable skills to adapt to a changing labour market.
2. Why are temporary foreign workers and international students no longer eligible to apply for permanent residence under the federal skilled worker program?
Temporary foreign workers and international students are still eligible to apply under the federal skilled worker category if they have an offer of arranged employment or experience in one of the 29 in-demand occupations.
However, we've removed the eligibility criterion that applied to temporary foreign workers and students specifically to avoid overlap with the now-established Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program, both of which target the same pool of applicants.
3. Why are you introducing a cap?
We are now receiving more federal skilled worker applications than we can process and accept each year. We have more than enough applications on hand now to fill many of our needs. A cap is the only guaranteed way to limit the number of applications we receive. Without the cap on applications, processing times will get longer and a new backlog could be created.
We will continue to admit the same number of federal skilled workers as in previous years, and in fact we believe that there will be higher economic admissions this year in support of the recovery and further reductions in the backlog.
4. Is the annual cap by calendar year, fiscal year or from the date the instructions are published?
The first year will begin on June 26, 2010 and end on June 30, 2011. Subsequent years will be calculated from July 1st to June 30th.
5. What is meant by a cap? Does that limit refer to the total number of applications received or the total number of applications processed, or the total number of applications that are successful?
The cap is a limit on the number of complete applications considered for processing. In this case, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only consider a maximum of 20,000 complete applications under the occupation list. There is no limit to the number of applicants with a job offer. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 federal skilled worker applications per occupation will be considered for processing each year.
6. Why are you imposing a limit per occupation?
We're introducing a limit of 1,000 applications per occupation to better manage the supply of applications on the occupation list. We have seen higher than expected numbers of applicants claiming experience in eligible occupations. The limit will allow us prevent an over-representation of any one occupation on the list.
7. What will happen with applications received after the cap is reached? How will applicants know their application isn't being processed?
These applicants will be informed, in writing, that their application will not continue for processing and that their processing fees will be returned.
8. How will applications subject to new instructions be processed as compared to applications subject to the first set of instructions and the backlog?
All applications subject to ministerial instructions (everything received since February 27, 2008) will be considered for processing in the order they are received.
All federal skilled worker applications received before February 27, 2008 fall into the backlog, and will be processed concurrently with the applications received since that date (and that are subject to instructions).
9. Why are you eliminating the simplified application?
Since we changed to the simplified application we've noticed a significantly higher number of applicants withdraw when asked for their supporting documents, or full application. By eliminating the simplified application and asking for all the documentation at once, we will make processing more efficient. Eliminating the simplified application shaves 120 days off the total processing time, because this is the time we allowed applicants to send in their supporting documents.
On changes to language testing
10. What changes are you making to the language requirements?
Under the changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, all new applicants are required to include the results of an English or French language test as part of their application.
Previously, applicants also had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. The written submission was intended for people whose first language was English or French. However, non-native English and French speakers frequently used this option, making it difficult for visa officers to perform an accurate assessment of the applicant's true language ability. As a result CIC now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability.
11. Are any applicants exempt from the mandatory language test? What about applicants from English or French speaking countries? Why would someone from England need to take an English test, for example?
There are no exceptions to this rule. We want to ensure that all applicants are evaluated against the same standards, no matter what their language of origin, nationality or ethnicity.
12. When did this change come into effect?
The change applies to all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applications received on or after June 26th, 2010.
13. What improvements in processing times do you anticipate with this change?
Visa officers will now only spend minutes evaluating language proficiency as they will simply assign points based on the language test results. This compares to the months it takes to process an application when written evidence is provided and found insufficient.
14. What are the advantages for applicants of submitting the results of a third-party language assessment to demonstrate ability in English and/or French?
The biggest advantage for the applicant is that they will know ahead of time how their language proficiency will be evaluated. Federal skilled worker applicants will know exactly how many points they will be awarded. In addition, applicants get an objective, realistic assessment of their language ability and areas for possible improvement.
Submitting a language test is also the most efficient way to evaluate language proficiency; it speeds up application processing. Finally, many regulatory bodies and industry sectors require language testing or other proof of language assessment, so in taking the test applicants are one step further on the path to integration into the Canadian labour market.
15. Where can applicants get tested for language proficiency?
Language tests for FSW and CEC applicants are available internationally through the International English Language Testing Service and the Test d'évaluation du français. FSW applicants can also obtain a language test in Canada through the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. More information and details on the language test requirements.
16. What is the cost of third-party language testing for applicants?
The cost of the International English Language Testing Service, the standard test for English language proficiency, ranges from a low of C$123 in Pakistan to a high of C$265 in Canada. The average price is under C$200. The costs for the Test d'évaluation du français, the standard test for French language proficiency, are similar to those of International English Language Testing Service.
On the Federal Immigrant Investor Program (IIP)
17. Why are you no longer accepting new applications?
Under Canada's current criteria, the volume of applications submitted under the IIP has grown exponentially in recent years. This recent surge in applications has resulted in a rising inventory and processing times are increasing.
We are not accepting new applications until the changes are finalized as we would like to prevent a flood of applications before the new criteria take effect. The limit on investor immigrant applications is intended as a short-term measure and is not intended to stay in place indefinitely.
The province of Quebec has its own IIP and processing of applications for permanent residence for investors selected by the province will continue as usual.
18. How long will the limit be in place?
The Department will no longer accept new applications until the new regulations are approved, which is targeted for early fall 2010.
19. What happens if the regulations aren't approved? Will the limit stay in place indefinitely?
The limit is intended as a short-term measure and is not intended to stay in place indefinitely.
20. Will this affect Quebec-selected investors?
The proposed regulatory changes to the eligibility criteria would also apply to Quebec-selected investors. However, the limit will not apply to Quebec-selected Investors.
Since there have been many thread floated with this information scattered in different threads, I thought to put them all together for the new applicants.
International Students who were earlier able to apply for immigration under the FSW rule, now will not be able to apply under that rule as it has been removed.
Firstly, this is regarding the recent changes announced and effective for application from 26th June 2010 and onwards.
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp#list
A quick check list for CIO
1. Application For Permanent Residence in Canada (IMM 0008 - Generic) - completed - Original
2. Schedule 1: Background Declaration (IMM 0008 - Schedule 1) - completed, dated and signed - Original
(Include a Schedule 1 form completed by:
the principal applicant
spouse or common-law partner
each dependent child over 18 years of age)
3. Schedule 3: Economic Classes - Federal Skilled Worker (IMM 0008- schedule 3) - completed - Original
4. Additional Family Information (IMM 5406) - completed, dated and signed - Original
(Completed by:
the principal applicant
spouse or common-law partner
each dependent child over the age of 18 years)
5. Use of a representative (IMM 5476) - Original
Complete, date, sign and include this form in your application if you have a representative.
6. Fee payment form - Application for permanent residence - Federal skilled worker class (IMM 5620) - Original
7. A photocopy of your passport's bio-data page, (principal applicant only) - Copy
8. 2 self-addressed mailing labels one in English or French and the second in the official language of your country
9. Language proficiency test results from one of the following designated testing agencies:
IELTS - Original
CELPIP or - Original
TEF - Original
10. Fee payment
In Canadian funds only, you may pay:
· by certified cheque, bank draft or money order made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada” or
· with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Do not enclose cash.
11. Submit only the documents requested on as per the applicable local visa office checklist - Copy Only [Not Originals]
- That means that you will have to send the copy of all the documents which were earlier submitted to local visa office after CIO approval. CIO will now check the eligibility as per the documents only. Copy of documents are required and not originals except Language ability proof and PCC
- Only send the IELTS and PCC in original to CIO, Nova Scotia
(Local Visa Office Selection: Visa office specific document checklist for the visa office that serves:
· your country of nationality; or
· the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least
one year.)
Eligibility criteria for federal skilled worker applications
Under changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, federal skilled worker applications are assessed for eligibility according to the criteria listed below. Note: This does not apply to applicants intending to live in the province of Quebec.
These criteria affect you only if you applied on or after June 26, 2010. If your application was received before June 26, 2010, it will be processed according to the rules that were in effect at that time
If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of June 26, 2010, a maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.
These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.
Is my application eligible for processing?
For your application to be eligible for processing, you must include the results of your official language proficiency test, and either:
have a valid offer of arranged employment, OR
be a skilled worker who has had one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in at least one of the following eligible occupations within the last ten years:
0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3111 Specialist Physicians
3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3142 Physiotherapists
3152 Registered Nurses
3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
6241 Chefs
6242 Cooks
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
7242 Industrial Electricians
7251 Plumbers
7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371 Crane Operators
7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
NOTE: the occupations above are all Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification list.
If you are not sure if you should apply as a skilled worker, you can use the eligibility tool to get an idea of whether your application would be eligible for processing.
If you apply and do not meet the above criteria, you will be informed of this and your processing fee will be refunded.
Now for new applicants, following are the changes and documents required to be sent to CIO with the initial application
Additions
- Language proficiency test results from one of the following designated testing agencies:
· IELTS - Original Certificate
· CELPIP or - Original Certificate
· TEF. - Original Certificate
- Visa office specific document checklist for the visa office that serves:
· your country of nationality; or
· the country in which you are residing, provided that you have been lawfully admitted to that country for at least
one year.
The visa office document checklist can be obtained on CIC's website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/skilled-mission.asp.
This document checklist (use it as the cover page). Submit only the documents requested on this checklist.
- PCC It has to be submit to CIO along with the application
All applicants must submit police certificates/clearances to the CIO as part of the application process. You and all of your family members who are 18 years of age and older and who are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens will have to provide:
a valid police certificate, or
a police clearance, or
a record of no information.
These documents are to be provided for each country other than Canada, in which you have lived for six consecutive months or longer since reaching the age of 18. Note: If you or your family members were under 18 years of age (16 years of age in certain jurisdictions) for the entire time you lived in a particular country, you do not need to provide a police certificate for that country. When you submit your application to the CIO, please ensure that your certificates were not issued more than three months earlier. If a certificate is not in English or French, submit both the certificate and the original copy of a translation prepared by an accredited translator. Unless otherwise specified on our website, it is your responsibility to contact the police or relevant authorities. When doing so, you may have to:
pay a fee for the service, and
provide information or documentation such as:
o photographs,
o fingerprints,
Step 1. Gather documents
Step 2. Complete the application
Step 3. Pay the fees
Step 4. Mail the application
Complete all sections. If any section is not applicable to you, write “N/A” (“Not applicable”). If your application is incomplete it will be returned to you, and processing will not begin. Do not leave any blanks.
The Address has be modified where the application has to be sent (CIO)
Regular mail:
Applicants applying under category 1:
[size=20pt]Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
Attn.: SW1 - NOC # _ _ _ _ PO BOX 7500 Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Canada
Applicants applying under category 2:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
PO BOX 8500
196 George Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 1J3
Or by courier:
Applicants applying under category 1:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
Attn.: SW1 - NOC # _ _ _ _ PO BOX 7500 Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Applicants applying under category 2:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Federal Skilled Worker
Centralized Intake Office
Attn.: SW2 - NOC # _ _ _ _ PO BOX 7500 Sydney, NS
B1P 0A9
Frequently asked questions – Changes to federal skilled worker and investor immigration programs
On Federal Skilled Worker Program Changes
1. Who are federal skilled workers and why do we need them?
Federal skilled worker immigrants are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada. Canada needs federal skilled workers because they have the right mix of skills, education, and experience to meet the current and long term demands of the economy. They also have the transferable skills to adapt to a changing labour market.
2. Why are temporary foreign workers and international students no longer eligible to apply for permanent residence under the federal skilled worker program?
Temporary foreign workers and international students are still eligible to apply under the federal skilled worker category if they have an offer of arranged employment or experience in one of the 29 in-demand occupations.
However, we've removed the eligibility criterion that applied to temporary foreign workers and students specifically to avoid overlap with the now-established Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program, both of which target the same pool of applicants.
3. Why are you introducing a cap?
We are now receiving more federal skilled worker applications than we can process and accept each year. We have more than enough applications on hand now to fill many of our needs. A cap is the only guaranteed way to limit the number of applications we receive. Without the cap on applications, processing times will get longer and a new backlog could be created.
We will continue to admit the same number of federal skilled workers as in previous years, and in fact we believe that there will be higher economic admissions this year in support of the recovery and further reductions in the backlog.
4. Is the annual cap by calendar year, fiscal year or from the date the instructions are published?
The first year will begin on June 26, 2010 and end on June 30, 2011. Subsequent years will be calculated from July 1st to June 30th.
5. What is meant by a cap? Does that limit refer to the total number of applications received or the total number of applications processed, or the total number of applications that are successful?
The cap is a limit on the number of complete applications considered for processing. In this case, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only consider a maximum of 20,000 complete applications under the occupation list. There is no limit to the number of applicants with a job offer. Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 federal skilled worker applications per occupation will be considered for processing each year.
6. Why are you imposing a limit per occupation?
We're introducing a limit of 1,000 applications per occupation to better manage the supply of applications on the occupation list. We have seen higher than expected numbers of applicants claiming experience in eligible occupations. The limit will allow us prevent an over-representation of any one occupation on the list.
7. What will happen with applications received after the cap is reached? How will applicants know their application isn't being processed?
These applicants will be informed, in writing, that their application will not continue for processing and that their processing fees will be returned.
8. How will applications subject to new instructions be processed as compared to applications subject to the first set of instructions and the backlog?
All applications subject to ministerial instructions (everything received since February 27, 2008) will be considered for processing in the order they are received.
All federal skilled worker applications received before February 27, 2008 fall into the backlog, and will be processed concurrently with the applications received since that date (and that are subject to instructions).
9. Why are you eliminating the simplified application?
Since we changed to the simplified application we've noticed a significantly higher number of applicants withdraw when asked for their supporting documents, or full application. By eliminating the simplified application and asking for all the documentation at once, we will make processing more efficient. Eliminating the simplified application shaves 120 days off the total processing time, because this is the time we allowed applicants to send in their supporting documents.
On changes to language testing
10. What changes are you making to the language requirements?
Under the changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, all new applicants are required to include the results of an English or French language test as part of their application.
Previously, applicants also had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. The written submission was intended for people whose first language was English or French. However, non-native English and French speakers frequently used this option, making it difficult for visa officers to perform an accurate assessment of the applicant's true language ability. As a result CIC now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability.
11. Are any applicants exempt from the mandatory language test? What about applicants from English or French speaking countries? Why would someone from England need to take an English test, for example?
There are no exceptions to this rule. We want to ensure that all applicants are evaluated against the same standards, no matter what their language of origin, nationality or ethnicity.
12. When did this change come into effect?
The change applies to all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applications received on or after June 26th, 2010.
13. What improvements in processing times do you anticipate with this change?
Visa officers will now only spend minutes evaluating language proficiency as they will simply assign points based on the language test results. This compares to the months it takes to process an application when written evidence is provided and found insufficient.
14. What are the advantages for applicants of submitting the results of a third-party language assessment to demonstrate ability in English and/or French?
The biggest advantage for the applicant is that they will know ahead of time how their language proficiency will be evaluated. Federal skilled worker applicants will know exactly how many points they will be awarded. In addition, applicants get an objective, realistic assessment of their language ability and areas for possible improvement.
Submitting a language test is also the most efficient way to evaluate language proficiency; it speeds up application processing. Finally, many regulatory bodies and industry sectors require language testing or other proof of language assessment, so in taking the test applicants are one step further on the path to integration into the Canadian labour market.
15. Where can applicants get tested for language proficiency?
Language tests for FSW and CEC applicants are available internationally through the International English Language Testing Service and the Test d'évaluation du français. FSW applicants can also obtain a language test in Canada through the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. More information and details on the language test requirements.
16. What is the cost of third-party language testing for applicants?
The cost of the International English Language Testing Service, the standard test for English language proficiency, ranges from a low of C$123 in Pakistan to a high of C$265 in Canada. The average price is under C$200. The costs for the Test d'évaluation du français, the standard test for French language proficiency, are similar to those of International English Language Testing Service.
On the Federal Immigrant Investor Program (IIP)
17. Why are you no longer accepting new applications?
Under Canada's current criteria, the volume of applications submitted under the IIP has grown exponentially in recent years. This recent surge in applications has resulted in a rising inventory and processing times are increasing.
We are not accepting new applications until the changes are finalized as we would like to prevent a flood of applications before the new criteria take effect. The limit on investor immigrant applications is intended as a short-term measure and is not intended to stay in place indefinitely.
The province of Quebec has its own IIP and processing of applications for permanent residence for investors selected by the province will continue as usual.
18. How long will the limit be in place?
The Department will no longer accept new applications until the new regulations are approved, which is targeted for early fall 2010.
19. What happens if the regulations aren't approved? Will the limit stay in place indefinitely?
The limit is intended as a short-term measure and is not intended to stay in place indefinitely.
20. Will this affect Quebec-selected investors?
The proposed regulatory changes to the eligibility criteria would also apply to Quebec-selected investors. However, the limit will not apply to Quebec-selected Investors.
