Applications we will accept – Federal skilled workers

As of May 1, 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will only consider federal skilled worker (FSW) applications from people who have:

• at least one year of continuous and paid (full-time or an equal amount in part-time) work experience in a single occupation,
• within the last 10 years,
• at skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the 2011 edition of the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), and who are:
  1. in one of the 50 eligible occupations, and whose application is received under the occupation’s sub-cap and overall FSW cap, or
  2. with a valid offer of arranged employment, or
  3. who are applying under the PhD stream (see below) until the PhD cap of 500 applications is reached.

All applicants must also:

• meet the minimum language threshold (and submit approved language test results), and
• submit a Canadian educational credential or foreign credential and an assessment of their foreign education from an approved agency, and
• meet all requirements of the FSW Program.

Applications per eligible occupation:

As of May 1, 2014, there is an overall cap of 25,500 for new federal skilled worker applications. This includes a cap of 500 applications from PhD students. There are also sub-caps of 1,000 for each of the 50 eligible occupations. The caps do not affect people with a valid job offer. These are the last applications we will accept under the current system before Express Entry launches in January 2015.

Note: Due to the large number of applications we get, we cannot check that each one is complete on the same day it gets to the office. The numbers on this page are updated at least once a week, but are only a guide. There is no guarantee that an application sent in now will fall within the cap by the time it gets to the Centralized Intake Office.

Total received toward the overall cap: 516 of 25,000

Eligible occupation (by National Occupational Classification [NOC] code)	Number of complete applications counted towards the 1,000 sub-cap Footnote1
0013  Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services	3
0015  Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c.	–
0111  Financial managers	19
0112  Human resources managers	3
0113  Purchasing managers	3
0121  Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers	1
0311  Managers in health care	1
0711  Construction managers	2
0712  Home building and renovation managers	–
0811  Managers in natural resources production and fishing	–
0911  Manufacturing managers	1
1111  Financial auditors and accountants	17
1112  Financial and investment analysts	120
1113  Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers	–
1114  Other financial officers	3
1123  Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations	4
1212  Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers	1
1224  Property administrators	–
2113  Geoscientists and oceanographers	2
2131  Civil engineers	20
2132  Mechanical engineers	34
2133  Electrical and electronics engineers	11
2145  Petroleum engineers	–
2171  Information systems analysts and consultants	28
2172  Database analysts and data administrators	4
2173  Software engineers and designers	54
2174  Computer programmers and interactive media developers	130
2232  Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians	–
2234  Construction estimators	1
2241  Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians	2
2243  Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics	2
2263  Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety	2
2281  Computer network technicians	23
3011  Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors	–
3012  Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses	7
3111  Specialist physicians	–
3112  General practitioners and family physicians	–
3132  Dietitians and nutritionists	–
3141  Audiologists and speech-language pathologists	1
3142  Physiotherapists	11
3143  Occupational Therapists	1
3214  Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists	–
3215  Medical Radiation Technologists	–
3216  Medical Sonographers	–
3233  Licensed practical nurses	–
3234  Paramedical occupations	–
4011  University professors and lecturers	4
4151  Psychologists	1
4214  Early childhood educators and assistants	–
5125  Translators, terminologists and interpreters	–

Applications in the PhD stream:

CIC will accept 500 applications for processing per year under the PhD stream. To apply under this stream, you must have either

• finished at least two years of study in Canada towards a PhD, or
• graduated from a Canadian PhD program in the 12 months before we get your application.

Find out more about eligibility for this category.

The new PhD cap year began on May 1, 2014. These are the last applications we will accept under the current system before Express Entry launches in January 2015.

Applications received toward the overall cap: 19 of 500 (as of July 14, 2014).

A Summary of Quebec Immigration Today

JULY, 2014

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Quebec immigration remains open to a wide range of applicants. In fact, immigrating to Quebec is a popular route to achieve Canadian Permanent Residency. With the goal of reducing processing times for applications, the Government of Quebec has introduced a number of changes to Quebec immigration programs in recent months. Permanent workers, investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers looking to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate should take note; spots are filling up quickly. Here is an overview of where these various programs stand today:

Quebec Skilled Worker Program

As of July 4^th, the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program has received over 4,400 applications out of a maximum intake cap of 6,500. This means that the program’s application cap, which was put in place on April 1, 2014, is now approximately two-thirds full.

Prospective immigrants applying to the QSW program must intend to live and work in Quebec. Applicants must, at a minimum, possess a diploma that corresponds to a Secondary School Diploma or a Diploma of Vocational Studies in the Québec education system.

Points are also awarded to applicants for a number of factors, including:

• Level of education;
• Area of training;
• Age;
• French and/or English language skills;
• Work experience;
• Relationships to Quebec residents;
• Ability to be financially self-sufficient; and
• An offer of employment, if applicable.

Moving Forward: Expression of Interest system

The Government of Quebec has hinted that, in 2015, it will follow the lead of the Federal Government in transitioning to an ‘Expression of Interest’ immigration system.

The Expression of Interest model is designed to better target skilled immigrants and fill identifiable gaps in the labour market. It screens applicants based on aspects such as work experience, education, and language ability. The government then invites the best-suited applicants to apply for immigration through one of its programs.

If the Government of Quebec transitions to this system next year, it will signal the end of the current QSW selection system. This means that this is the last chance for applicants to apply directly to the QSW program.

“As the program stands today, applicants have until March 31^st 2015 to apply, or until the cap is filled,” said Attorney David Cohen. “It is looking more and more likely that the cap will fill well before March. This means that, for many individuals interested in immigrating through this popular program, time is absolutely of the essence.”

Quebec Investor Program

 The Quebec Investor Program also has a cap, which is the same as last year. No more than 1,750 applications will be accepted for review under this program. Moreover, no more than 1,200 applicants will be accepted from any one country.

Applications to this program will only be received during a short window of time, which has yet to be determined. While the official government website maintains that the program will be accepting applications between September 8^th and 19^th, the Quebec 2014 budget, which was adopted in June, indicated that these dates are likely to be changed. In any case, now is the time for applicants to begin putting his or her files together.

It is important to note that there is no cap for investors who are able to communicate in French at a high-intermediate level or higher. This means they can apply between now and March 31^st 2015 regardless of how many other applications are received.

To qualify for the Quebec Investor category, investors must intend to reside in Quebec. They must also have a net worth of at least C$1.6 million and have a minimum of two years experience in management during the last five years. Lastly, investors have to agree to invest at least C$800,000 through a government approved financial intermediary.

Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Workers

Like the QSW program, the Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Worker programs are quickly filling up. Over 300 applications have been accepted for review out of a maximum of 500 for the two programs combined.

To be eligible for the Entrepreneur program, among other things, an applicant must have net assets of at least C$300,000, and have a minimum of two years’ experience in the last five years running a lawful, profitable, business.

The eligibility requirements for the Self-Employed Worker program include having a net worth of C$100,000, and having at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the field the individual plans to practice in Québec.

Quebec Experience Class

Another option for immigration to Quebec is the Quebec Experience Class, which has no cap. This program is open to temporary workers who have held a skilled job in Quebec for 12 out of the last 24 months as well as graduates of Quebec universities or those nearing graduation. This program also requires knowledge of French.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2014/07/summary-quebec-immigration-today-073616.html

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Overhaul: What Workers Need to Know

JULY, 2014

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On June 20, 2014 the Government of Canada announced major changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These changes have significant repercussions for Canadian employers across the country as well as current and future foreign workers.

Many of these changes also have a significant impact on how foreign workers obtain their work permits, as well as what will happen during and after arrival in Canada. This issue will explore in detail the most important changes and what they mean for current and future foreign workers in Canada.

Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)

In most cases, Canadian employers need to obtain government approval before hiring a foreign worker. This approval comes in the form of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), formerly known as a Labour Market Opinion (LMO).

In the eyes of the government, the responsibility for securing an LMIA rests solely with the employer in Canada. The LMIA process assesses whether the employer is eligible to hire from abroad.

Temporary foreign workers should be aware that employers in need of an LMIA will face increased restrictions, more in-depth requirements, and enhanced inspections and punishment if they do not follow the rules. According to Attorney David Cohen, these new measures may make some employers more reluctant to hire some foreign workers.

“If you are a foreign worker who has received a job offer in Canada, especially from a small or medium sized employer, you should be prepared for the employer to possibly question whether they want to go through this process at all,” said Attorney Cohen. “It would be prudent if you do your own research so that you can help your employer understand the new rules, if need be. At the very least, you can direct him or her to the services of a professional immigration representative, who could help to navigate the process.”

LMIA-Based Work Permit Restrictions

In addition to increased LMIA requirements, there are now new time limits placed on work permits that require LMIAs. Individuals whose Canadian job offers are considered ‘low-wage’ under the new LMIA system (that is, individuals who will be paid less than the provincial median wage) will be issued work permits valid for no longer than one year in length. In addition, low-wage applications that were submitted before June 20, 2014 will not be processed. They will be returned with a refund of government processing fees. Employers are welcome to re-apply following the new rules for low-wage LMIAs.

The government has also implied that the maximum work permit length for ‘high-wage’ workers, who are paid a salary that meets or exceeds provincial median wages, will also be reduced. It has been reported that the maximum length will be cut to two years, although this has yet to be formally implemented.

Options remain in place to renew work permits that are set to expire, as well as to transition from temporary worker status to permanent resident status.

“For many individuals, coming to Canada as a foreign worker is a first step towards becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident or even a Canadian Citizen,” said Attorney David Cohen. “However, since work permits will now be issued for shorter lengths of time, foreign workers hoping to make that transition must plan out how they will apply for permanent residency as soon as possible.”

Moratorium Lifted for Food Service Work Permits

On April 24, 2014, the government announced a moratorium on LMIA and work permit issuances for certain occupations in the food services sector. As of June 20, this moratorium has been lifted and workers in the food sector may once again apply for work authorization.

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

Work permits that do not require LMIA approval are now known as ‘International Mobility Programs’.

Certain work permits are LMIA-exempt but remain tied to a specific employer. These sorts of permits most commonly pertain to individuals applying under the NAFTA Program and the Intra-Company Transfer Program.

Currently, individuals are able to apply for their LMIA-exempt work permit once they obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer. In the future (date unknown), Canadian employers will be required to submit their job offers for approval to Citizenship and Immigration Canada before the foreign worker can apply for the work permit. Employers will be required to pay a $230 processing fee to have their job offer evaluated.

The foreign worker must still pay the standard $155 work permit application fee when submitting an application.

Open Work Permit Fees

In the future (date unknown), recipients of Open Work Permits will be required to pay a $100 ‘privilege fee’ in addition to the standard application fee of $155. Individuals who are eligible for open work permits include the spouses of foreign workers and students in Canada as well as participants in certain work exchange programs.

All new fees will help to cover government services such as work permit processing and employer compliance inspections.

Working in Canada Today

It is important to note that individuals who are currently in Canada on a work permit will not see any changes made to their current permits. However, any requests to renew or extend their work permits will be subject to the new rules.

Workers entering Canada under the new rules should be aware that a number of provisions have been put in place to make sure employers treat their foreign employees fairly. Those who have found in be non-compliant could be blacklisted from hiring abroad and be forced to pay fines of up to $100,000. These new standards have the potential to provide greater protection to foreign workers and to cut down on exploitation by employers.

As before, there are a number of options for foreign workers to transition from temporary to permanent residency. These include the Canadian Experience Class, Quebec Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Quebec Skilled Worker Program, and a range of Provincial Nominee Programs.

Source:http://www.cicnews.com/2014/07/temporary-foreign-worker-program-overhaul-workers-073605.html

Federal Skilled Worker: Spotlight on Occupations (Part II)

JULY, 2014

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The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a highly popular route to Canadian Permanent Residency. Applicants to the program with specific, proven skills can come to Canada to live and work. To be eligible, applicants must have one-year full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the past 10 years in one of 50 eligible occupations. A maximum of 25,000 applications will be accepted for review, with a cap of 1000 for each individual occupation, and they are filling up quickly. Click here to view the current number of applications received by the government for each of the 50 eligible occupations.

All successful applicants are selected based upon the need for their skills in the Canadian labour market, and their likelihood of becoming economically established in Canada. Workers who come to Canada through the program have a high chance of finding high-paying jobs in their field, and settling in Canada quickly.

 In the last edition of CIC News, we profiled 25 of the 50 eligible occupations for the FSWP. Listed below are the remaining 25 eligible occupations and their National Occupation Codes (NOC):

1. Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 2173)

Job Description: Software engineers and designers research, design, and develop software applications, technical environments, embedded software, information warehouses, and telecommunications software.

Average Salary: $58,041 per year

Example Titles:

• Software Design Engineer
• Software Testing Engineer
• Telecommunications Software Engineer

2. Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (NOC 2174)

Job Description: Computer programmers write, modify, and test computer code for different computer and software applications. Interactive media developers write, modify, and test computer code for film, computer games, Internet applications, and other interactive media.

Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Multimedia Developer
• Software Developer
• Systems Programmer

3. Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 2232)

Job Description: Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support and services. They may also work independently in different mechanical engineering fields such as developing, testing, and maintaining different types of machines.

Average Salary: $50,600 per year

Example Titles:

• Mechanical Engineering Technician 
• Mechanical Technologist
• Tool Designer

 4. Construction Estimators (NOC 2234)

Job Description: Construction estimators analyze costs of and prepare estimates on civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical construction projects.

Average Salary: $52,530 per year

Example Titles:

• Chief Estimator – Construction
• Cost Estimator – Construction
• Quantity Surveyor – Construction

5. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NOC 2241)

Job Description: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians design, develop and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems.

Average Salary: $64,191 per year

Example Titles:

• Communications Technologist
• Electrical Engineering Technologist
• Electronics Engineering Technician

6. Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics (NOC 2243)

Job Description: Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics repair, maintain and install industrial measuring and controlling instrumentation.

Average Salary: $66,000 – $95,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Industrial Instrument Mechanic
• Instrument Technician, Industrial
• Apprentice Industrial Instrument Mechanic

7. Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety (NOC 2263)

Job Description: Inspectors in this group evaluate and monitor safety hazards and develop strategies to control risks in the workplace. They inspect workplaces to ensure that they have met government health standards.

Average Salary: $53,000  – $66,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Environmental Health Officer
• Health and Safety Officer
• Public Health Inspector

8. Computer Network Technicians (NOC 2281)

Job Description: Computer network technicians operate, maintain, and co-ordinate the use of computer networks and equipment.

Average Salary: $42,730 per year

Example Titles:

• Computer Network Technician
• Network Administrator
• System Administrator

9. Nursing Co-ordinators and Supervisors (NOC 3011)

Job Description: Workers in this field co-ordinate and supervise the activities of registered nursing personnel in the provision of patient care.

Average Salary: $81,362 per year

Example Titles:

• Nursing Care Co-ordinator
• Nursing Supervisor
• Psychiatric Nursing Supervisor

10. Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 3012)

Job Description: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, and deliver health care programs and consultation services relevant to nursing.

Average Salary: $29.77 per hour

Example Titles:

• Clinical Nurse
• Registered Psychiatric Nurse (R.P.N.)
• Nursing Consultant

11. Specialist Physicians (NOC 3111)

Job Description: This group includes specialist physicians in clinical medicine, in laboratory medicine and in surgery.

Average Salary: $186,018 per year

Example Titles:

• Cardiologist
• General Pathologist
• General Surgeon

12. General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 3112)

Job Description: General practitioners and family physicians diagnose and treat the diseases and injuries of their patients. They provide their patients with direct contact and continuous care.

Average Salary: $117,951 per year

Example Titles:

• Family Physician
• General Practitioner (GP)
• Medical Doctor

13. Dietitians and Nutritionists (NOC 3132)

Job Description: Dieticians and nutritionists plan, oversee and apply nutrition and food service programs.

Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Nutrition Specialist
• Public Health Dietitian
• Research Dietitian

14. Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (NOC 3141)

Job Description: Audiologists diagnose, evaluate and treat patients with hearing loss and balance problems. Speech language pathologists diagnose, evaluate and treat human communication disorders.

Average Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Clinical Audiologist
• Research Audiologist
• Educational Speech-Language Pathologist

15. Physiotherapists (NOC 3142)

Job Description: Physiotherapists plan and carry out programs designed to maintain, improve or restore the physical functions of their patients, as well as to relieve pain and prevent injury in their patients.

Average Salary: $35.05 per hour

Example Titles:

• Physical Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Research Physiotherapist

16. Occupational Therapists (NOC 3143)

Job Description: Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, emotional disorders or psychological problems to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure.

Average Salary: $58,949

Example Titles:

• Clinical Occupational Therapist
• Community Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Consultant

17. Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists (NOC 3214)

Job Description: Respiratory therapists assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders. Clinical perfusionists provide technical support to patients undergoing cardiac surgery and patients requiring cardiorespiratory support. Cardiopulmonary Technologists assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases.

Average Salary: $29.39 per hour

Example Titles:

• Cardiopulmonary Technologist
• Registered Respiratory Therapist
• Clinical Perfusionist

18. Medical Radiation Technologists (NOC 3215)

Job Description: This group includes technologists who operate radiographic and radiation therapy equipment to perform radiation treatment and produce images of body structures to diagnose injury and disease.

Average Salary: $29.37 per hour

Example Titles:

• Radiation Oncology Technologist
• Radiation Therapist
• Clinical Instructor, Radiation Therapy

19. Medical Sonographers (NOC 3216)

Job Description: Medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of different parts of the body to aid physicians in monitoring various parts of the body.

Average Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Ultrasound Technologist
• Medical Sonographer
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

20. Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 3233)

Job Description: Licensed practical nurses provide nursing care usually under the direction of medical practitioners, registered nurses, or other health team members.

Average Salary: $23.96 per hour

Example Titles:

• Graduate Nursing Assistant
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Registered Nursing Assistant

21. Paramedical Occupations (NOC 3234)

Job Description: This group includes workers who provide pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients with injuries or medical illnesses and transport them to hospitals or other medical facilities for further care.

Average Salary: $50,000 – $60,000 per year

Example Titles:

• Ambulance Attendant
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Paramedic

22. University Professors and Lecturers (NOC 4011)

Job Description: University professors and lecturers teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students and conduct research at universities.

Average Salary: $115,513 per year

Example Titles:

• Associate Professor, Linguistics
• English Professor, University
• Professor of Medicine, University

23. Psychologists (NOC 4151)

Job Description: Psychologists assess behavioural, cognitive and emotional disorders, and provide counsel and therapy for their patients. Additionally, they conduct research relating to behaviour and mental process.

Average Salary: $70,076 per year

Example Titles:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Experimental Psychologist
• Research Psychologist

24. Early Childhood Educators and Assitants (NOC 4214)

Job Description: Early childhood educators and assistants provide care for infants and pre-school-aged children. They lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their physical, intellectual and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being.

Average Salary: $14.70 per hour

Example Titles:

• Daycare Supervisor
• Child Care Worker Assistant
• Preschool Helper

25. Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (NOC 5125)

Job Description: Translators translate written material from one language to another. Interpreters translate oral communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, debates, and hearings. Terminologists research to define terms in a certain field, and find their equivalent in other languages.

Average Salary: $50,356 per year

Example Titles:

• Conference Interpreter
• Medical Terminologist
• Translator

As of January 1^st, 2015, the Government of Canada will be transitioning to a new immigration selection system known as Express Entry. As such, this will be applicants’ last chance to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program in its current form.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2014/07/federal-skilled-worker-spotlight-occupations-part-ii-073610.html