BREAKING NEWS: Federal Skilled Worker Program Will Reopen in May 2013

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced that the new selection system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will take effect on May 4th, 2013. At that time, the program will begin accepting applications for review. In addition to the long-awaited announcement, important new details about the program have been revealed, helping to paint a fuller picture of what Canadian immigration will look like in the coming year.

A Quick Background

The Skilled Worker category of the FSWP has been frozen since mid-2012 so that necessary improvements could be made to the program.

The FSWP changes, as described by CIC, are as follows:

• Minimum official language thresholds and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process;
• Increased emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience, are better positioned to adapt to changing labour market conditions, and who will spend a greater number of years contributing to Canada’s economy;
• Introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), so that education points awarded reflect the foreign credential’s true value in Canada;
• Changes to the arranged employment process, allowing employers to hire applicants quickly, if there is a demonstrated need in the Canadian labour market; and
• Additional adaptability points for spousal language ability and Canadian work experience

These changes are part of CIC’s mission to transform Canada’s immigration system to one that is ‘faster and more flexible’. Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has stated that “the government’s number one priority remains jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. The new Federal Skilled Worker Program criteria will ensure Canada is selecting the skilled immigrants our economy needs, who are the most likely to succeed in Canada.”

Important Additional Announcements

In addition to announcing that applications will be accepted starting May 4th, 2013, CIC made three important statements:

1. A list of organizations designated by the government to perform educational credential authentication and assessment will be made available in the new year;
2. A limit will be placed on the number of skilled worker applications the FSWP will accept for review each year. The specific number for this limit has not yet been announced; and
3. New applications to the FSWP will be processed in a matter of months, as opposed to a year or more.

“This is exciting news for applicants,” says Attorney David Cohen. “We have been looking forward to learning more details about this program, and it appears that CIC is taking steps to achieve its goal of a more streamlined, transparent system that will select the immigrants Canada needs most.”

Prospective Applicants – Moving Forward

Prospective applicants now have a time frame for preparing their applications in advance, if they so choose. According to Attorney David Cohen, early preparation may be key to ensuring that one’s application arrives before quotas are filled.

“Applicants have been patiently waiting for the FSWP to open since July 2012,” he said. “In previous years, quotas have filled quickly, leaving otherwise eligible individuals to wait another year for their chance to gain Canadian Permanent Residency. I suggest those who are serious about immigrating through the FSWP be proactive about preparing their applications so they are first in line on May 4th.”

Once they have submitted their applications, the government promises that individuals will enjoy the fastest processing times for the FSWP in recent history. Those who are successful will arrive in Canada better prepared to find employment, integrate into their communities, and settle into their new home.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2012/12/breaking-news-federal-skilled-worker-program-reopen-2013-122126.html

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Canada To Speed Up Entry Of Skilled Immigrants Into Country

OTTAWA-Canada recognizes the value of skilled immigrants and makes a plan to fast track talented immigrants into the country.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed to combat a shortage of tradespeople that is hampering economic growth in Canada. Canadian companies applauded the Harper government’s move, saying the existing skilled worker program made it difficult to import labour because admittance criteria put too much emphasis on postsecondary education.

It was easier for somebody with a post-doctorate degree in ancient Greek pottery to get into Canada than somebody with 20 years of experience as a welder or an electrician,” Canadian Construction Association president Michael Atkinson said.

The new program, which will admit a maximum of 3,000 people next year, will begin accepting applications on Jan. 2, 2013, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Monday.

“For the first time in four decades … we will have a dedicated immigration stream in our federal immigration program for skilled tradesmen, people who are skilled to work with their hands and people who will be able to contribute enormously to Canada’s economy,” the minister said.

Eligible occupations will include electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics and pipe fitters, among others.

The Harper government began its overhaul of admittance for foreign skilled workers during the 2012 budget, when it hit the reset button on a lengthy queue of foreigners who have been waiting for approval for half a decade or more.

Applicants under the new program will need to:

Have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory to ensure that applicants are “job ready” upon arrival.

Meet a basic language requirement.

Have a minimum of two years of work experience as a skilled tradesperson, to ensure that the applicant has recent and relevant practice as a qualified journeyman.

Have the skills and experience that match those set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC B) system, showing that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.

To avoid backlogs, the Department Citizenship and Immigration is limiting applications in the program’s first year to 3,000.

“This is not going to be like the old Skilled Worker Program with, with five-, seven-, eight-year wait times because there’s no one in the queue in front of them. This is a fresh queue,” the Minister said.

But Mr. Kenney predicted the program will expand over the years ahead to become a mainstay. “I think the demand will pick up significantly, tracking demand in the labour market for skilled trades,” he said. “I would expect to see this program grow and grow as an important factor of our immigration system.”

The immigration department is drawing up a list of skilled trades’ occupations beset by acute labour shortages. This list of what trades will qualify will be announced prior to Jan. 2. The Federal Skilled Trades Program will complement other immigration avenues already in place for skilled tradespersons, such as the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Courtesy of Globe and Mail.