Any Change in Immigration policy imminent for people 50+ of age ?

[Champlain]

Hello,

I wonder if the new government might return to old standards, that would offer someone like myself (53 years of age, computer engineer and IT Consultant with a multi-decade long track record of successful work as an independent) a decent chance at immigration to CA?
Because my profession isn't on the "preferred skills list", I was told that my age would make it almost impossible for me to emigrate to CA as an independent.
That used to be different before 2015, so I am wondering if things might improve now that the anti-immigrants folks are out of government in Toronto.

Regards

 

[scylla]

Unfortunately I would assume no.

Going back to the pre-2015 rules really won't help you.

Under the old FSW rules, there was still a points system where those who were younger scored "age points" whhile those who were 49 or older (if I remember correctly) scored zero in this cateogry. As a result, it was typically very difficult for someone of your age to obtain the minimum 67 points required to qualify to apply.

And yes - in addition to having the 67 points to qualify, your occupation also needed to be on the "preferred occupations list" under the old program. As I'm sure you're aware, that list was eliminated with Express Entry and all occupations now qualify.

 

[Champlain]

Unfortunately I would assume no.

Going back to the pre-2015 rules really won't help you.

Under the old FSW rules, there was still a points system where those who were younger scored "age points" whhile those who were 49 or older (if I remember correctly) scored zero in this cateogry. As a result, it was typically very difficult for someone of your age to obtain the minimum 67 points required to qualify to apply.

And yes - in addition to having the 67 points to qualify, your occupation also needed to be on the "preferred occupations list" under the old program. As I'm sure you're aware, that list was eliminated with Express Entry and all occupations now qualify.

Thx for your reply, but you see under the old system I could have offset my "age disadvantage" if my skills would have been on the preferred list.
W/o any preferred skills list and age discrimination still in place, I got next to no (realistic) chance to immigrate.
Finding an employer willing to sponsor me from afar (I live in Europe right now) is very, very difficult.
So going as an independent IT contractor (something I have been doing successfully for decades), seems like the only sure bet for me.
I have ample funds available to support myself - but not the 800,000 CA$ required to get a PR as an investor.

Is there no way around this ?

 

[scylla]

As of now - your best bet is unfortunately probably the work permit route - which as you've already said, isn't easy at all. I supposed another option would be to get full time employment with a company in your home country that has operations in Canada - and then make a move to a role in Canada through the Intra Company Transfer visa (obviously your employer would have to be a big participant in this process).

I think the ongoing challenge with the old system is that you never know what occupations are going to end up on the list. Some years there were many IT occupations - and in other years there weren't. So even if things were to revert to the old system, there's no guarantee an occupation matching your work experience would be included.

 

[Champlain]

...
I think the ongoing challenge with the old system is that you never know what occupations are going to end up on the list. Some years there were many IT occupations - and in other years there weren't. So even if things were to revert to the old system, there's no guarantee an occupation matching your work experience would be included.

But it was some chance, better than next to none right now.
In my specialized field of expertise companies - or even internal departments - seldom like to let you go, once they spend the time and energy to get you up to spec.
I am the kind of resource you just wouldn't allow to transfer out, because then you'd have to start all over again with my replacement.
And I tried to find an internal CA employer, but I couldn't even take a face2face job interview - not mentioning the head start it would take to process my application.
In my profession companies just can't afford to leave a position vacant for that long ....

Does anyone know of a provincial program looking for specialists in corporate IT ?

This will be my last attempt, before I have to scratch CA of my "wishlist".

 

[scylla]

Does anyone know of a provincial program looking for specialists in corporate IT ?

This will be my last attempt, before I have to scratch CA of my "wishlist".

I would recommend you post your question to the Provincial Nomination section of the forum if you want PNP direction.

 

[obib]

Champlain hang in there and don't give up and keep up with current and emerging immigration Programs you never know especially with the new Liberal govt.something may just spring up for experienced,succesful workers to move their money to Canada.There use to be something like Taylored towards retiree or intended retirees with good health to migrate with their benefits in the UK migration system some years a go...don't give up while trying your hands on getting a Canadian employers