Changes in the Immigration Rules for Federal Skilled Workers:
Till last year, the number of applications that would be considered for processing annually in the federal skilled worker category was 20,000. As of 1st July, 2011, this number has been reduced to 10,000. And within the 10,000 limit, a maximum of 500 new applications in each of the 29 priority occupations will be considered. The 29 in-demand occupations include restaurant and food sector, management, insurance, architects, medical and paramedical professionals, psychologists, scientists, social workers, trade persons like carpenters, plumbers and electricians. Because of the reduced limit on number of applications, people who have already applied stand a greater chance of their application being processed quickly. For new immigrants timely filing of the cases is necessary to ensure that the application is received by the CIC, before the maximum limit is reached.