S
shibuya
Guest
8 June, 2010
Processing time frames for Canada federal skilled worker program
Many people have experienced the kind of frustration, caused by the length of time they had to wait for processing of their applications under the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program. The delay in the process has always been a matter of debate and discussions. For that matter, the visa officers utilize 2 different sets of procedures to process applications under the Canada federal skilled worker class and both the procedures require separate processing time frames.
Essentially, complete inventory under the Federal Skilled Worker Class is divided in two parts.
Skilled worker applications received before February 27, 2008
Further, applications filed BEFORE February 27th, 2008 will be divided into two categories.
Category one – Applications received before February 27th, 2008 and IRPA forms updated
Those applicants fall into this category, who have – in last 2 years time – received a communication from Canadian High Commission asking them to file updated forms and documents. The communication is more popularly known as IRPA letter. Again, some of these applicants might have also undergone the medical formalities and those who have undergone medical formalities can expect – subject to successful medical and provided no other document is pending – the visa stamping within 6 months of the medical procedure. Those who have not received any communication from the High Commission are in for disappointment. Initially and till almost early 2009, decision was being taken within one year of updating the IRPA forms and documents. Since then the High Commission has become absolutely silent and is not taking any steps to revert with decision on updated applications either. When queried, the mission responded that they will revert if required and in due course. Take note that even after decision has been taken, the medical and visa stamping process can still take another 6-9 months. A more expected scenario is that the Canadian High Commission – post updating – may take another 24-36 months to take a decision. At least they can expect, sooner or later, a decision.
Category two – Applications received before February 27th, 2008 and no communication received since filing of application
Applicants who have filed applications from January 2005 and till February 27th, 2008 are likely to belong to this category. These applicants would be facing a total blackout in terms of information on processing. Unfortunately, news for these applicants is not good as the Canadian High Commission seems to have halted these applications with no indication or announcement as to when they will start acting on them. There is such an absolute vacuum of information on such applications that the applicants would be better off to reassess their chances as per the concurrent list of 38 occupations and file a fresh application rather than waiting for earlier application to be picked up for further action. New applications are being processed from filing at stage one to visa stamping within a time frame of 12-18 months or even faster. As for applicants whose profile does not fall under new list of occupations, they should assess their chances under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program . If they still are not qualified under either of the program, then they have no option but to wait for their existing applications to be processed in due course of time. Under current understanding, this could be another 4-5 years away or more. Moreover, processing delays are always changing.
Skilled Worker applications received after November 26, 2008
On November 26th, 2008, Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced a new occupation list and that is what continues to be valid till date. The overall processing time for applications, which are filed under new list is around 12-18 months and in fact, in most cases less than a year. Applicants under the new scheme undergo a two-stage process.
It is clear that the process is extremely unfair and unreasonable to applicants who filed their petitions earlier. Anyway, immigration and visa laws are not known to be always fair!
Processing time frames for Canada federal skilled worker program
Many people have experienced the kind of frustration, caused by the length of time they had to wait for processing of their applications under the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program. The delay in the process has always been a matter of debate and discussions. For that matter, the visa officers utilize 2 different sets of procedures to process applications under the Canada federal skilled worker class and both the procedures require separate processing time frames.
Essentially, complete inventory under the Federal Skilled Worker Class is divided in two parts.
Skilled worker applications received before February 27, 2008
Further, applications filed BEFORE February 27th, 2008 will be divided into two categories.
Category one – Applications received before February 27th, 2008 and IRPA forms updated
Those applicants fall into this category, who have – in last 2 years time – received a communication from Canadian High Commission asking them to file updated forms and documents. The communication is more popularly known as IRPA letter. Again, some of these applicants might have also undergone the medical formalities and those who have undergone medical formalities can expect – subject to successful medical and provided no other document is pending – the visa stamping within 6 months of the medical procedure. Those who have not received any communication from the High Commission are in for disappointment. Initially and till almost early 2009, decision was being taken within one year of updating the IRPA forms and documents. Since then the High Commission has become absolutely silent and is not taking any steps to revert with decision on updated applications either. When queried, the mission responded that they will revert if required and in due course. Take note that even after decision has been taken, the medical and visa stamping process can still take another 6-9 months. A more expected scenario is that the Canadian High Commission – post updating – may take another 24-36 months to take a decision. At least they can expect, sooner or later, a decision.
Category two – Applications received before February 27th, 2008 and no communication received since filing of application
Applicants who have filed applications from January 2005 and till February 27th, 2008 are likely to belong to this category. These applicants would be facing a total blackout in terms of information on processing. Unfortunately, news for these applicants is not good as the Canadian High Commission seems to have halted these applications with no indication or announcement as to when they will start acting on them. There is such an absolute vacuum of information on such applications that the applicants would be better off to reassess their chances as per the concurrent list of 38 occupations and file a fresh application rather than waiting for earlier application to be picked up for further action. New applications are being processed from filing at stage one to visa stamping within a time frame of 12-18 months or even faster. As for applicants whose profile does not fall under new list of occupations, they should assess their chances under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program . If they still are not qualified under either of the program, then they have no option but to wait for their existing applications to be processed in due course of time. Under current understanding, this could be another 4-5 years away or more. Moreover, processing delays are always changing.
Skilled Worker applications received after November 26, 2008
On November 26th, 2008, Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced a new occupation list and that is what continues to be valid till date. The overall processing time for applications, which are filed under new list is around 12-18 months and in fact, in most cases less than a year. Applicants under the new scheme undergo a two-stage process.
It is clear that the process is extremely unfair and unreasonable to applicants who filed their petitions earlier. Anyway, immigration and visa laws are not known to be always fair!
