Whats New in Canada-Update on CA

[Can10]

Canada will continue to process Federal Skilled Worker visa backlog

Earlier this year Canadian immigration announced their plans to stop the processing of Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) visa applications submitted before 27 February 2008 and reject these applications in order to reduce the backlog of visa applications. However, more recently, the immigration department has reportedly instructed its visa officers not to return the applications and continue processing the visas.

As part of Canadian immigration's plan to reduce the backlog of visa applications, the Canadian government announced in March they would be rejecting almost 300,000 Canadian visa applications made before 27 February 2008. Their applications were to be returned and $130 million worth of fees refunded to enable Canadian immigration to reduce the massive backlog they say has been standing in the way of major reform to the immigration system.

At least for now, plans to reject and return the backlog of visa applications will be halted until the Canadian government announces further instructions on how to proceed. The government has already directed Canada embassies not to return the applications and the processing fee and continue processing the applications.

Traditionally, Canada has had a first-in first-out system meaning that visa applicants wait in a queue to have their visa applications processed. Therefore, the decision to reject all of the applications in the backlog received before 27 February 2008 has proved detrimental to applicants who have been waiting for years for their applications to be processed.

Other Canadian immigration options that may be worth considering include the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program or one of the Provincial Nominee programs.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-05-30/canada/canada-will-continue-to-process-federal-skilled-worker-visa-backlog.htm

 

[Can10]

Canada phasing out Social Insurance Number cards for immigrants and citizens

The Canadian government announced they are phasing out the plastic Social Insurance Number (SIN) card issued to millions of Canadians and others in order to save money and help avoid identity theft.

All Canadian citizens, temporary and permanent residents need a SIN to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs. The nine-digit number is necessary for people to have access to government programs and benefits. It is also the number used by government officials to track the income and taxes owed by an individual.

From March 2014, Canadian citizens and immigrants who receive a new social insurance number will receive a letter from the Canadian government identifying their SIN, but they will not receive a plastic card.

"Along with better protecting Canadians' personal information, this responsible approach will also save taxpayers' hard-earned money by not producing physical cards and replacements," said Human Resources Minister Diane Finley spokeswoman Alyson Queen.

The government has warned that card-holders are at risk of having their identity stolen or being exposed to fraudulent activity if they lose their SIN card. The plastic SIN card has no security features, unlike many other cards such as driver's licenses or credit cards.

"As everyone here knows, it is a simple plastic card. There are no security mechanisms on it, so relying on it as a mechanism for identifying clients is not prudent," said Peter Boyd, director general and departmental security officer in Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-05-29/canada/canada-phasing-out-social-insurance-number-cards-for-immigrants-and-citizens.htm

 

[Can10]

Saskatchewan announces changes to Canadian Immigrant Nominee Program

Earlier this month the Canadian province of Saskatchewan introduced changes to their Immigrant Nominee Program affecting the family category, student category, and the entrepreneur category.

Saskatchewan's Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris announced that in an attempt to create more fairness in the Canadian immigration application process, family category nominees will now only be able to submit one application per household until the principal applicant and family have settled in the Canadian province.

This still means that immediate families will be able to immigrate to Canada together, but the process of bringing extended family members over has changed. Previously, Canadian immigrants who settled in the Canadian province could apply for visas for unlimited family members to join them.

Nominees wishing to enter the province will now also require a job offer. Previously, applicants were required to intend to find work in the Canadian province in order to receive a visa, but didn't need an actual job offer.

"We have families now moving forward with multiple applications and what's happening is something that's unfair," said Norris. "Some families have come (with) — we've even heard stories of up to 20 applications. As they've moved forward with their 20, what's happening is other families are being left out."

"Overall, there are pros and cons. I think the families do have a financial commitment when they bring an individual here, so there's definitely more stress on the family to support that new family member while they are settling and trying to find a job. So I think that does — the fact that the person would have a job — does reduce the stress on the family members and would make the whole settlement process a little more enjoyable for everyone," said Darcy Dietrich, executive director of the Regina Open Door Society, a non-profit organization that provides settlement and integration services to refugees and immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Additionally, students who graduate from a university in Canada outside of the province will now be required to have been employed in Saskatchewan for one full year before applying for a visa in the Immigrant Nominee Program. Previously, graduates only need 6 months of employment in the Canadian province.

Entrepreneur category applicants will be required to have their net worth and evidence of funds verified by an independent third party approved by the Canadian government before submitting an application and receiving a visa.

Norris explained that the changes were necessary to boost the integrity of the Immigrant Nominee Program and further convince the Canadian government to increase the immigration cap in Saskatchewan from 4,000 to 6,000.

These changes will go into effect immediately, however applications submitted before 2 May 2012 will be processed under the previous rules.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-05-18/canada/saskatchewan-announces-changes-to-canadian-immigrant-nominee-program.htm

 

[Can10]

Fewer Asians immigrating to Canada

Since 2006, Canadian immigration applications from many Asian countries have dropped by more than half. Critics claim that the drop in applications from China, India, the Philippines and Pakistan is because the country's recent policy changes favour some immigrant countries over others.

Statistics show a significant drop in the annual number of Chinese, Indians, Filipinos and Pakistanis applying for permanent residency between 2006 and 2011. Specifically, applications from China fell 45 percent; India by almost 51 percent; the Philippines by 32 percent; and Pakistan by 65 percent.

While the number of Canadian immigration applications did decrease overall for the top 10 source countries, the declines of the Asian countries were bigger than English or French-speaking countries. The top 10 source countries include the US, France, the UK, China, and India.

Additionally, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the number of immigration applications from the US has dropped by only 10 percent and applicants from France fell by 7 percent in 2011.

In recent years, Canada has been making significant changes to the immigration system by tightening language requirements, restricting eligibility to limited occupations in demand, and capping the amount of applications accepted each year. If you would like to see what occupations are still available for Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program, please check our updated report here.

"I really don't care where people come from as long as they are able to succeed in Canada. I think more employers have the same attitude," Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said. "One issue here is language proficiency. All of the data says the primary reason why foreign trained professionals are not hired in Canada is language proficiency, which is an indicator of people's soft social skills.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-05-08/canada/fewer-asians-immigrating-to-canada.htm

 

[mayankpandya]

G8 information.

Ten Hottest Jobs for Canadian Immigrants

May 30, 2012

Canadian Immigrants and job opportunities

Canada is one of the favorite destinations for Immigration. People across the Globe seem to be willing to reach Canada either to earn Higher Education or a Job. The comfortable Visa Rules attract the Immigrants. Immigrants whether skilled, educated or skilled and educated or even not so skilled can look for an opportunity to work in this country.

Top ten jobs in Canada are mentioned below-

1. Manger in Finance- Somebody with a degree and expertise in Finance can always apply for a Finance related job. Most of the Canadian firms look for people with a sound knowledge of Finance. Log on to any of the portals to find out the vacancies.

2. Skilled personals- Canada has seen a shortage of skilled people like Carpenter, electrician, Plumber, Chef, Gardener. Hence the immigrants with a sound skill in any of the above mentioned areas can grab an opportunity to settle in Canada. According to a study Canada will have 40% of the vacancies in these areas which are surely good news for immigrants.

3. Teaching profession-Canada is likely to bid farewell to many teacher and professors. Also the government has plans to release huge grants to educational Institutions. Everything put together one can be sure of quite a lot of teaching vacancies.

4. Computer and Information System- The slowdown in this field a decade ago has subsided over the period of time. This industry has revived and a lot many vacancies have been created.

5. Dentist- This field has more vacancy than many other fields. Someone who is going to attain a degree in Canada can expect a job immediately after completing the same.

6. University jobs-Government has big plans of investing in Research and Education. If one has a doctorate degree in hand getting a Professorship is not a difficult task. The grants from the government will lead to a lot many openings.

7. Human Resource Manager- An MBA degree in Human Resources is the key to get a job in this field. Every company big or small seem to have human Resource Department and managers are needed to run these departments.

8. Pharmacy- Degree in Pharmacy will surely lead to a job in Research Department of Pharma companies.

9. Nurse- registered nurses are welcomed in Canada as the local population is hardly interested in taking up such a job.

10. Retail Managers- Every Mall has outlets of all the famous brands. Retail managers are needed to run them. Canada is a place full of vacancies and Immigrants contribute hugely to the economic growth of the Nation. Hence one can expect vacancies in many other fields too.

 

[vidya]

http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/4192/mourning-the-loss-of-a-tradition-of-transparency.html

 

[Can10]

Proposed Canadian legislation would streamline deportation of foreign criminals

Minister Jason Kenney proposed new measures to expedite the deportation of foreigners who commit crimes in Canada. The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act will allow Canada to automatically deport refugees, immigrants, and visitors who are convicted of a serious crime and serve more than six months in jail. Under these rules, foreign criminals will lose their right to appeal the decision of deportation.

"These tough but fair measures will ensure that foreign criminals won't be allowed to endlessly abuse Canada's generosity," Kenney said. "Canadians believe that even foreign criminals should get their day in court. But they shouldn't get endless years in court, delaying their inevitable deportation. It's time to send a clear message to foreign criminals: 'If you commit a serious crime in Canada, we're going to send you packing as quickly as we can."

Currently, foreigners who are sentenced to less than two years behind bars can appeal their removal from the country to the Immigration Appeal Division. Under the new proposed legislation, only those sentenced to less than six months in jail will be allowed to make such an appeal. Additionally, foreign nationals who are inadmissible to Canada on the most serious grounds such as on the basis of security, human or international rights violations, or those who have links to organized crime, will no longer be able to delay their removal by appealing their case on humanitarian or compassionate grounds.

"This is a serious problem," Kenny said. "We've had hundreds of cases of foreign criminals convicted in Canada to six months or more of a prison sentence and they've managed to delay their deportation for years and sometimes more than a decade."

Kenney added that the new rules will also make it harder for those who pose a risk to Canada to enter the country in the first place. This would include placing a five-year ban on immigration to Canada for those who lie on their visa applications.

"These measures are tough but fair," said Kenney. "We want an immigration system that is open to genuine visitors, while at the same time prevents the entry of foreign criminals and denies them the ability to endlessly abuse our generosity."

The changes are currently awaiting approval in the House of Commons.

Source: http://workpermit.com/news/2012-06-26/canada/proposed-canadian-legislation-would-streamline-deportation-of-foreign-criminals.htm

 

[Can10]

Canada postpones installation of recording devices in airports and border crossings

The Canadian government has decided to postpone their plans to install new cameras and audio recording devices at border crossings and airports.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews announced that he had told the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to postpone the plans until a study of the privacy implications is complete.

"I share the concerns of Canadians regarding the privacy impact of audio recordings, even when it occurs in a restricted area in an airport," Toews said.

Toews' decision came after the CBSA mistakenly activated the camera and audio recording devices at Stanfield International Airport and recorded a conversation between an agent and a traveller.

"All these recordings have been deleted," said one official, who asked not to be named.

According to Assistant privacy commissioner Chantal Bernier, in order to satisfy the privacy office, the CBSA must provide evidence that there is a need to collect audio and video recordings of travellers and show that the information collected will be handled properly.

While surveillance cameras are a common sight in airports and border crossings, many argue that the introduction of microphones takes things too far. Additionally, travellers have already expressed concerns about the government's plan to record conversations at airports and border crossings.

Source: http://workpermit.com/news/2012-06-21/canada/canada-postpones-installation-of-recording-devices-in-airports-and-border-crossings.htm

 

[mayankpandya]

News Release — Minister Kenney Hits the Reset Button: Sets the Foundation for New, Faster, More Flexible Immigration System


Calgary, June 28, 2012 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today announced the latest step in re-designing Canada’s economic immigration system.

Effective July 1st, 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will place a temporary pause on new applications to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and federal Immigrant Investor Program (IIP).

“We have been making lots of changes to our economic immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “We will take the next six months to do a lot of the heavy lifting to get us closer to a fast and flexible immigration system.”

The pause will allow CIC to make important changes to its economic immigration programs before accepting more applications. This is an important step in moving towards a faster, more flexible immigration system, while immigration levels are at a historic high.

Since the launch of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Minister Kenney has announced a series of changes to CIC’s economic immigration programs. They include:

eliminating the backlog of old FSWP applications;
improving the selection of FSWs;
creating a new Federal Skilled Trades Program;
modifying the Canadian Experience Class to help transition successful skilled temporary workers to permanent residence;
changing business immigration programs to target more active investment in Canadian growth companies and more innovative entrepreneurs; and
moving towards a new application management system, to develop a pool of skilled workers who arrive in Canada ready to begin employment.
“This temporary pause on new Federal Skilled Worker applications will allow us to set the program on a new course as we intend to launch revised selection criteria soon,” said Minister Kenney. “The pause has no impact on the number of workers Canada admits into the country, as CIC continues to process applications already received. Current immigration remains at historically high levels.”

Application intake is expected to resume in January 2013, when the proposed FSWP regulatory changes – which will be published in the Canada Gazette in the coming months – are expected to come into force.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows the Minister to issue special instructions to immigration officers to enable the Government of Canada to best attain its immigration goals. Since the 2008 Action Plan for Faster Immigration, four sets of “Ministerial Instructions” have been issued relating to Economic Class applications.

Under this fifth set of Ministerial Instructions, CIC will also introduce a pause on new federal IIP applications. This pause will remain in place until further notice, allowing the Department to make progress on processing its existing inventory.

As Minister Kenney announced earlier in April, CIC will be consulting with provinces, territories and stakeholders on ways to reform the current IIP in order to maximize the economic benefit to Canada. The Department is also consulting on whether to create a new investor program on a short-term basis, to promote growth in the Canadian economy.

The temporary pause on FSWP applications does not apply to candidates with offers of arranged employment or those applying under the PhD eligibility stream. The full set of Ministerial Instructions will be available online in the Canada Gazette tomorrow.

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[Can10]

Job Openings in Canada for Power Line Technicians, Oil/Gas drillers, Mechanics

There are several vacancies available in Canada that need to be filled immediately. Some vacancies already have an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO), while others are in the process of being approved or will start the process once they retain clients.

Positions available

Power Line Technician
LMO approved - 16 vacancies

Requirements:
Completion of Grade 12
Minimum 5 years of related experience (Electricians with experience with high tension wires will also qualify)
Basic English (must be able to communicate, understand and read instructions/manuals in English), available IELTS is a bonus however, not mandatory because of High Skill Level Job
Applicants must be recognized by the concerned department from the Country of Origin, no certification process required by Alberta
This will be a full time position with 40 hours a week at CAD$30 an hour. If you are eligible you will be issued a Canadian work visa valid for one to two years. If your employer is happy with your work than you may be able to extend your visa.

Oil and Gas Drillers
LMO in process - 50 vacancies

Requirements:
Completion of Grade 12
Minimum 3 years of related experience
Basic English (must be able to communicate, understand and read instructions/manuals in English), available IELTS is a bonus however, not mandatory because of High Skill Level Job
Applicants must be recognized by the concerned department from the Country of Origin, no certification process required by Alberta
This will be a full time position with 40 hours a week at CAD$30 an hour. If you are eligible you will be issued a Canadian work visa valid for one to two years. If your employer is happy with your work than you may be able to extend your visa.

Heavy Duty Mechanics - Agriculture
LMO to be started - 10 vacancies

Requirements:
Completion of Grade 12
Minimum 3 years of related experience (Electricians with experience with high tension wires will also qualify)
Basic English (must be able to communicate, understand and read instructions/manuals in English), available IELTS is a bonus however, not mandatory because of High Skill Level Job
Applicants must be recognized by the concerned department from the Country of Origin, CERTIFICATION or RECOGNITION required by Alberta (which we will process for the client)
This will be a full time position with 40 hours a week at CAD$30 an hour. If you are eligible you will be issued a Canadian work visa valid for one to two years. If your employer is happy with your work than you may be able to extend your visa.

Source: http://workpermit.com/news/2012-07-25/canada/job%20openings%20in%20canada%20for%20power%20line%20technicians,%20oil/gas%20drillers,%20mechanics

 

[Can10]

Language and employment biggest barriers for new Canadian immigrants

A new study has shown that the biggest concern for new immigrants and refugees settling in Ontario are finding employment and making sure that they have suitable language skills. Immigrants have difficulty finding work in Canada if they do not have adequate language skills.

The study, titled "Making Ontario Home", by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) uses research carried out over a period of two years analyzing newcomers' experience with use of immigrant services in the province.

"This study shows that investment in settlement and integration services is making a real difference in the lives of immigrants," said Debbie Douglas, executive director of OCASI. "Investing in services at the front-end as soon as immigrants arrive, will have significant long-term benefits for immigrants and their families as well as Canadian society and the economy."

Nearly two-thirds of the 2,530 respondents said employment was their highest concern, while immigrant and refugee-serving agencies were the main access point for employment service. According to the report, skills upgrading programs helped foreign trained professionals find jobs in the region.

"Putting the skills of newcomers to work and improving their social and economic integration is key to Ontario's economic prosperity," said Charles Sousa, Ontario's minister of Citizenship and Immigration. "Ontario is committed to supporting these important immigrant services, which this study confirms remain a priority for newcomers."

Other highlights from the report include:

- Of the 83 percent who had used at least one settlement support service, 54.7 percent used language training programs, 50 percent used employment and
skills training services;
- 70 percent or more who had used language training programs rated them as "satisfactory" or "very satisfactory";
- Transportation/distance was the most common barrier to accessing services;
- Counselling and advice was the most-used general settlement service.

Source: http://workpermit.com/news/2012-07-25/canada/language-and-employment-biggest-barriers-for-new-canadian-immigrants.htm

 

[mayankpandya]

Hi Can10,

Gr8 work by you.

Keep post about jobs related news.

Regards
Mayank

Job Openings in Canada for Power Line Technicians, Oil/Gas drillers, Mechanics

There are several vacancies available in Canada that need to be filled immediately. Some vacancies already have an approved Labour Market Opinion (LMO), while others are in the process of being approved or will start the process once they retain clients.

Positions available

Power Line Technician
LMO approved - 16 vacancies

Requirements:
Completion of Grade 12
Minimum 5 years of related experience (Electricians with experience with high tension wires will also qualify)
Basic English (must be able to communicate, understand and read instructions/manuals in English), available IELTS is a bonus however, not mandatory because of High Skill Level Job
Applicants must be recognized by the concerned department from the Country of Origin, no certification process required by Alberta
This will be a full time position with 40 hours a week at CAD$30 an hour. If you are eligible you will be issued a Canadian work visa valid for one to two years. If your employer is happy with your work than you may be able to extend your visa.

Oil and Gas Drillers
LMO in process - 50 vacancies

Requirements:
Completion of Grade 12
Minimum 3 years of related experience
Basic English (must be able to communicate, understand and read instructions/manuals in English), available IELTS is a bonus however, not mandatory because of High Skill Level Job
Applicants must be recognized by the concerned department from the Country of Origin, no certification process required by Alberta
This will be a full time position with 40 hours a week at CAD$30 an hour. If you are eligible you will be issued a Canadian work visa valid for one to two years. If your employer is happy with your work than you may be able to extend your visa.

Heavy Duty Mechanics - Agriculture
LMO to be started - 10 vacancies

Requirements:
Completion of Grade 12
Minimum 3 years of related experience (Electricians with experience with high tension wires will also qualify)
Basic English (must be able to communicate, understand and read instructions/manuals in English), available IELTS is a bonus however, not mandatory because of High Skill Level Job
Applicants must be recognized by the concerned department from the Country of Origin, CERTIFICATION or RECOGNITION required by Alberta (which we will process for the client)
This will be a full time position with 40 hours a week at CAD$30 an hour. If you are eligible you will be issued a Canadian work visa valid for one to two years. If your employer is happy with your work than you may be able to extend your visa.

Source: http://workpermit.com/news/2012-07-25/canada/job%20openings%20in%20canada%20for%20power%20line%20technicians,%20oil/gas%20drillers,%20mechanics

 

[Can10]

Canada and US open new NEXUS lane for border crossing in Washington

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the opening of a new NEXUS lane at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon, British Columbia and Sumas, Washington border crossing. The lane is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., seven days a week for entry into Canada. NEXUS members must be a citizen of Canada or the US, or a permanent resident who has lived continuously in one or both of those countries for at least the past three years.

NEXUS members are required to show their membership cards upon arrival at the border until electronic card readers are installed later in the year. The CBSA said they decided to open the lane due to the popularity of the NEXUS program, particularly in British Columbia.

"This new NEXUS lane means a smoother crossing for pre-approved, low-risk travellers in British Columbia just in time for the long weekend in August," said Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. "It's another example of how Canada is working to improve the flow of legitimate travel and trade across our shared border."

The NEXUS program is available for pre-approved, low-risk travellers into Canada and the US at designated air, land and marine ports of entry. When travelling by air, NEXUS expedites border clearance by enabling card-holders to enter either country quickly and easily by using self-service kiosks.

- The addition of the new NEXUS lane is also part of a number of improvements that Canada and the US are making to the NEXUS program as part of the
Canada/US Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. The Action Plan includes:
- streamlining the membership renewal process;
- launching an outreach and awareness plan to increase membership; and
- lifting the three-year residency requirement in Canada for Canadian and American citizens to apply to NEXUS.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-07-31/us/canada-and-us-open-new-nexus-lane-for-border-crossing-in-washington.htm

 

[Can10]

Canada to discuss immigration future with public and stakeholders

Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) Parliamentary Secretaries Chungsen Leung and Rick Dykstra have begun a series of consultations on Canada's immigration issues. The two Parliamentary Secretaries will meet with stakeholders and the public to discuss the appropriate level of immigration for Canada in the coming years.

Meetings will take place in Toronto, Windsor, Vancouver, Halifax, and Ottawa. Additionally, online consultations are open to the public and stakeholders for input.

CIC said the purpose of the consultations is to get feedback on Canadian immigration issues, including the appropriate level of immigration for the country, and the ideal number of immigrants allowed entry in the economic, family, and refugee and humanitarian classes.

"Discussions with the Parliamentary Secretaries will also touch on CIC's transition towards a faster and more flexible immigration system, as well as the growing importance of immigration to Canada's economic growth and long-term prosperity," said a CIC press release. "In planning for the total number of people to admit as permanent residents, CIC must not only balance the Government of Canada's immigration objectives, but also consider broader government commitments, input from provinces and territories, and current and future economic conditions."

They also noted that the department must also take into account their operational ability to process visa applications in a timely manner and the capacity of communities to welcome new immigrants.

Source: http://www.workpermit.com/news/2012-08-02/canada/canada-to-discuss-immigration-future-with-public-and-stakeholders.htm

 

[mayankpandya]

News Release — Revised Federal Skilled Worker Program Unveiled



Ottawa, August 17, 2012 — Proposed regulatory changes announced today to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will allow Canada to better select skilled workers who can “hit the ground running” upon arrival.

“The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada’s largest economic immigration program,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “The changes we are making to update the selection criteria are based on a large body of data and evidence we've accumulated over the years showing what skills and qualifications are most likely to lead to success for skilled immigrants.”

Following an extensive program evaluation, stakeholder and public consultations, as well as other research, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is proposing the following changes to the FSWP:

Making language the most important selection factor by establishing new minimum official language thresholds and increasing points for language;
Increasing the emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience and remain in the workforce longer;
Increasing points for Canadian work experience and reducing points for foreign work experience;
Simplifying the arranged employment process to prevent fraud and abuse yet enable employers to staff positions quickly; and
Awarding points for spousal language ability and Canadian experience.
Another proposed change is the introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment – a mandatory requirement that FSWP applicants have their education abroad assessed against Canadian education standards by designated organizations. CIC will then award points according to how an applicant’s foreign educational credential compares to a completed educational credential in Canada. It does not necessarily guarantee that they would become licensed to practice in a regulated occupation.

“This is an important step we are taking to address the problem of immigrants arriving and not being able to work in their field,” stated Minister Kenney. “This new requirement will help potential newcomers make informed choices about immigration and Canadian career paths.”

CIC will be issuing a Call for Service Proposals on August 20, 2012, inviting submissions from organizations with expertise in foreign credential assessment to conduct the reviews. The deadline for submissions is September 21, 2012. For more information, please visit CIC’s International Qualifications Network website.

The full text of the proposed FSWP regulatory changes is now available online in the Canada Gazette. They also include improvements to the Canadian Experience Class and the creation of a new Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Department welcomes input from stakeholders and interested parties.

Final publication is scheduled for late 2012 and the new FSWP points grid will likely take effect in January 2013. While there is currently a pause on new applications (except for FSWP candidates with a qualifying offer of arranged employment or those applying under the PhD stream), CIC expects to begin accepting applications again early next year.

These changes have been announced by Minister Kenney in the past year.