Minister announces strict new limits on skilled worker class
On November 28, 2008, new Canadian immigration minister Jason
Kenney announced the long-awaited "instructions" on which types of
workers could apply for immigration to Canada in the skilled worker
class. These "instructions" were authorized by Bill C-50, which was
enacted by the Parliament of Canada on June 18, 2008. The
instructions apply to all cases filed on or after February 27, 2008.
Cases filed before that date are processed according to the previous
criteria.
According to the instructions, cases filed on or after February
27, 2008 will be processed only if they meet one of the
following criteria:
- The applicant has at least one year of experience in one of 38
occupations identified in the instructions.
Click here for the list.
- The applicant has an offer of arranged employment in Canada as
defined in the regulations.
- The applicant has lived in Canada with a valid work permit or
study permit for one year.
Applications filed under these new instructions will be processed
in an expedited manner and will supposedly be concluded within 6 to
12 months. The government will NOT go through the backlogged
applications to determine which would meet the new criteria.
Applicants who believe they meet the new criteria may wish to refile
their applications under the new instructions. Applications.
Applications filed after February 27, 2008 will be returned and the
fees refunded.
The new instructions do NOT apply to the provincial nominee
programs, do NOT apply to the new Canadian experience class, and do
NOT apply to family class applications. They apply ONLY to the
existing federal skilled worker class.
Also, successful applicants must still score 67 points in the
assessment system, based on language ability, education, work
experience and other factors. It is not enough to meet the
requirements to have the application processed in the first place as
set forth in the instructions.
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