Start of Federal Skilled Worker program on May 4, 2013

Our wait is finally over, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has finally announced when the Federal Skilled Worker program will start accepting applications which will be in May 4, 2013, superseding their previous plan of opening on January 1, 2013 as published in the Canada Gazette.  


As discussed in my previous post, Understanding the New FSW Points System for Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), CIC has confirmed the final changes in the Federal Skilled worker applications: 

- Minimum official language thresholds (CLB 7) and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process

Ref: 


CLB 7 (IELTS score 6 in all areas) = 4 points per test

CLB 8  (IELTS score 6.5 for Reading, Writing and Speaking. Listening 7.5) = 5 points per test

CLB 9  (This is not yet disclosed speculating on it it might be IELTS score of 7 for Reading, Writing and Speaking. Listening 8) = 6 points per test;

-Increased emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience, are better positioned to adapt to changing labour market conditions, and who will spend a greater number of years contributing to Canada’s economy, full points for the age criteria will be given to applicants who are 18 to 35 years old, older applicants will still have a chance to qualify as long as they reach the 67 points passmark;

Introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), so that education points awarded reflect the foreign credential’s true value in Canada;
 
-Changes to the arranged employment process, allowing employers to hire applicants quickly, if there is a demonstrated need in the Canadian labour market; and

-Additional adaptability points for spousal language ability and Canadian work experience.

A list of assessment organizations designated by the Minister to do the Education Credential Assessment will be made available early 2013. 

Moreover, Minister Kenney's said that in next regulation of the Federal Skilled Workers Class will be open to all O-Managerial, A-Professional and B-Trade and Skilled occupations and will not have any limit in the number of applicants per occupation.

Although there may still be an overall quota on the total number of applicants they will accept in a year. Which means those who are the first to file will benefit from this fast and east PR Visa application!

This was published in his twitter page(Click on this link to read about this - Occupations).

For reference to the changes in the points system you may click on the following link to read the previous publication of the Canada Gazette.

How will this affect you?

If you are one of the many who wants to Immigrate to Canada the Federal Skilled Worker application is a good option for you, it is designed to be processed in a matter of months and is one of the few programs where your Education and Work Experience alone are enough to qualify you for the program.

Most programs in Canada require a third party, whether a relative or an employer to allow you process your application.

Since the regulation requires complete requirements when you apply, only those who plan ahead will qualify for the the program. If you want to have the chance get a slot and be given an immigrants visa for Canada under the Federal skilled worker program you have to start being involved in making yourself eligible and qualify for the program by acting right now!  

Moreover, since there is a quota for the number of applicants they will accept, there is an urgency to start readying your application right away. 

This goes the same with those who are planning to reapply their applications. If you already have most of the documents ready, please be reminded  that the FSW guidelines has preferred validity's for certain documents like NBI (3 months), Bank Draft (1 month), Pictures(recent photo), IELTS 2 years.

So it will be best to renew said documents within April or March of next year.

If you want to find out if you will qualify for the program send your information to us by clicking on the Online assessment button of this page. 

Federal Skilled Trade Class- FSTC

Effective January 2, 2013, the Canadian Government will start accepting application for the Federal Skilled Trade Class- FSTC, this is a spin off program from the Federal Skilled Workers application.  

The FSTC is for applicants who has work experience in Skilled or Trade occupations such as Welders, Carpenters, Pipe fitters, Electricians and the like. 

 The first requirement is for you to have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory to ensure that applicants are “job ready” upon arrival.

For applicants currently living outside of Canada, it might be easier to get a Certificate of Qualification,than finding an employer willing to give you an employment offer.  For reasons that will have a hard time to verify if your documents are in order.

And when you have a certificate of Qualification you might have the chance to get employment offers from Employers in Canada.

Thus, this Federal Skilled Trade Class program is highly dependent on getting your skills and experience recognized in Canada.

So, How will you be able to get a Certificate of Qualification?

First, you need to decide which province you want to settle in.  Once decided, find our how you will get your skills and experience certified.

To make it easy for you, just click the link below for each province's apprenticeship programs and details how to get Certificate of Qualifications:

Alberta -  Apprenticeship and Industry Training
British Columbia - Industry Training Authority
Manitoba -Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
New Brunswick - Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labor
Newfoundland and Labrador -  Apprenticeship & Trades Certification Division
Northwest Territories - Education, Culture and Employment
Nova Scotia - Apprenticeship Training Division
Nunavut - Training and Apprenticeship Opportunities
Ontario - Employment Ontario
Prince Edward Island -  Apprenticeship, Training, and Certification
Québec - Skills and Vocational Qualification
Saskatchewan - Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Yukon  - Department of Education

By visiting the website of institutions with jurisdiction to your trade, you will have an idea how to process it.  But if you want to be guided, Canadian Immigration Consultancy can help you. 

Important note: 

To avoid confusion, the FSTC is different from the Federal Skilled Worker application that will be open to all Managerial-O, All Skilled and Trade, and all Professional Occupations.