“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.”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.
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 theCanada 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.
See
source:http://www.cic.gc.ca/
english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-08-17.asp
