Throughout the world, Canada is known as a prosperous and strong nation valued for its stability, respect for diversity and democratic institutions.  With a huge landmass, a relatively small population and abundant natural resources, it has prospered to the point where a recent United Nations study lists it as the best place in the world to live.  This is why Canada has recently become the destination of choice for many of the world’s immigrants. 

Canada needs more immigrants.  The 2001 census, released by Statistics Canada, showed a decline in the rate of increase in Canada’s population.  Immigration was declared the primary contributor to the national population increase of 4 percent, ahead of birth rates and natural increase for the first time since the Second World War.  In a few years it will be the only source of increase in Canada’s population.

New Regulations 

Under changes to the Immigration Act which went into effect on June 26, 2010, a skilled worker is only eligible to qualify and apply if:

a)         you or your spouse/partner have at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment in the last 10 years in one or more of the occupations listed below:

AND

b)      You or your spouse/partner have a total pass mark of 67 in the six selection factors in the skilled worker points grid.  The six selection factors are:

1)     your education

2)     your abilities in English and/or French

3)     your work experience

4)     your age

5)     whether you have arranged employment in Canada

6)     your adaptability

Under present regulations new skilled worker applications are first filed and assessed at a Central Processing Centre in Canada. 

 Applications from skilled workers with evidence of experience in the last 10 years under one or more of the following National Occupation Classification

NOC

 (Why use a lawyer for assistance and advice?

1)      The visa application process for Permanent Residence is not simple and straightforward.  Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has many policies, rules and procedures that change frequently.  An experienced immigration lawyer has current knowledge of these changes, which enables him to properly serve the interests of his clients.

2)  An experienced lawyer should be able to assess an individual’s case at the initial stage of the immigration process, to recommend the category under which to apply (Skilled Worker, Entrepreneur, Investor or Self Employed) and the likelihood of obtaining Landed Immigrant status.

 3)  If a problem arises during the application process, the assistance of a lawyer can prove essential.  With our complete assistance and preparation package I will offer you unlimited support throughout the application process.

 4)  The assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer can help expedite and ensure the more successful processing of an application.  Failure to complete all the necessary forms accurately and to provide all the necessary supporting documentation can result in delays and potentially, rejection of the application.

 5) The lawyer can prepare the applicant for the interview with the immigration officer. 

Federal Skilled Worker applications

Cap on the number of applications to be processed per year

 A maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications, without an offer of arranged employment, will be considered for processing each year.

 Within the 20,000 cap, a maximum of 1,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications per National Occupation Classification (NOC) code will be considered for processing each year.

 In calculating the caps, applications will be considered in order of the date they are received. Applications received on the same date will be considered for processing having regard to routine office procedures.

 For the unique purpose of calculating the caps, the first year will begin on June 26, 2010, and end on June 30, 2011. Subsequent years will be calculated from July 1st to June 30th, unless otherwise indicated in a future Ministerial Instruction.

      Read the Canadian Skilled Worker Program for details. Send your resume ASAP as this program will not last indefinetly.