Changes:Federal Skilled Worker Program And The Central Intake Office.
In February 2008, the government introduced an amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act giving the Minister power to give a certain instructions to the Immigration Department for the purpose of a more efficient system (Bill C-50).
The purpose was to help alleviate the large backlog of Federal Skilled Worker applications in the system.
The first set of instructions came in November 2008, and the primary one was to create a new system called the Central Intake Office or CIO. A new processing centre was built in Sydney, Nova Scotia, which handles all Federal Skilled Worker applications from all over the world. The centre confirms that the application is complete and correct and the forwards the application to the appropriate visa office. The CIO began operation in April of 2009.
This set of ministerial instruction also reduced the size of the long list of occupations that people previously used to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker program. Now the list has only 38 occupations. However, foreign workers or international students with work experience in Canada may apply under the Federal Skilled Worker program, even if their occupation may not fit under such 38 designated occupations.
Then, in June 2009, Operation Bulletin 120 was introduced to put the onus totally on the applicant for accurate and complete documentation. Once the CIO has reviewed the initial application, the applicant is notified that he or she has 120 days to provide complete documentation: birth certificates, marriage certificates, language tests, etc. If the file is opened after 120 days and any of the information is missing or incomplete in any way, the application is assessed as it and most likely rejected. Previously, immigration officers would send notes to applicants asking for missing data, but time constraints on the system now make that impossible.
It is also important to note that, unless you were raised in a country where English is the first language, you will require a language test prior to applying under the Federal Skilled Work Class or Canada Experience Class. If your language proficiency does not comply at the time of application, there is no further proficiency evidence may adequately prove your language proficiency later on. Previously, the office would accept an essay or a letter from an English teacher or professor who could vouch for your proficiency in English. Now, the only indicator of proficiency that is accepted is the acceptable proficiency test (IELST for example).
————-
If you, or someone you care about, is dealing with immigration law issues in the Kitchener, Ontario Region, contact Jennifer Roggemann Law Office for a consultation.
