The announcement we’ve all been waiting for: FSW to start on May 4th 2013

by Mr.G on December 19, 2012

Finally, Minister Jason Kenney announced today the new FSW program that has been on hold for so many months.

In a News Release published today, Citizen and Immigration Canada announced that next May 4th, 2013 the new selection system for the FSW Program will take effect.

Let’s take a quick look at these news…

This is also what was announced:

Minimum official language thresholds and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process;
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;
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.

Also…

There are two new steps to the new selection system. First, applicants will have to demonstrate that they meet the minimum language threshold, which is level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark assessment system. Applicants will be able to get a language assessment from existing agencies designated by the Minister and listed on the CIC website

Second, applicants will have their education credentials assessed prior to arriving in Canada. A list of assessment organizations designated by the Minister will be made available early in the New Year.

…new applications under the FSWP will be processed in a few months, rather than a few years. In order to ensure fast processing times and to avoid backlogs, the new FSWP will accept a fixed number of applications each year

In the medium term, the Government is also moving forward to develop and implement an Expression of Interest (EOI) model, which will provide employers with access to a pool of skilled workers.

Are news good? Well, at least we have a better idea on what they want. But yes, we still have many questions that we hope can be answered soon:

How is the pints grid going to be and when is it going to be released?
What are the agencies for language assessment?
How is this ECA going to work and how much is it going to cost?
How is this new employment process going to work?

So far, all I can tell you is: start working in your English and if you are 35+ you may want to start researching on other immigration paths (there are 65+ immigration programs in Canada… there has to be one for you!)

I’m trying to arrange a chat with a Certified Immigration Consultant on this and other changes announced lately… Do you have any question you would like to be answered?

Mr.G

Once a rugby player, a father and a friend in the South side of the World. Now all that and also a passionate blogger living in the far North.

View all contributions by Mr.G

Website → The Zieglers Blog

Comments on this entry are closed.

lilian December 19, 2012 at 10:13 pm edit

I think is a good programme, i would like to be the first person to applay, just to get good instraction on time.

Thanks very much

Lilian
Zhu December 19, 2012 at 10:30 pm edit

Not a minute too soon! There has been too many announcements lately though.
Eduardo Bojorquez December 20, 2012 at 12:09 am edit

Hi G.

I always enjoy your blogs. I have some questions though:

1. What about refugee’s claimants?
2. What other countries have to say about spending money to educate their citizens and the de-facto enrolling of Canada of these students? Is this legal?
3. What the skilled unemployed canadian workers have to say?

Don’t get me wrong, I am in favour of hiring non-canadian citizens with special skills not found in Canada; all countries do it (maybe I am contradicting myself with point 2 above).
I have more questions and some personal answers, but I will stop here. Food for thoughts.

Thank you.
ED:)
- Mr.G December 20, 2012 at 8:24 am edit
  
  1. What about refugee’s claimants?
  
  What about them?
  
  2. What other countries have to say about spending money to educate their citizens and the de-facto enrolling of Canada of these students? Is this legal?
  
  Why not. Those other countries may want to check their policies and why those students prefer to go somewhere else to find better opportunities for them.
  
  3. What the skilled unemployed canadian workers have to say?
  
  Probably “Leave me where I am. I’m Enjoying my Welfare program”
fathi jamal mahamed abdi December 20, 2012 at 3:05 pm edit

my name is fathi jamal mahamed abdi i bron in soomalia 1988 iwant to come in canada to students in adecation i want to learning i what you .your answered this new year canada has good adecation an i want to learning and to work in canada
- Mr.G December 20, 2012 at 4:01 pm edit
  
  If you allow me, I’d recommend you some work in your English. It will be key for next year Immigration policies
amr December 20, 2012 at 9:18 pm edit

hi,
im a pharmacist and i want ask about second step about education credentials assessed prior to arriving in Canada. i cant understand this point
are there assessment test before send my application file like Ilet score
please tell me the details about this point
- Mr.G December 21, 2012 at 4:33 pm edit
  
  Hi, It’s not clear for me either. We will have to wait a few more days until they Program is officially published
Eduardo December 21, 2012 at 5:12 pm edit

Hi Mr. G.

I like this, we are chatting on a very important issue.
For Point 1, refugees: The government just announced that will expedite the claims in a record period of 60 to 90 day (CBC radio news, Dec-18-2012). It looks good at first time; howevr, legal experts argue that this time doesn’t even give the time to potential refugees to get the documentation needed to present their case. Remember that persecuted people by their scary governments leave clandestinely and ASAP. Unfortunately, many of them don’t carry all documentation that Canada asks for, even more, they don’t know it.
It seems to me a very clean tactic to say “well, we gave them the chance and they couldn’t prove anything, so deport them”. The case is that not one, but several cases of deported refugees end in their assassination at the hand s of those governments. Nobody from those countries come back to Canada and says “I told you so; X and Y persons deported last months are dead”. This at least should question this new policy, but who is counting? I guess that what I am suggesting is a balance of newcomers to Canada. This will never be easy topic.
Point 2. Fair enough.
Point 3. I think your comment is not entirely accurate and, on the contrary, they would like to be working for a decent salary. There is no silver bullet to solve this problem. But respectfuly, the question should come from them, not me or you.
- Mr.G December 21, 2012 at 5:16 pm edit
  
  It’s obvious the Government it’s trying to curb thew amount of refuge claim. It’s a fiscal burden, and more of a loose than a win on the numbers side.
  
  At least that’s what they seem to be staying. Of course they are not going to say “We do not want more refugees” That’s not Canadian! It’s more Canadian to slowly closing the door in your face while saying “Sorry!” with a smile.
  
  Happy holidays.
Eduardo December 21, 2012 at 5:24 pm edit

Happy holidays to you, too!
Roxy December 29, 2012 at 8:29 pm edit

Hi, i am very hopeful about this. just one question, if applying under the new fsw scheme, and i have a job offer with a positive lmo but is in a semi-skilled position, would i get points on this? as far as i know, fsw with employment offer should also be in a skilled position.. hope you can answer this… happy new year to all!
- Mr.G December 29, 2012 at 8:52 pm edit
  
  I cannot give you an answer Roxy. I think you should ask to a Registered Immigration Professional