New Federal Skilled Worker Program to accept applications beginning May 4, 2013

Last Update: Feb 07 -2014

• 0211   Engineering managers (Cap reached)
• 1112   Financial and investment analysts (Cap reached)
• 2113   Geoscientists and oceanographers
• 2131   Civil engineers (Cap reached)
• 2132   Mechanical engineers (Cap reached)
• 2134   Chemical engineers
• 2143   Mining engineers
• 2145   Petroleum engineers
• 2144   Geological engineers
• 2146   Aerospace engineers
• 2147   Computer engineers (except software engineers/designers) (Cap reached)
• 2154   Land surveyors
• 2174   Computer programmers and interactive media developers (Cap reached)
• 2243   Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
• 2263   Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety (Cap reached)
• 3141   Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
• 3142   Physiotherapists (Cap reached)
• 3143   Occupational Therapists
• 3211   Medical laboratory technologists (Cap reached)
• 3212   Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants
• 3214   Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists
• 3215   Medical Radiation Technologists
• 3216   Medical Sonographers
• 3217   Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists

Bckground:

Ottawa, December 19, 2012 - The new selection system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will take effect on May 4, 2013 at which time the program will re-open for applications, Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

"The government's number one priority remains jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity," said Minister Kenney. "The new Federal Skilled Worker Program criteria will ensure Canada is selecting the skilled immigrants our economy needs, who are the most likely to succeed and fully realize their potential in Canada."

The improvements to the FSWP points grid are based on a large body of research which has consistently shown that language proficiency and youth are two of the most important factors in the economic success of immigrants.

The final changes to the FSWP selection criteria include:

• 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.