Transformational Changes to Canadian Immigration System; Point system to be reformed; Old applications to be affected by new regulations

In an announcement by Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney  on April 17, 2012, some major positive changes are anticipated in Canadian Immigration. These include:

·         System that  actively recruits talent rather than passively receives and processes applications

·         Economic and labour force needs to be central focus of immigration efforts

·         Groundwork has begun for this long-term economic success

·         CIC will work with provinces, territories and employers to create pool of skilled workers

·         Transformational changes to Canada’s immigration system

·         Fast and flexible system that attracts younger people – grow economy the minute they arrive

·         Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – point system to be reformed – to reflect younger immigrants with Canadian Experience and better official language skills

·         Strengthen assessment of educational credential – begin work on arrival in Canada

·         FSW applicants to have educational credentials assessed and verified abroad

·         FSW to meet current labour market needs

·         Ministerial Instruction to apply to people who have already submitted an application

·         New regulations to apply retrospectively to people who have already submitted an application

·         Ensure Canada’s current needs and priorities

·         Develop a responsive immigration system – make Canada more competitive – attract best and brightest from around the world – to match Canadian Economy.