Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is proposing a number of regulatory changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) including: establishing new minimum official language thresholds and increasing points for language; increasing the emphasis on younger immigrants; increasing points for Canadian work experience and reducing points for foreign work experience; simplifying the arranged employment process to prevent fraud and abuse; and awarding points for spousal language ability and Canadian experience. Another proposed change is the introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment – a mandatory requirement that applicants have their education abroad assessed against Canadian education standards by designated organizations. CIC will then award points according to how an applicant’s foreign educational credential compares to a completed educational credential in Canada. The full text of the proposed regulatory changes is available online in the Canada Gazette. They also include changes to the Canadian Experience Class and the creation of a new Federal Skilled Trades Program. Final publication is scheduled for late 2012 and the new points grid will likely take effect in January 2013. While there is currently a pause on some new applications, CIC expects to begin accepting applications again early next year.
