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

On December 19, 2012 the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney announced that immigration under Federal Program for Skilled Workers (FSWP) will resume on May 4, 2013, at the same time new rules on this program will come into force.

The main priority for the government remains increase in job opportunities, economic growth and prosperity of Canada.

Changes to the FSWP are based on a large number of researches that has consistently shown that language skills and age are two of the most important factors in the economic success of immigrants.

The final changes to the eligibility criteria for federal skilled workers immigration program include:
- Higher knowledge of one of Canada's official languages (level 7 on the Canadian System Benchmark), which is the most important factor in the selection process.
- Greater emphasis will be placed on the age of potential immigrants. Since young people can quickly gain valuable experience in Canada, they have more opportunities to adapt to changing conditions in the labor market, and they can work more years than older people, contributing to the economic development of Canada.
- Enter of education evaluation (Educational Credential Assessment, ECA), which helps to compare and determine what level of education in Canada is equivalent to the one you have received in your home country.
- Introduce of new rules that will make it easier and faster for employers to hire applicants, if there is a need in the Canadian labor market.
- The principal applicant may receive additional points for language skills demonstrated by his/her spouse and work experience in Canada.

According to Minister Kenney: "For many years a large number of immigrants to Canada have experienced problems of employment and unemployment. This has been detrimental both for immigrants and for the Canadian economy. Changes in federal immigration program will help ensure that qualified professionals will be able to use their skills in full as soon as possible. This is good for both the newcomers and the country's economy, as well as for all Canadians".