CIC Caps CEC, Eliminates Eligible Occupations

Meurrens LawSkilled Immigration (Express Entry, CEC, FSWC, Etc.)

On November 8, 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC”) announced significant changes to the Canadian Experience Class (“CEC”). The CEC is a very popular program for immigrating to Canada.  Subject to narrow exceptions, individuals qualify for the CEC if: they plan to live outside of Quebec; they have at least 12 months of full-time skilled … Read More

The Federal Skilled Trades Class

Meurrens LawSkilled Immigration (Express Entry, CEC, FSWC, Etc.)

On January 2, 2013, the Federal Skilled Trades Class (“FSTC“) began accepting applications.  This is a new program from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. From January 2, 2013, to January 1, 2014, the FSTC will be limited to 3,000 applications.  As described in more detail below, the program will also contain numerous occupation specific sub-caps. To be … Read More

Federal Skilled Trades Class to be Capped at 3,000 Applicants

Meurrens LawSkilled Immigration (Express Entry, CEC, FSWC, Etc.)

As previously discussed here, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (“CIC“) will be introducing a new Federal Skilled Trades Class (“FSTC”), which will facilitate the immigration of certain skilled tradespersons in Canada.  The Government of Canada originally “announced” the creation of the FSTC in August through the publication of regulatory changes, however, CIC today released new information which … Read More

PNP Reference Letter Requirement Gone -> Supplementary Travels Next Please

Meurrens LawSkilled Immigration (Express Entry, CEC, FSWC, Etc.)

Earlier this week CIC removed the proof of work experience and proof of education experience requirements from the PNP checklist.  This came after intensive lobbying from numerous provinces, immigration lawyers / consultants, and, I speculate, people within CIC. I think that the next target should be the IMM5562 – Supplementary Information – Your Travels form. … Read More

International PHD Students – New Category under Federal Skilled Worker Program

Meurrens LawSkilled Immigration (Express Entry, CEC, FSWC, Etc.)

Ministerial Instruction 4’s changes to the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program overshadowed the introduction of a new stream to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Effective immediately, a maximum of 1,000 new Federal Skilled Worker applications from international students pursuing PhD studies at Canadian institutions will be considered for processing each year. This cap will be … Read More