The Canadian Minister for Immigration, Jason Kenney, has announced a temporary pause to some new applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Immigrant Investor Program (IIP). This pause is a step on the road to creating “a faster, more flexible immigration system” said Mr Kenney.

During the next 6 months, Citizen & Immigration Canada will be establishing a new selection system aimed at both reducing visa processing times and improving the matching of candidates to the requirements of the Canadian economy. On the investor side, there will also be a period of consultation on future improvements to the country’s visa system.

It is important to note the following;-
• The number of permanent residency places devoted to skilled worker applicants remains unaltered.
• The pause on FSWP applications does not apply to candidates with offers of arranged employment or those applying under the PhD eligibility stream.

John Lironi, Canadian Supervisor (RCIC 414503) of Migration Bureau comments that, "We urge anyone who is interested in emigrating to Canada to focus on their job search and to stay in contact with us as developments unfold. It is all about getting a job until the new program is announced sometime in the new year."
John also pointed out that applications under the Provincial Nominee Program and for temporary work permits are still being accepted as normal.

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