New eligibility criteria now applies to all applicants who wish to apply under this category and will affect you if you applied on or after February 27, 2008. If you applied before February 27, 2008, your application will be processed under the rules that were in effect at that time.

How do these changes affect New Applicants?

To be eligible for processing you must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be a Foreign National living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary Foreign Worker or an International Student, OR
2. Have an Offer of Arranged Employment, (AEO), OR
3. Be a Skilled Worker who has at least one year of experience in the last 10 years in one or more of 38 occupations in high demand in Canada. (Occupation List Below)

Why were these changes made?

These measures were put in place to reduce the backlog of applications in the system and to speed up the processing times of immigration applications.

The Minister of Immigration states that new federal skilled worker applicants, including those with arranged employment are expected to receive a decision within six to twelve months compared with up to six years under the old system.

What happens if I do not qualify under the New Rules?

There are many alternative ways to immigrate to Canada if you don't meet the criteria to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Canada Welcomes You will work with you to find the right option for you.under another category.

Other Options to Fast Track to Canada

You can receive priority processing if you come to Canada legally on a Work Permit or Study Permit OR apply to immigrate under the new Canada Experience Class or through one of the Provinces under the Provincial Nomination Program.

Learn more about these options by clicking on the links above and throughout our website.

If you want our assessment of where you qualify under these many categories then please send your questions using the free Assessment Form or the Contact Form. We are here to take the confuson out of the process and will give you our honest opinion of your chances of success.

Qualified Occuptions listed in alphabetical order:

If your occupation is on the new Occupation List, please contact us immediately and we will advise you how to apply under the New Federal Skilled Worker Category. We will provide you with a free assessment and give you other options if you are not eligible.