Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Canada Federal Skilled Worker

 
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Question: What is the most significant change as per the new procedures?

Answer :

1. A reduced new occupation list
    
2. If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of 1st of July, 2011, a maximum of 20,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months.
    
3. Within the 10,000 cap, a maximum of 500 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.
    
4. The applications must be submitted with all required documents at the first stage with Nova Scotia, CIO office.
    

Question: What will happen to my application if it is sent to Nova Scotia and found incomplete vis-à-vis any missing document or information?

Answer :

1. The incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
    
2. You will lose an opportunity to submit your application in time and lose your number in the processing queue. You may again add the document and resend at additional costs. But by then one of the 2 developments may harm your interests: 20,000 numbers or 1000 applications/occupation may be reached.
    

Question: Besides the requisite application forms and documents, which are the key time consuming documents that I must get together?

Answer :

1. Police clearance certificates for self and if married, spouse and for children above 18 years. One must obtain this certificate from each country where one has lived continuously for 6 months or more.
    
2. Original transcripts of all degrees in a university sealed envelope.
    
3. Passports of all family members.
    
4. Travel history for all family members who form part of the application.
    
5. If applicable and claiming points for blood relation, you must get the supporting documents as part of the application.
    
6. Marriage registration certificate
    
7. Employment reference letters
    

Question: With worldwide quota of 20,000 applications for the current year and just 1000 applications in my occupation, I am highly discouraged and stand no chance of acceptance. For sure, the extensive documentation list that the new process requires, I have decided not to start the process and file the application at all.

Answer :

1. What makes you think that other applicants do not need to face similar challenges in preparing application and compiling documents? Rules are same for all and therefore, you have as much opportunity to get into queue as the other person.
    
2. What matters is timely action and filing with all the required documentation.
    
3. Remember that even if your application is returned without processing on account of fulfilment of immigration quotas`, you can file it under the new quota as soon as they open for application acceptance next year. At that time, you will stand at advantage because your application - subject to occupation list applicable under New Year quota- is ready to be dispatched.
    

Question: The documentation requirements are so extensive! How can I meet them in time before the Quota gets over? What happens if my application is returned?

Answer :

1. They are extensive for everyone who is filing for application and that is true for applications being received from across the world.
    
2. Nobody knows when the occupation or the annual quota would get over and therefore, you have as much opportunity to get into queue as the other person. It is important to aim to get into the queue ASAP.
    
3. At the most, your application would be returned if the quota gets over. Your application fee would also be returned back. So where is the risk?
    

Question: Why should I enter into a consultant-client relationship with ABHINAV immediately?

Answer :

1. As simple as it looks, guidance is required for all the key documents. Immediate guidance means time saving.
    
2. From your perspective, you may have collected documents but they may not be in the format or carry incomplete information as per guidelines. For instance, employment reference letters may be required from few specific employers from your overall experience and for a certain period only. Not only that the reference letter must confirm to specific duties and responsibilities in line with the regulatory and operational manual guidelines. How will you identify these key parameters while getting the reference letters made?
    
3. And what will you do, when official guidelines provide no clear instruction/information on an issue specific to you? For example, different IELTS score is required for each specific case and under different factors. How do you know what score is required for your application? You get struck with procedural matters related to PCC and transcripts and cannot get them released. What action from your side would enable in-time release of such documents?
    
4. From your perspective you get all documents and information and then come back to us only to be told by us that all documents are still not in place or they do not follow the required format or the information is still incomplete. THEN, you again back to the drawing board and get the documents and information!
    
5. Even we need at least 2-3 weeks to work on file and that includes cover letter by Ms. Rhonda Williams. Remember, it takes around 6-7 working days for file to reach Nova Scotia as well.
    
6. You should therefore start the process immediately with ABHINAV and take proper documentation guidance to ensure timely preparation of file according to guidelines. In the meantime, while you are getting key documents together, we get the files ready and indexed and dispatch the application for filing as soon as last required document has come in. This is the right way to plan filing of federal skilled worker application under new procedures.
    
7. With ABHINAV, you get in-time guidance to ensure fastest possible filing that can enable you to get into the queue ASAP.
    
8. So kick-start the application process immediately and improve your chances of getting permanent resident visa under federal skilled worker program.
    

Question: Why do I need the services of an Authorised Representative and what value addition can be given by ABHINAV?

Answer :

1. Services of an authorised representative are critically important. There would be situations where Citizenship and Immigration Canada might disagree with the submitted documents or information; they may have queries related to application that require appropriate legal response. Only an authorised representative is permitted to act on your behalf. Canadian Government will not deal with an agent/representative who does not meet the definition of an "Authorised Representative"
    
2. An authorised representative, using years of experience and expertise prepares a cover letter that will the identify rules and procedures as per the immigration resume and the National Occupational Classifications definitional norms applicable to your application. He/she will use years of understanding of past precedents of applications similar to yours and accordingly make valid points that visa officer would be looking for. An agent who does not qualify to be an authorised representative is doing no value addition but is instead typing application forms and filling in the relevant NOC. He/she is not qualified to represent you in any manner.
    
3. Check our services and you will realise why you should be hiring ABHINAV as your consultant.

Note: The FAQs have been prepared by Ajay Sharma, Principal Consultant, ABHINAV, World`s premier Immigration consulting company. No portions can be copied or used, without permission of ABHINAV, for commercial use. All non-commercial reference and circulation is permitted amongst readers free of charge. These FAQs are for information purposes only and does not entail any consultant-client relationship or legal advice.

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada clearly defines which Immigration consultant can represent an application, on behalf of clients, with the department. The department calls them authorized representatives, and among them are the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants who are members in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (www.iccrc-crcic.ca). Ensure that, if you are hiring a paid immigration consultant, he/she is an authorized representative to represent you with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and other Canadian Government agencies.