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September 2006
On September 18, 2003, the Government of Canada introduced a new pass mark of 67 points governing the assessment of applications for permanent residence under the federal Economic Class replacing the former pass mark of 75. If you are strongly considering a permanent relocation to Canada, you are immediately encouraged to begin the process with our office as your window of opportunity to Canada may remain open only for as long as the 67 pass mark continues.
On September 1, 2006 the government announced a new “Simplified Application Process” for Skilled Workers seeking to immigrate to Canada.
The new change attempts to simplify the application process in that candidates seeking to immigrate need only submit the Application for Permanent Residence in Canada form, as well as the processing fee. This will suffice to place the application in the processing queue until such time as an immigration officer can review the file. Approximately four months before the file is ready to be processed the Visa Office will request additional forms and supporting documentation.
This does not represent a change in the forms or documentation required, nor does it represent a change to the requirements necessary to qualify. It simply represents a change as to the timing of when forms and supporting documentation are to be submitted for the purpose of eliminating the need for multiple form submissions.
Applicants must be forewarned however that applications being submitted under the new Simplified Application Process should be accompanied by a thoroughly detailed submission letter outlining the applicant’s credentials within the context of all the factors of assessment enumerated by the Immigration Regulations. Without any reference to the applicant’s credentials, applications which previously would have been accompanied by relevant supporting documentation, risk being refused.
Not all applicants will make use of the simplified process: the Visa Office in Buffalo will continue to make use of the former submission process, as will all skilled workers applying with points under the Arranged Employment Factor. Temporary residents on Student or Visitors visa’s, as well as Provincial Nominees and those selected by Quebec, will also continue to use the existing processing procedures.
Applications that have already been submitted will be processed under the existing processing procedures.
Applicants wishing to receive a free assessment of their qualifications are invited to complete the following questionnaire.
For a free evaluation of your credentials for permanent residence to Canada under current programs, please complete our confidential on-line assessment questionnaire. Upon receipt, we will promptly assess your options.
If following the completion of our on-line assessment questionnaire, you require any clarifications regarding your project to Canada, please take the liberty to contact Attorney Colin R. Singer by Toll Free telephone (Canada or Continental USA) (1-888-817-2011) or by email – csinger@immigration.ca to discuss any issues related to the foregoing.
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