Fee Returns for Federal Skilled Worker applicants

Previously there was a declaration from CIC that it will not process the applications that were submitted prior to 27th February, 2008 and CIC has not made and decision regarding the selection criteria- meaning they have not started the processing.

If you are one of those unfortunate person, then you must know that they are going to return the fee that you paid then with the Federal Skilled Worker application.

Fee Return procedure for Federal Skilled Worker applicants

First of all CIC needs to be confirmed about your current address.
To inform them about your current address, you must fill up the form 'IMM5741E'. You can download it from here.
Fill up the form and save it. Then attach it with email and send it to FSWFeeReturn@cic.gc.ca.
Issuance of fee return cheque may take some time due to the large volume of applicants.

Proposed upcoming changes in Skilled worker category of Canada immigration: January 2013

It is known that immigration of skilled worker to Canada is paused till January 2013.
In January 2013, a reviewed version of immigration rule will be deployed for skilled worker category. Few of the hints of the proposed changes were published last month. Canada will pay much attention to language, age and work experience in Canada.

Proposed upcoming changes in skilled worker category in January 2013:

The proposed changes that are likely to be in place in federal skilled worker category of immigration to Canada in January, 2013 are as follows:  

• Language: This will be the most important factor. A minimum thresh hold will be applied and points for language will be increased.
• Age: Emphasis will be given to younger immigrants. As a skilled worker they will serve Canada longer. 
• Experience: It is proposed that points will be increased for work experience in Canada while it will be reduced for work experience overseas. 
• Spouse: In proposed upcoming rules for January 2013, more points will be awarded if the spouse has good language capability and work experience in Canada. 
• Arranged employment: Simplifying arranged employment process to prevent fraud and abuse.
• Educational Credential: Another proposed change is the introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment. It requires the applicants to have their education abroad assessed against Canadian education standards by designated organizations.
• Limited application: As updated on March, 13, there will be a cap for application as it used to be and acceptance of application for federal skilled worker will be closed when the cap is reached.

More may be added in the list in future. Till now this are all the information they have provided for federal skilled worker immigration program to Canada.

Validity of medical examination for Canada immigration

It is the time when many of the people are getting medical requests forms for Canada immigration. A question may arise about the validity of the medical examination for Canada immigration. You may want to complete all the businesses in your homeland before you start a new life in Canada, and the process may take months.
The maximum valid time for medical examination for Canada immigration is one year. You will have to land in Canada within this twelve months.
As far as I have understood, after medical examination, there is a security check. This may cause a delay, specially, if the applicants been to a lot of places (countries) before. This may take more than one year. If it takes that long, chances are more that CIC will ask for another medical.
If you have failed to land in Canada within one year of medical examination, I am not sure what they will do. You can mail them in the case specific inquiry explaining cause of your delay (click here to know how to place a case specific inquiry). If CIC finds the reason to be valid probably they will send you new Medical Request forms, or at least show you the way.