Canada Immigration new form (IMM 0008) for permanent resident applications as Skilled worker

As of July 18, 2011, applicants for Permanent Residence are requested to use the new Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). 
The older form will also be accepted, but only till March 31, 2012. 
You can get the new form from here. Remember you will need to have Adobe Reader 8.1 or higher to see the new application form (IMM 0008). 
This new application form is a generic one and should be used by everybody applying as Skilled Worker.
The main feature of the new application form for Canada is many of the fields have drop down list that minimize the chance of error and undue delay of procession of immigration as skilled worker.   
From now on everybody should use the new application form to apply for Canadian Immigration. 


If you want to know how to fill the new form, click here.

July 2011 update for Canada immigration, skilled worker category

Here is July 2011 update for Canada immigration for skilled worker category:
The eligibility criteria for Federal Skilled Worker applicants has changed according to July 2011 update for Canada immigration.
According to July 2011 update for Canada immigration, Canada will process only 10000 visas for skilled worker till July 2012. They will take only skilled persons from 29 areas. To see the list, click here.
They will process only 10000 visas and not more than 500 in specific area.
Details, including the status of your desired skill are also present in the above link.
So, I must say, according to July 2011 update for Canada immigration they are squeezing the scope of immigration for skilled worker.

With July, 2011 update, it seems like new rule is on the way and Canada is not appreciating immigrants anymore.

Visa processing time for Skilled worker application to Canada

If you are planning to submit your application for immigration to Canada as skilled worker, you might want to know visa processing time for Skilled worker application to Canada. Knowing the visa processing time for Skilled worker application to Canada will help you plan ahead.
To know visa processing time for Skilled worker application to Canada, click here. In the table click on "View by country" under the heading of "Federal (other than Quebec)". In the next page find out your visa specific office and you'll see the visa processing time for Skilled worker application to Canada for your visa office.
One thing I must add, visa processing time for Skilled worker application to Canada, which is available in the above link is actually the average time required for processing in last few months.