New initiative intended to increase immigration

Posted on December 7, 2011 8:30 am

The federal government is launching a new initiative to increase the number of construction workers emigrating to Canada, while reducing the backlog for those obtaining permanent residency under the federal skilled worker program.

“The federal government is planning to run a pilot program with the provinces, in order to clear the existing backlog of more than 300,000 people, who are trying to enter Canada as skilled workers,” said Tom Sigurdson, the executive director of the British Columbia and Yukon Territory Building and Construction Trades Council.

“The pilot is important because if it is a success, the Provincial Nominee Program could be expanded significantly.”

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is Canada’s most important pathway for immigrants to obtain permanent residency.

Under this program, potential candidates are awarded points for their ability to adapt and contribute to Canada’s economic development.

However, a large backlog has developed over the last several years as applications have far outstripped annual processing targets.

via New initiative intended to increase immigration – Journal of Commerce.