The immigration policies for both Australia and Canada have been amended. These changes cannot exactly be considered as being immigrant friendly, especially for the prospective immigrants. The occupational lists have been a disappointment with some of the major occupations being deleted. In such a case, the following should be known:

1. As already announced, Canada would accept limited number of applications under the Federal Skilled Worker program every year. The quota for the year (June 26th) 2010 to (June 30th) 2011, is only 20,000 applications. In addition, no more than 1000 applications will be accepted per occupation.
2. New occupation list for immigration to Canada under Federal Skilled Worker category will be announced in July, 2011. List of 29 occupations announced in June, 2010 omitted the IT and other generic occupations. Many who qualified under the very popular 1122 category were left empty handed as the limit of 1000 applications was crossed earlier than expected. The new immigration quota under the Federal Skilled Worker program to Canada is expected to run from 1st July, 2011 to 30th June, 2012.
3. Recently, an announcement was made regarding a new Points Based System, applicable for Immigration to Australia. However, this points test is meant for only a specific set of visa applications under the skilled migration programs. It is being anticipated that this new system would be implemented from 1st July 2011. This system would only cater to those applicants who intend to immigrate without an employer sponsoring them. Australia too has quota based immigration and would issue limited number of permanent resident visas under the skilled migrant program.

What does it mean to intended and interested applicants who plan to immigrate to Canada or Australia?

Immigration is no longer a “simplified” application process. Documentation and assessment requirements are extensive and time consuming. Preparing and filing an immigration application under the federal skilled worker program to Canada or under the skilled migrant program to Australia can now be called a “project” by itself. As a matter of fact, many qualifying applicants for NOC 1122 lost the chance to file an application because of the time it took them to complete the documentation formalities. Likewise, those making an application for immigration to Australia were required to undergo skills assessment. In many cases, by the time assessment report was received, either the selection criteria changed or the DIAC simply stopped accepting applications for one reason or the other. So the entire effort was wasted.

The time to act therefore is now! With new lists and quota (Canada) or Point Based System coming out in July 2011, you should kick-start the process of getting your forms and documents in order immediately and without delays. It has to be noted that meeting all the requirements and skills assessment can take many months. Then, as soon as the new lists and processes come into operation, you are ready to file your application. Otherwise, you have to start the same process after July and file the application in last quarter of 2011, by when new quota may again be over.

Counselors at ABHINAV are ready to guide you through the process for Canada and Australia. Get free of charge assessment done today and without delays. With ABHINAV in immigration consulting business since 1994, you can be rest assured of getting the right financial package that will address this very unique situation.

Kindly send the following information to ajay@abhinav.com for immediate free of charge assessment of your credentials

• Your updated resume
• If married, provide the resume for your spouse as well
• If applicable, please provide information on children and their age
• Information on any blood relatives residing in Australia or Canada. This is not a compulsory requirement to qualify for immigration but serves as additional positive assessment factors for various countries. If yes, please also advise on the state/city of their stay. For example, Toronto (Canada); Sydney (Australia) and so on.
• Have you or your spouse, at any time during qualification or work, learned French or any other foreign language? This is not a compulsory requirement but serves as additional positive assessment factors for various countries.

For an idea on comprehensive listing of worldwide immigration options, do visit us at www.abhinav.com