Canada has modified its list of 38 occupations, reducing it to only 29. The new occupation list for Canada federal skilled workers program would be implemented from 26th June 2010. These 29 new occupations form the current occupations in Canada which are in-demand for the foreign skilled migrants*. However, this list is not applicable to those applicants who have an employment offer in prior.

The new list of 29 occupations for federal skilled immigrants excludes the IT managers and supervisors, accountants and financial managers from the earlier list of 38 occupations. At the same time, occupations relating to Business Services and Management as also dentists and social workers have been included. This is excellent news for general category managerial and supervisory candidates. Professional working in following occupations will gain through this critical inclusion in the new list:

• Marketing
• Analysts
• Researchers
• Business development
• Advertising
• Management consultants
• Finance
• Costs and chartered accountants
• Chartered financial analysts
• Business and office coordinators
• Senior office Administrators and managers
• team trainers
• Dentists
• Pharmacists
• Social Workers
• Cooks and chefs

With the above in place, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced that only 20,000 applications would be received each year. Within these 20,000 applications quota, not more than 1000 applications would be considered under each of the occupations mentioned on the new list. The applications would be accepted on a first come first serve basis. After the higher limit has been reached in a specific occupation, the additional applications will be returned. So all those qualified should file and get into the queue without delays.

The first year for acceptance of applications will begin on June 26, 2010 and end on June 30, 2011. Subsequent years will be calculated from July 1st to June 30th.

Alternatives for applicants not finding place in the new list of occupations for Canada

IT professionals need not get disheartened.  Almost all IT professionals with 4 years of experience or more and including those who are NOT IT managers ( simple programmers, analysts, QA etc) can qualify and apply under Quebec program. All they need to do is learn basic French. One learns French while the application is in process. Married couples have an advantage under the Quebec program as spousal age and qualifications as also number of children and their age are significant assessment factors. Mail your resume and if applicable that of spouse with information related to children and their age to [email protected]

It may be added that many of them, especially if working in consulting capacity might also be qualified under the newly included Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management.

They could also look at making an application under the skilled migrant program to Australia.

Another alternative for IT professionals is Denmark Green card. But considering that Denmark green card is a non-immigrant visa and one is required to learn Danish for successful settlement, one is better off in opting for Quebec skilled worker program that offers permanent residency from day one of landing with all accompanying benefits. The residency status that an applicant, may get in Denmark after seven year is available from day one of landing in Canada on permanent resident visa. However, it goes without saying that ABHINAV has the expertise to service your application for Denmark Green card as well.

Another significant exclusion from the old list is that of accountants and financial managers. They should not lose hope and depending on profile and duties, most can still qualify as professional service providers to management. This is a new occupation that finds its place in the new list. If you are a financial manager or chartered accountant, please email your and the spousal resume (if applicable) to [email protected] .

All in all, it could be said that there are both pros and cons attached to this amendment in the Skilled Worker Program. And so, this keeps the options open for those not qualifying under the new Federal Skilled Migrant program. Contact us to know more on the same.

*List of 29 Occupations under the Federal Skilled Worker Program

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3111 Specialist Physicians
3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3142 Physiotherapists
3152 Registered Nurses
3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
6241 Chefs
6242 Cooks
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
7242 Industrial Electricians
7251 Plumbers
7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371 Crane Operators
7372 Drillers & Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service