Jim Metcalfe – Pace Immigration: Now that the Minister of Immigration has signaled his intention to change the selection criteria for the  Federal Skilled Worker program, it is a good idea to plan ahead if you want to apply.

Unfortunately, we do not know which occupations will be on the list, but if you wait until the announcement it may already be too late. In the past, many occupations filled up literally the night after the skilled worker list was made available.

What can you do to avoid this?  Here are some suggestions:

• Have you and your spouse/partner do a language test for English (IELTS test) or French (TEF test), as points are awarded for the language ability of both you and your partner.

• Prepare a proper resume of your education and work experience.  Your experience should correspond to the duties and responsibilities as found in your occupation in NOC.  Search the NOC for alternative occupations for which you may be qualified.

• Collect all your education documents, transcripts and course descriptions. You will need them, as the plans call for you to prove that your credentials are recognized in Canada. CIC will be making an announcement later this year on how to have your credentials recognized as equivalent to Canadian education credentials.

• Collect all your biographical documents and proof of funds.

• Prepare an application form in draft, and have it ready to be sent.

• If you are married or live in a common law relationship, have your spouse or partner follow the same procedures. Your occupation may not be on the list but your partner’s may be.

• If you need help, consult with a qualified professional.

The above recommendations are not exhaustive, and we cannot predict if there will be any further changes to the selection system. However,  we believe this is the basic list of how to prepare for the opening of the new program in 2013.