Amendments to Canada's Immigration Act

The Government of Canada has introduced new legislation that is intended to reduce immigration backlogs, especially in the Skilled Worker program. "The legislation is intended to provide greater flexibility in addressing a range of labour market needs. It will not apply to refugees and does not affect our objectives related to family reunification."

If passed, the new measures will apply to any application received on or following February 27th 2008. Cases which had been received prior to such date will be handled on the existing legislation at that time.

The major change proposed in these amendments is that the immigration department will not necessarily process applications on a first-come first-serve basis. Cases which best match the current needs of the Canadian labour market, as defined by the Minister, may be entitled to expedited processing. The Minister's instructions which govern the priority awarded to certain cases would be published officially. These provisions would not apply to refugee or family class cases.