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The Simplified Application Process for Federal Skilled Workers

• Stage One: Initial Application
• Stage Two: Filing Supporting Documents
• Processing Times

There is currently a queue of federal skilled worker applications, creating a delay of several years in the processing. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) regrets this delay and is working to reduce processing times.

In order to avoid asking applicants to submit updated supporting documentation more than once, a new simplified application process has been introduced for most federal skilled workers.

Under this process, you submit only a basic application form and fee. This guarantees your place in the processing queue, meaning that the regulations in effect on that date will apply to your application.

Stage One: Initial Application

• When you submit your initial application, the visa office will check that the correct form has been submitted and the correct fees paid.  You should submit only:
  1. Application for Permanent Residence in Canada (IMM 0008SW)
  2. Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable
  3. Processing fee.
• If the forms are incomplete, the fees are incorrect, or you do not reside in the territory of the visa office where you have submitted your application, your application will be returned.
• Any information or documents not required for initial application will be returned to you.
• If you have correctly submitted the application form and fee, an Acknowledgment of Receipt letter will be issued, generally within 30 days, confirming that your initial application has been registered, advising you of your file number, and providing information on expected processing times and Stage Two of the process.
• During the initial application period, do not contact the visa office even if your marital status has changed, you have had children, changed employment, or received a new degree or diploma. This information will be updated at Stage Two: Filing of Supporting Documents.
• You should, however, contact the visa office if:
  1. you change your immigration representative (using the form Use of a Representative, IMM 5476);
  2. you change your mailing address;
  3. you decide to withdraw your application (your processing fees will be refunded);
  4. you have been nominated in the provincial nominee program;
  5. you obtained a reserved employment in Canada.

Stage Two: Filing Supporting Documents

• When the visa office is ready to assess your application, they will contact you. You will be requested to submit:
  1. updated application forms;
  2. additional fees (if you have married, or now have additional children);
  3. all supporting documents.
     The visa office will provide you with a checklist. This will include additional photographs, educational and professional certificates, business documents, proof of language ability, police certificates, etc.
• Once the visa office has received all of your documents, a Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) officer will assess your application, taking into account all of the information and documentation you have provided.
• The CIC officer will make a decision on your application based on the points you accumulate in the selection factors. The officer will also assess your ability to meet the required funds amount for the size of your family. You will be advised of the result and of any additional requirements (such as an interview, medical examinations, passport, etc.)

Processing Times

The length of time your application will remain at Stage One can be different in each visa office. You will be advised of the probable time period in the Acknowledgment of Receipt letter. However, this can change. Please consult the processing times for more current information.

At Stage Two, you may be able to speed up the process by:

• making sure all the necessary information is included;
• avoiding unnecessary inquiries;
• making sure the documents you provide are clear and readable, and that certified translations have been provided where indicated.

Stage Two may take longer than usual if the visa office has to take extra steps to assess your case, for example:

• if there are criminality or security problems;
• if your family situation is not clear due to an incomplete adoption or divorce, or child custody issues have not been resolved;
• if the local visa office must consult other offices in Canada or abroad.