Liberal Government: New Immigrants

Immigration Point Grid Dept: This would be the first major overhaul of the immigration point grid system since 2002, when the Liberal government of the day lowered the passing mark and jiggled minor point allocations, according to The Star. The total passing mark will remain at 67, but the revised grid will favour younger immigrants by awarding a maximum of 12 points for applicants in the 18-35 age bracket. Applicants over 46 would get 0 points and ottawa is revamping the point grid it has used for the past 10 years to judge skilled-immigrant applications. The proposed revisions, to go into effect next January, will put more emphasis on language skills and professional credentials equivalent to Canada s while de-emphasizing work experience abroad. Under amendments to the federal skilled-worker program published Friday, language proficiency a strong indicator of how well new immigrants do economically will become the most important factor in whether applicants are approved, worth a maximum of 28 points, up from 24. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.