Hi all,

Like Tony the Pilot I have also applied under the investor route only in my case the Federal one so no problems about where I move to! Like Tony I will have to stake $400K with the Government of Canada in a fixed term deposit interest free for a period of 5 years. While losing 5 years interest at current rates wouldn't be too big a deal if you have the cash, the finance package a lot of people use to place the investment does carry a significant cost. I chose the investor route because at the time FSW applications where taking several years to finalise against the now usual 7 or 8 months. Under the circumstances and as my profession is on the "list" I have been considering the following options but have absolutely no idea how or if at all feasible they are.

1- Write to CIC and withdraw my investor application - then submit a FSW application.

2- Wait until my investor application has been determined (prob in the next 6 months) then somehow try and "convert" from Federal Investor to FSW.

Are either realistic options or are you locked forever into your chosen application stream.

Thanks

Snowdude

i'm bumping this up hopefully someone can help you

Thanks Terese 677,

Where is the fountain of knowledge guys?

I think it's more of a trickle in this case, rather than a fountain!

My guess would be that you'd have to do option no. 1, but that is only a guess. Hopefully somebody that has actually done it may see this and be able to answer.

Hi

Your correct option 1 is the only one available, they don't convert applications.

Hi Guys,

I have been on my hols so not got round to pursuing this. Whilst away I have dreamt up a new possible option that is probarbly a little off the beaten track as far as most peoples experience goes but I'll outline it anyway just in case.

To avoid the possibility of additional delays my thoughts are to continue with my current Federal Investor application until PR is granted. At that point I will have to make an investment of $400k in the Canadian Government, the question is as I qualify under the as a skilled worker stream which doesn't carry the investment requirement - could I reapply as a FSW whilst being a PR. If this is possible I would them withdraw my investment at the point my FSW visa was issued.

This is all coming about due to the value of my assets taking hit after hit & the exchange rate dropping making the investment sum appear larger by the day.

As regards pulling applications that are in their final stages is this likely to be healed against you if you reapply again shortly afterwards ?

+ Do you get your fee or any of it back?

Regards

Snowdude

I had a buddy apply under entrepreneur and CIC switched it to SW as his occupation was a demand occupation at the time. He did not ask for it to be changed though. No refund of the fee difference though. This was also many years ago.

Hi

Sorry you can't switch horses in mid stream. If you are assessed as an investor and issued a visa as an investor, you have carry through. You can withdraw your application as an investor, and re-apply as a skilled worker through Sydney if you qualify. If the application is being processed, you won't get a refund.

In the past, there was some flexibility about switching categories mid-stream. Those days are gone. If you are in the Investor stream, you are stuck there and would have to start all over under the FSW category. Since April of this year, all FSW applications now start at the Centralized Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Before you even start adding up your points, you need to see if you are eligible to submit under one of the 3 categories outlined in the Ministerial Instructions that came out last November. It's a much more restricted route than it used to be. If you decide to stay with the Investor route, make sure you understand your options under the eligible investment before you make it.

The information provided in this posting is of a general nature and is not intended to deliver advice on your specific immigration matter. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an engagement of <company name removed> or establish an attorney-client relationship.