Dear all

I would be really grateful if somebody could please tell me if I should bother re-applying for the FSW program when it opens again.

My situation is:

I applied for FSW a few years back (2007?) and received the request for more info. (forget what that's called now) in very early 2009 I think. By then, I had accepted a job in Spain where I now live, so I wrote to explain that I wished to withdraw my application.

Just today, I decided to reapply (as I had always intended to after a few years in Spain), and I see that there is a moratorium on new applications, and when the program is reopened, it will be for very limited numbers, and possibly only for certain professions.

I would still love to emigrate to Canada. I work in sales in the wine biz. I am 47 and have worked in the business for more than 20 years. I have a masters degree (MA), a postgraduate law degree and profesional wine exams. Please could someone let me know if I should just let go of the idea now, or if I may still have a chance. Does anyone have a view on when the program will reopen? Should I complete the previous paperwork to make sure I'm ahead of the curve (and is there a link to the forms etc. somewhere).

Absolutely any advice or info. would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

IMHO wait until the new details are published some time in 2013. You can prepare but caveat the application forms will change so submitting old forms might get you rejected.
As for your line of work I have no idea on if it is a sought after occupation.
There are several threads in this section to keep an eye on.

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.

Since it's quite likely there will be a big rush of applications once the FSW program opens again, is there anything I could get ready in the meantime, so I'm as prepared as possible? In other words, what do you think, assuming my profession qualifies, that will DEFINITELY be required?

IELTS results, police check and educational credentials (degree transcripts etc) could all be done now.

Do first double check that you'll score enough points under the new points system though, as it's now favouring the young I'm afraid! You should with your education, but do just have a look to make sure before you pay out for any of the above.

Good luck.

Thanks, could you give me a link to the new points system please? And where would I find info about IELTS results? Is a degree certificate ok, or does it have to be validated? Is there a link somewhere that would tell me all this so I don't have to bother everyone with newbie questions like this? It's so different from the last time I was doing it!

It's all on the CIC website, just as it would have been last time round.

Here is the info re: IELTS (you can't just use a degree certificate, you do need the IELTs exam result) - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...ge-testing.asp

And here is the info on the proposed points test for next year's FSW program, it's somewhere near the bottom of the article - http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2012/2.../reg2-eng.html

HTH, good luck.

Many thanks. Just what I needed.

Wine, eh?

I met some folk last week who organize wine-tasting/vineyard visits here in NS. It's their own business and they seem to be doing quite well.

FSW isn't the only way into the Dominion of Canada - have you looked at other options?

No, to be honest. Do you mean pre-arranged employment? I had assumed that was a no hoper, as I can't see anybody - even if they were prepared to offer me a job - waiting for the 6-8 months it would take to arrange the Visa. So much easier just to employ a local ... Or am I wrong??

There's loads of other visa routes (over 50), many of which don't require a job offer. Have a look at the Wiki to figure out your options and see if any others may suit.

I've now had a good look at the wiki, and the only alternative visa route I can see is the PNP schemes, which do seem to need a job offer. Can you please tell me which ones you were thinking of? I'd be really grateful if I've missed something!