CIC has announced changes to the Federal Skilled Worker program et Investor program which takes effect on June 26, 2010.

The in-demand occupations list has been revised to 29 occupations, of which new inclusions include (but not limited to) dentists, social workers, architects and psychologists.

Under the new program, CIC will only accept 20,000 applications per year for processing, with a maximum of 1,000 per occupation.  This limit does not include those with a Arranged Employment Offer (AEO). There is no limit on those whom submit an application with an AEO.

There have also been changes to the Investor program, increasing the required personal net worth from  $800,000 to 1.6 million and the required investment is increased from $400,000 to $800,000. The changes for the new investor program have not yet been implemented. Until they are implemented, the government will not accept any new applications under the Federal investor category. Immigration Quebec will also implement these changes; however they will still accept new applications under the investor category.