Service Canada

The CBA immigration section had Mr Mark Zeliger speak to the section on February 28. Some comments: - additional staff will be on board (soon) - processing time targets will be 6-8 weeks (we'll probably only see times back at 3-4 weeks when the economy tanks) - foreign worker officers approach a file with an attitude to approve unless the employer acts 'positively to disqualify himself" - bulk requests of 50 or more are sent to NHQ for additional approval - SC will also thoroughly review housing and accommodations for the foreign workers - staff have been hired to answer the phones and calls are being answered by a person almost 70 per cent of the time - messages are returned within 48 hrs - Emails are discouraged - faxes are the preferred method of communication - a new employment contract is available allowing 24 month terms for low skill workers