Thanks. After some Google-Fu I found the "proposed changes" you were talking about http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-08-17.asp

Thanks. After some Google-Fu I found the "proposed changes" you were talking about http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-08-17.asp http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/... and yes, software engineering is not on the list http://www.canadavisa.com/new-instructions-federal-skilled-worker-applications.html http://www.canadavisa.com/new-instructions-federal-skilled-w... The best option seems to be PhD! One can apply for permanent residency two years into their PhD programs.