Hi Goshenite,
Sorry for late reply.
I came to Canada with Skilled immigration process five years back and still a number of people are coming through that process. Two months ago a friend of mine came with the same process. Here are the things I like to mention.
- the CIC Website have the most current information because things keep changing even after a few months a left to Canada; the requirements, the pass marks, the time it takes ... and so on
- Now a day it takes longer than my time. However, I heard it is shorter if you apply in Germany for example.
- As long as you follow the right procedure from the website, you don't need to pay for Canada agents and lawyers who says the will facilitate the process.
- If you friend has a close relative in provinces such as Manitoba, Saskatoon, Alberta, you might need to consider
Provincial Nomination" that is really fast but your friend needs to stay in that province for a minimum year period.
For your general question these is all i can say but if you have specific question or if you would like to talk to a person who came with this process recently, I can help.
God bless!
Addisu