CANADA
Eligibility criteria for Canada Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration
On January 1, 2015, the Government of Canada implemented the Express Entry Immigration system under the Economic Class including the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Workers across 347 eligible occupations who meet minimum entry criteria, submit an expression of interest profile to the Express Entry Pool. The profiles of candidates in the pool are ranked under a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest ranked candidates will be considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Candidates receiving an invitation must submit a full application within a delay of 90-days.
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Federal Skilled Workers are persons with suitable education, work experience, age and language abilities under one of Canada’s official languages and who are selected under the Express Entry Immigration system to apply for permanent residence.
To qualify for admission to the Express Entry Pool as a Federal Skilled Worker, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Essential Conditions:
- Possess one year of continuous full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment within the previous 10 years in one of 347 eligible occupations listed under the applicable National Occupational Classification system; and
- The work experience must be classified within Skill Type 0 (Managerial Occupations), Skill Level A (Professional Occupations), or Skill Level B (Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades) within the meaning of the National Occupational Classification system; and
- Score sufficient points under the Skilled worker point Grid comprising of six selection factors. The current pass mark is 67 points;
- Undergo language testing from a recognized third party and demonstrate intermediate-level language skills in English or French corresponding to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7)
- Possess suitable settlement funding;
- Undergo a successful security background and medical examination.
Qualified applicants are evaluated against six factors to determine their eligibility for immigration to Canada. Applicants must obtain a total of 67 points out of a possible 100 in order to qualify. The selection factors are:
- Education;
- Language;
- Employment experience;
- Age;
- Arranged employment;
- Adaptability;
Skilled Worker Selection Grid
|
Factor
|
Score
|
Final
|
|
EDUCATION
|
|
Max. 25
|
|
(Canadian equivalence established by a designated third party)
|
|
Doctorate
|
|
25
|
|
Master’s or professional degree
|
|
23
|
|
Two or more post-secondary degrees, of which one is three years or longer
|
|
22
|
|
A three year or longer post-secondary degree
|
|
21
|
|
A two-year post-secondary diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship
|
|
19
|
|
A one-year post-secondary diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship
|
|
15
|
|
Secondary School Educational Credential
|
|
5
|
|
LANGUAGE (Abilities: Speak, Read, Write, Listen)
|
|
Max. 28
|
|
1st Lang
|
Very high proficiency (per ability) (CLB 9)
|
|
6
|
|
High proficiency (per ability) (CLB 8)
|
|
5
|
|
Intermediate proficiency (per ability) (CLB 7) *
*Minimum threshold required to apply
|
|
4
|
|
Basic or no proficiency
|
|
0
|
|
Possible maximum (all four abilities)
|
|
24
|
|
2ndLang
|
Basic proficiency or higher (per ability)
|
|
1
|
|
No proficiency
|
|
0
|
|
Possible maximum (all four abilities)
|
|
4
|
|
EXPERIENCE (NOC Skill Level O, A, B)
|
|
Max. 15
|
|
One year*
*Minimum threshold required to apply
|
|
9
|
|
Two to three years
|
|
11
|
|
Four to five years
|
|
13
|
|
Six years or more
|
|
15
|
|
AGE
|
|
Max. 12
|
|
18 to 35 years
|
|
12
|
|
36 years
|
|
11
|
|
Less one point per year until 47 years
|
|
|
|
ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT IN CANADA
|
|
Max. 10
|
|
HRSDC-confirmed permanent offer of employment
|
|
10
|
|
Applicants from within Canada holding a temporary work permit that is:
|
|
Validated by HRSDC, including sectoral confirmations
|
|
10
|
|
Exempt from HRSDC validation under international agreements (e.g., NAFTA)
|
|
10
|
|
ADAPTABILITY
|
|
Max. 10
|
|
Applicant has a minimum of 1-year skilled Work experience in Canada
|
|
10
|
|
Applicant has previously studied in Canada
|
|
5
|
|
Spouse has previously studied in Canada
|
|
5
|
|
Spouse has previously worked in Canada
|
|
5
|
|
Family relations over the age of 18 in Canada
|
|
5
|
|
Arranged employment
|
|
5
|
|
Spouse is proficient in an official language
|
|
5
|
|
Total
|
|
100
|
CIC policy confirms that the Federal Skilled Worker Program, while well-tailored to select highly educated individuals, does not favour applications from the skilled trades. In an effort to ensure the Canadian Labour market attracts sufficient trades workers, qualified trades candidates may now apply for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Persons interested in applying for permanent residence are invited to communicate with us at their convenience and/or to complete an assessment questionnaire. Upon receipt, we will assess your options and provide you with a detailed report, for more information contact our experts today.
