Skilled workers are one of the most common categories among immigrants to Canada. Skilled workers are selected because they have work skills that Canada requires in its labor force. They help to directly contribute towards the Canadian economy and society through filling vacancies adequately in the labor market.
The primary requirement for an applicant applying under the skilled worker category is to pass a point system test. This point system is required in order to analyze if the applicant will successfully fit into the Canadian economy. The point system is measured on a scale of six factors that are assigned to the applicant and each factor is scored accordingly. A total of 100 points are available and the pass mark is currently set to 67 points. If the applicant’s total score meets the minimum pass mark, he or she is eligible to apply under the skilled worker category.
The following factors are measured under the points system:
Scores depend on a variety of factors and are usually complicated. The applicant must provide strong supporting documentation in order to prove their qualifications for each category. There is also an additional requirement to prove language skills/ability by attending specific tests in English and/or French. Educational credentials needs to be the Canadian equivalent and this is assessed through recognized Educational Credential Assessment Organizations (ECA).
In addition to the above point system, applicants need to meet ONE of the following three requirements:
Having an Arranged Employment Offer (AEO) in Canada
Assuming the applicant has obtained a minimum of 67 points from the points system, if he or she is already working in Canada with a work permit or is able to attain an approved legal job offer in a skilled occupation; then this will qualify the applicant successfully even if it is not on the list of “in-demand” occupations.
Having worked for at least one year in a listed eligible Occupation
As of April 26, 2014, the following list of 50 eligible occupations is applicable but may be subject to change based on future needs. Applicants who have a minimum of one year experience within the last 10 years in any of the occupations shown below will qualify under the Skilled Worker Category. This assumes that they have adequately attained 67 points in the point system and have met other requirements sufficiently.
The list of 50 Eligible Occupations is as follows:
Each occupation is capped at 1000 applicants with a total annual cap of 25,000 Skilled Worker Applications allowed. No further applications will be eligible or allowed after this cap has been attained.
Be a Ph.D. (doctoral) student in Canada
A Ph.D. student is eligible under two conditions: Firstly, students who are currently enrolled in a Canadian university and have completed at least two years in their studies. Secondly, students who have completed their Ph.D. in a recognized Canadian University within one year of making their application under the Skilled Worker Category are eligible.
A maximum cap of 500 applications by Ph.D. students is accepted under the Skilled Worker Category each year.
Please note that all applicants and their immediate family members have to prove that they are not inadmissible to Canada, including, not having a criminal record and having good health. One needs to also show that he or she can adequately support themselves and have sufficient funds upon arrival in Canada.
This application pertains towards individuals who want to apply for permanent residence and who are currently working in Canada, or who plan on applying from outside Canada under the skilled trade class. Individuals who are applying from outside Canada hold a provincial tradesperson certification, or have a lucrative job offer with a positive Labour Market Opinion in support of their offer.
This specific program specifically relates to workers in the following occupations:
As stated above, besides meeting the basic requirements, applicants are required to show that they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada and that they are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada. The overall cap for this category is 5,000 applications.
