Independent/Skilled Worker Class

Independent Skilled Worker Class

 As a constantly expanding industrialized nation, Canada has seen an unprecedented surge in employment growth, with thousands of new jobs created annually. In order to address vital skill shortages, Canada is in need of skilled immigrants to fill the ever-expanding job market. The main objective for encouraging the Independent Skilled Worker category of immigration is to attract people with invaluable education and employment skills who will contribute to Canada's economic growth and development.
Most applicants in this category must successfully meet the following requirements:

Applicants in the Independent Skilled Worker category are assessed based upon six selection factor criteria which are designed to demonstrate the likelihood that the applicant can adequately adapt to life in Canada, can become economically established, and can contribute to the labor force by having a vital, transferable skill that is needed in the current Canadian job market. The six selection criteria include Education, Experience, Arranged Employment, Language Proficiency, Age, and, Adaptability. Applications are rated on a points system across each of the six selection criteria, and must obtain a minimum overall score of 67 points out of a possible 100 to be considered eligible for Permanent Resident Status in Canada.

Education: Applicants must have at minimum: (i) a one-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree and (ii) 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. The higher the level of completed education, the greater the number of points awarded in this category, up to a maximum of 25 points.

Experience: In the Independent Skilled Worker Class, a skilled worker is defined as having at least one year of full-time (37.5 hours per week or more) work experience within the past ten years in one of the occupations listed in either Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These classifications primarily include management, professional, technical, skilled trades and paraprofessional occupations. The maximum number of points available in this category is 21, with full points being awarded for applicants who have four or more years of recognized full-time employment.

Language Proficiency: Canada’s official languages are English and French. You will be awarded points for your ability to speak, read, write and listen in one or both of Canada’s official languages. Points will be determined also based on your fluency levels in English and/or French, rated as basic, moderate or high. [Note: It is not necessary to have language skills in both of Canada’s official languages.] Language abilities can be demonstrated either by writing a language test by an approved organization or by providing other written documentation to support your claim.

Age: Applicants between the ages of 21 and 49 years old receive 10 points, which is the maximum number of points available in this category. Applicants who are over 49 years of age lose 2 points for every year they are over the age of 49. For example, an applicant who is 52 years of age would receive 10 – 6 = 4 points for this category.

Arranged Employment: Applicants receive 10 points if they meet the criteria for arranged employment, which is defined as having a Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) confirmed offer of permanent employment. It is important to be aware that the definition of “Arranged Employment” is strictly adhered to and does not include a verbal offer of employment from a friend or relative living in Canada. A strict protocol must be followed in order to obtain HRSDC approval, which includes advertisement of the position in reputable newspaper publications, confirmation that all applicants had insufficient skills to perform the duties of the position, and a letter demonstrating how the particular individual being sought is especially qualified for the position.

Adaptability:  additional points are awarded for the following factors:

• Applicant’s full-time attendance at a post-secondary institution in Canada for at least two years
• Spouse’s level of education (if applicable)
• Applicant’s authorized full-time work in Canada for at least one full year
• Applicant’s securing of a Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) confirmed offer of permanent employment in Canada.
• Presence of a close blood relative, who permanently resides in Canada (e.g., brother, sister, mother, father, son, daughter, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, grand-parent, or grand-child)

The applicant receives points for every subcategory that applies to his/her situation, up to a maximum 10 points.

You need to attain a minimum of sixty (67) points, combined across all six selection criteria in order to be considered for immigration to Canada under this category. Please complete our free on-line pre-assessment to assist you in determining the likelihood that you will meet the minimum points criteria for immigration to Canada under this category. This pre-assessment is free and there is no obligation to you to continue. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

FREE assessment of your eligibility to immigrate to Canada on the basis of this category, CLICK HERE.