Skilled Worker / Independent
Skilled workers are assessed on a point system designed to determine who will make useful contributions to the Canadian economy and who will be able to successfully integrate themselves into the Canadian community.
Independent applicants are assessed on ten selection criteria:
- Education – up to 25 points
- Language in English or French – up to 20 points
- Work Experience – up to 21 points
- Age – up to 10 points
- Arranged Employment (an approved Job Offer) – 10 points
- Adaptability – up to 10 points, and includes Spouse’s Education, previous work or study in Canada, and family in Canada.
As can be seen, a great deal of emphasis is placed upon education, language and past employment in the selection criteria.
Whether or not an immigrant qualifies in an employment category is determined in accordance with a government publication called the “National Occupational Classification”, or “NOC”. This index lists most occupations (according to the Canadian government) and the training, education and licensing requirements for each.
Immigrants are given points for each of the above categories and must achieve a total of 67 points. There is little discretion on the part of Visa Officers to grant permanent residence to an immigrant who does not reach 67 points. An immigrant must also have sufficient funds at the time of landing, even if they have enough points.