Frequently Asked Questions

Skilled Worker Applications

Q.What occupations can I apply under?
A. You must first qualify under the new system of listed occupations. Once you do qualify, in order to get maximum points for work experience, your occupation must be in Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B on the Canadian National Occupation Classification.

 

 

Q. What if my work experience is in a different field than my education, can I still apply?
A. It is preferred that your education and work experience be in the same field, but you can still apply so long as your experience is in skill type 0 or skill level A or B. This is where the skill and experience of a lawyer plays a crucial role in selecting the appropriate NOC.

 

Q. What minimum level of experience do I need to qualify?

A. Provided you qualify under the new system, you must have at least one year of experience in an occupation listed in NOC

 

Q. What time period will CIC look at when they evaluate my work experience?

A. This is a complicated area. But the short answer is “the last 10 years from the date of your application”.

 

Q. Do I have to have a “job offer”?

A. You do not have to have a job offer in order to qualify. Having a job offer, however, gives you additional points under the “adaptability” and “arranged employment” factors.

 

Q. What about my spouse’s education. Will that be taken into account?

A. You will be given additional points for your spouse’s education under “adaptability” factor.

 

Q. When do I have to submit English test results?

A. Under the new system, you do not submit test results initially when you apply to Intake Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia. You will submit it later to the embassy.

 

Q. Will I be interviewed?

A. Not necessarily. Interviews are conducted when verifications are required.

 

Q. How much money do I have to have?

A. The amount of funds required depends on the number of people included in your application. The funds required: 1 person $11,086; 2 persons $13,801; 3 persons $16,697; 4 persons $20,599; 5 persons $23,364; 6 persons $26,350; 7 or more persons $29,337. You will not need to show any funds if you have an “arranged employment”.

 

Q. My application was done under the old system. How does this impact me?

A. If you applied before Feb. 27, 2008, the new law has no impact on your old application.

 

Q. To whom does the new law apply?

A. It only applies to applicants who applied after Feb. 27, 2008.

 

Q. Has the point system been changed?

A. No. If you have been found eligible to apply, the same point system will be used to assess your application.

 

Q. I applied under the old system but my occupation is in the 38 listed occupations. Will my application be processed more quickly?

A. No. Your application will be processed under the old system on a “first come, first served” basis.

 

Q. What is the difference between Canadian Experience Class and Skilled Worker Class?

A. The main difference is the length of time the applicant has been in Canada (1 year or 2 years) and also the basis of assessment. In Skilled Worker applications, assessment contains educational requirements whereas in CEC the assessment most of the time does not involve educational assessment.