Skilled Workers Class

This class consists of applicants whose qualifications are measured under a "Point System". The Point System is primarily based on "education", "work experience" and language abilities which are particularly useful for establishment in the Canada. The system is designed to measure the likelihood of success in being economically established in Canada and adapting to the Canadian society.

As a minimum, you must first be able to show that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements as explained in the "Changes to Immigration Under Skilled Worker Category" section of our website. If you successfully meet the minimum requirements, you will then be assessed against the following selection factors, namely: age, education, official language abilities, work experience, adaptability and arranged employment: you will be allocated a maximum of 25 points for your educational credentials, 24 points for language abilities, 21 points for work experience, 10 points for age, 10 points for arranged employment and 10 points for adaptability.

As it currently stands, in order to qualify, you must obtain a minimum of 67 points. This minimum required number of points is subject to regulatory change by the responsible minister.

Factor 1: Work Experience (Maximum 21 points)

Applicants will be granted a maximum of 21 points if they have four (4) years of work experience and the points allotted will decrease as the work experience decreases. Generally speaking, an applicant should typically have at least four (4) years of work experience as a prerequisite for a successful application. In certain cases, however, an applicant who has less than four (4) years of experience may still qualify if s/he has previously studied or worked IN CANADA. In other words, the applicant may be able to compensate for the short fall by reason of previous work or study in Canada.

Skilled workers must submit satisfactory documentation proving their work experience.

Factor 2: Age (maximum 10 points)

Under this factor, pints are given for the applicant's age based on the rationale that persons in a particular age category will be more likely to economically establish themselves.

Factor 3: Education (maximum 25 points)

In this category, individuals receive points based on a combination of number of years of full time study and the educational degree obtained. For example, you will be given 25 points if you have obtained a Master's or PhD degree and went to school for at least 17 years on full-time basis.

The calculation of points allotted to educational factor is rather complicated and we suggest that you arrange for our "30 minutes free initial consultation" so that we can give you an estimate of the points you are likely to obtain.

Factor 4: Language Abilities (Maximum 24 points)

The applicant must take the appropriate English or French test and may be awarded up to a maximum of 24 points; 16 for fluency in 1st language and 8 for fluency in the 2nd language.

Factor 5: Adaptability (15 points)

If the applicant has a close relative like parents and brothers, for example, s/he will obtain 5 points. The educational credentials of the secondary applicant (the spouse) will also obtain a maximum of 5 pints, while previous study or work in Canada may also be used as grounds for further points to a total maximum of 15 points. Note that the maximum is 15 points. Therefore, you cannot add previous study, presence of family and spousal education and ask that you be granted 20 points.

Self Sufficiency

In addition to the above, applicants under the skilled workers class are expected to have sufficient funds available for transfer to Canada. The rationale is that applicants must have sufficient financial resources available to them so that they can maintain themselves and their families during the first six (6) months of their arrival without relying on financial assistance from public resources such as social services. The dollar amount of this requirement varies according to the number of individuals in the applicant's family. There is an exception to this regulatory requirement if the applicant has a job waiting for him in Canada.

To obtain further information and to take advantage of our free half hour initial consultation, please contact our office at
(416) 365-9473.