Canada Federal Skilled Workers Immigration / Independent Immigration

Skilled workers are people whose education and work experience will help them find work and make a home for themselves as permanent residents in Canada. Applying to come to Canada as a Skilled Worker is not difficult.
To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, applicants must:

• meet the minimum work experience requirements;
• prove that they have the funds required for settlement; and
• earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.

The following categories will help you determine if you can apply as Skilled Worker. You can assess your chances of being accepted. Consult each of the following areas for the current regulations regarding:

• Minimum Work Experience Requirements: 
  Check to see if your experience qualifies you to immigrate as a Skilled Worker according to the Canadian National Occupation Classification Matrix.
  
  Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they have the ability to become economically established in Canada.

You must meet the following minimum work experience requirements to allow you to apply as a skilled worker:

• You must have at least one year of full-time work experience. You must have been paid for this work.
• Your work experience must be in the category of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• You must have had this experience within the last 10 years.

• Proof of Funds: 
  You must have enough money to support your family for six months after you arrive in Canada.

The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new skilled worker immigrants.
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able to use this money to support your family.
You will need to provide proof of your funds when you submit your application for immigration.
The amount of money that you need to have to support your family is determined by the size of your family.
 
 

You do not have to show that you have these funds if you have arranged employment in Canada.

Language Skills:

Language skills are an important factor in the selection process. Points are given for your ability in one or both of Canada's official languages, English and French. Learn about the:

• two options to document your language abilities;
• approved language tests; and
• Canadian Language Benchmarks.

The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada's official languages is very important to you, as a skilled worker. Abilities in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.

Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers. You will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high abilities in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:

• Listen;
• Speak;
• Read; and
• Write.

Language ability documentation

If you are claiming language skills on your application, you must provide conclusive proof of your language skills. You must choose one of two options to do this. You can:

• take a language test by an approved organization; or
• provide other written documentation that supports your claim.

Six Selection Factors and Pass Mark: 

Applications are assessed on six selection factors and a points system.

The selection factors may be summarized as follows:

• Education: Applicants are awarded up to 25 points.
• Language Skills: Applicants are awarded up to 24 points.
• Experience: Applicants are awarded up to 21 points.
• Age: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
• Arranged Employment: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
• Adaptability: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.

These charts show how points are awarded in the six selection factors.