If you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada, here are some things you should consider during your qualifying process if you’re applying as a skilled worker.
Canada’s immigration system works through a point system that’s marked out of 100. You need 67 points to qualify. These points are based on six factors and the system is called the “Skilled Worker Point Grid.”
- EDUCATION
- LANGUAGE
- EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
- AGE
- ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT
- ADAPTABILITY
However, before any of this, you’ll need one year of full-time of the equivalent in part-time continuous work within ten years in one of the 347 eligible occupations. The work must be classified within the Skill Type 0 (Managerial), Skill Level A (Professional Occupations) or Skill Level B (Technical and Skilled Trades). As well if you do reach 67 points, you must undergo language testing (English or French), show proof that you have enough money to settle in Canada responsibly, undergo a background check and medical examination.
Now with education, you can reach a maximum of 25 points. Maximum points are given to those with doctoral degrees. Your credentials will be evaluated by a third party, who will match them with a Canadian equivalent and points will be awarded based on the match.
With language, you can score a max of 28, but must AT LEAST get 16 points. High proficiency in EITHER French in English can score you 24 points. The last 4 points can be given if you can prove bilingualism in English and French. You can get 24 points in one language and ONLY 4 in the other. That means, for example; you can get 20 points by getting a 16 in English and 4 in French or vice versa.
For employment, you need a minimum of 9 points and can receive 15 maximum. You need at least a year of experience, and the maximum consideration is six years.
Age can give you a maximum of 12 points. A full 12 can be awarded if you’re between the age of 18 and 36. Points start being deducted for every year past 36. For example, if you’re 38, 38-36= (2 years), 2 years = a 2 point deduction, 12-2 = 10 points. You will get 0 points if you’re 47 or over. This requires no minimum.
If you have a job ready for you in Canada, and if your employed can prove your employment and economic benefit, you can receive an additional 0-10 points. If you reach 67 without arranged employment, you do not need arranged employment.
Finally, adaptability, where you can get a maximum of ten points, there is no minimum required. A valid offer of employment will grant you an additional 5 points. If you have at least one year of Canadian work experience in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B, you are automatically given 10 points. Other considerations are having a close relative already in Canada if you or your spouse has studied in Canada, if they have previous Canadian work experience, and if your spouse knows one of Canada’s official languages.
