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There are a few different options for becoming a Canadian permanent resident, but the Skilled Worker program rewards individuals who have trained to be valuable contributors to Canada’s workforce.
Applicants should be aware that there are restrictions on how many applications will be processed due to an overwhelming amount of applicants.
If you are fortunate to have your application appear before an immigration officer, it is imperative that all the details are fulfilled, or your case may be denied. This is precisely why Skilled Worker applicants involve immigration lawyers.
Niren & Associates has a roster of attorneys with a combined 30 years experience, and we know how to help navigate your case through the legal system.
Contact our Montreal immigration office for help with your Skilled Worker application
We have been approved for our Skilled Worker visa, and we can say unequivocally that without your expertise, we would have been unable to make a strong enough case to the Canadian Immigration Service – Brian J.
Eligibility for the Skilled Worker program
In order to be eligible for the Skilled Worker program, an applicant must have:
• an offer of arranged employment
• already been living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary foreign worker or international student
• at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in one of 29 specific high-demand occupations.
Occupations are Considered for the Skilled Worker Program
Note: that to qualify under the Skilled Worker Class, you will have to have at least one (1) year of full-time (37.5 hours per week or more) work experience within the past ten (10) years in one of the occupations listed in either Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
The NOC was developed by Human Resources Development Canada to be a systematic cataloging of occupations in the Canadian labour market. The NOC is divided into five (5) bands:
• Skill Type O Management Occupations
• Skill Level A Professional and Related occupations
• Skill Level B Technical, skilled trades and paraprofessional occupations
• Skill Level C Occupations of intermediate level, clerical or supportive functions
• Skill Level D Elemental sales or service and primary labour occupations
Subject to certain limited exceptions, only experience in Skill Type 0 or Skill Levels A and B are considered relevant for applicants in the Independent/Skilled Worker Class.
Understanding the “Points” system
Immigration officials assess the merits of Skilled Worker applicants by applying a score to various personal credentials. Each personal category is awarded “points”, and they must collectively add up to at least 67 points.
These selection criteria are as follows:
Education Maximum 25 Points
Official Languages Maximum 24 Points
Experience Maximum 21 Points
Arranged Employment Maximum 10 Points
Age Maximum 10 Points
Adaptability Maximum 10 Points
TOTAL POINTS 100 Points
How Points are Determined
Calculating your points can be very complicated. Since there are many legalities to properly calculate your score, it is NOT recommended that you rely on your own assessment.
To accurately calculate your score, you should enlist experts in immigration law.
Scoring Less than 67 Does Not Automatically Disqualify You
Applicants that score below (67) points may still be approved in cases where the immigration officer assessing the case exercises positive discretion in the applicant’s favor.
The Immigration Regulations permits an immigration officer to exercise positive discretion in such a case, if the officer harbors the opinion that it is likely that the applicant will economically establish his or herself in Canada.
That being said, the applicant must be aware that the immigration officer also has the power to exercise negative discretion. Where the opposite would apply and an applicant scoring 67 points or above may not gain acceptance, if the officer forms an opinion that it seems unlikely that the applicant will establish themselves financially.
Convincing an immigration officer of your merits is the key to a successful application.
At Niren & Associates, we can professionally prepare your application. With over 14 years experience, we know what needs to be presented.
Contact our Montreal immigration lawyers for Skilled Worker application help today
