Skilled workers are applicants who wish to obtain a permanent resident status and who are able to demonstrate an ability to become economically established in Canada. On June 28, 2002 CIC introduced a new set of evaluation criteria for this class of immigrants. Starting from this date, a six-factor evaluation grid and other additional factors are used to assess whether an applicant can be qualified as a skilled worker. For this, the applicant must have at least one year of full-time experience within the last ten years, possess post-secondary education, must be proficient with English and/or French languages, be from 21 to 49 years old and must have enough funds to support family for six months after arrival to Canada. An arranged employment in Canada will be an asset for the application evaluation. The officer will also assess the applicant at interview his/her ability to adapt easily in Canada, which includes family ties to Canada, Canadian work or study experience, etc.

Experience

The work experience evaluation is the most important criterion of the selection grid because skilled workers are persons intending to reside and earn their living in Canada by employment in their occupation. The applicant may obtain a maximum of 21 points for four-year work experience. The minimum equals to 15 points for one-year experience. The work experience must be listed in the NOC list and must occur in the past ten years before applying.

Education
The applicant may obtain a maximum of 25 points for his/her level of education if he/she has a Master’s degree or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. The minimum 5 points are granted to the applicant completed secondary/high school education.

Arranged employment factor:

If the applicant has a full-time job offer from a Canadian company confirmed by HRDC he/she will be awarded maximum 10 points.

Age

If the applicant’s age is ranging from 21 to 49 he/she will obtain a maximum of 10 points. 2 points must be subtracted for each year over 49 and under 21.

Official languages skills

Up to 24 points may be obtained by the applicant for basic, moderate and high proficiency in English and French languages. CIC has elaborated a description of each skill level. Before applying to permanent residency the applicant is highly recommended to take a recognized language test to support his/her skills.

Proof of Funds

The applicant has to assure the Canadian government that he/she is going to be economically profitable for Canada and must demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to support himself/herself and dependants after arrival to Canada. The amount of funds depends on the size of family starting from at least $9420 CDN.

Adaptability

Additional points can be awarded for spouse or common-law partner's education, for full-time authorized work or study in Canada and for family ties to Canada, demonstrating that the applicant can easily adapt to the new environment and labour market.

Steps at a glance:

Step 1 Filling out of the application and its evaluation by the Canadian Visa office abroad *Fee: $550 CDN for the principal applicant $150 CDN for each accompanying dependent under 22 years Step 2 The interview waiver or interview with the officer of the Canadian Visa office abroad. Step 3 At this stage the applicant is supposed to pass medical examination and to provide police certificates from all countries he/she lived for minimum six months since his/her 18 years. CIC makes criminal and medical checks. Step 4 Issue of a permanent residence visa, submission of a passport to the Embassy of Canada. INFO **Right of permanent residence fee: $490 CDN must be paid for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner and for each dependent child over 22 years. The applicant can pay this fee anytime during processing of the application by CIC *The fee is not refundable ** The fee is refundable if CIC did not issue a visa due to problems with criminal records or medical examination.