1. Do I qualify for a Canada Immigration Visa under the Federal Skilled Worker category?
To be eligible for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa under the Skilled Worker category, you should :
- have worked continuously for a period of at least one year, within the last ten years, in a full-time (or part-time equivalent) paid position in one of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's 38 qualifying occupations; or have Arranged Employment; or have been legally residing in Canada for one year as a Temporary Foreign Worker or International Student and currently be residing in Canada.
- have sufficient funds for settlement in Canada, unless you have Arranged Employment in Canada.
- earn sufficient points (currently 67) in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark under the Skilled Worker category.
In addition, all applicants for a Canada Immigration Visa and their accompanying and non-accompanying dependents, under all categories of Canadian Immigration, must satisfy Canadian health and security/criminality requirements.
2. Can I still qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker if I do not have work experience in the 38 qualifying occupations?
Yes, you may qualify to immigrate as a Federal Skilled Worker if you have lived in Canada for at least one year as a Temporary Foreign Worker or an International Student and can meet the 67-point pass mark.
You may also qualify if you have Arranged Employment in Canada and meet the 67-point pass mark.
3. Can you assess my eligibility under the Skilled Worker category?
Yes, as a first step, we recommend that you complete our free assessment form so that we may determine your eligibility for Canadian Immigration under the Skilled Worker category. If you feel that you are qualified as a Skilled Worker and you wish to know more about our services, or would like us to answer your questions, you may contact our office and we will be pleased to help you.
4. Can I qualify under the Skilled Worker category even if I score less than 67 points?
Yes, Canada accepts Skilled Workers based upon their ability to become economically established in Canada. If the Canadian Immigration Visa Officer believes that the point total does not accurately reflect your ability to become economically established in Canada, the Canadian Immigration Visa Officer may use his or her positive discretion (referred to as substituted evaluation) and approve your application even though you score less than 67 points.
However, at a minimum, you must have worked continuously for a period of at least one year, within the last ten years, in a full-time (or part-time equivalent) paid position at a skill level recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Additionally, you must meet CIC requirements to have either
1. one continuous paid full-time year of work experience in the 38 qualifying occupations in the past 10 years;
2. one year of legal residence in Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker or International Student and currently be residing in Canada; OR
3.Arranged Employment.
