Skilled Workers

How to Bring Your Talents to Canada

Canada needs skilled workers – people in management, professional occupations, technical occupations, and skilled trades. If you have the right combination of skills and experience, you may qualify as an "independent skilled worker" or a "Canadian experience class" applicant.

How We Can Help

Independent Skilled Workers

As an independent skilled worker, your application must now go through a two-step process.

1. Do you meet eligibility requirements?
   The requirements are outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulation, with specific instructions from the Immigration Minister – most recently as November 2011. Only applicants who
   • hage arranged employment, or
   • have at least one year's work experience in an eligible occupation
   may be processed as independent skilled workers.
2. Do you have sufficient points on the point system?
   If you're eligible for processing, your case is then assessed on a point system, with a maximum of 100 points total for six factors: age, education, skilled work experience, language ability (English or French), a job offer in Canada and adaptability. The pass mark, set at 67 in 2003, is subject to change at any time.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian experience class applies if you have worked or studied in Canada in the past three years. Temporary foreign students and workers can avoid the point system entirely. However, you must still be assessed on your proficiency in English or French. More information.

How We Can Help

At Lowe & Company, our experienced team will present your application in the best possible light and argue for the best fit within Canadian immigration regulations. We may ask you for more detailed reference letters and character references, research your educational background, and advise you on job opportunities and work permits in Canada. If you do not meet the required points to qualify as an independent skilled worker, we can prepare your case for a substituted evaluation. Book a consultation.

Related skilled worker articles:

• The Independent Skilled Worker Point System
• The Canadian Experience Class
• Arranged Employment for Independent Skilled Workers
• The B.C. Strategic Occupations Provincial Nominee Program: Fast-Tracking Skilled Workers

Related work permit articles:

• Work Permits: An Overview
• Labour Market Opinions: Obtaining HRSDC Approval
• Work Permit Traps and Pitfalls
• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): Strategic Tools for American and Mexican Workers
• Beyond NAFTA: Work Permits Under Other Free Trade Agreements

Other related articles:

• Human Resources Managers and Employers: A Management Perspective on Hiring Foreign Workers.
• Technology Workers: Staying Ahead of the Curve

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