Immigration & Business Lawyers | CanadaVisaLaw.com | Independent Skilled Workers
 
Independent Skilled Workers

Independent skilled workers are assessed on a Point system, with a maximum of 100 points assessed for 6 factors: Age, Education, Skilled Work Experience, Language Abilities (English and French), a Job Offer in Canada, and Adaptability factors. Details are as follows:

Categories

Max Points

Comments

Your Points

Age

10

21-49. Lose 2 points for each year over or under that range

 

Education

25

High school

5

 

UNIVERSITY

High school + 1 year university degree (total 13 years)

15

High school + 2 year university degree (total 14 years)

20

High school + 2 or more university degrees (total 15 years)

22

Masters or doctorate (total 17 years)

25

NON-UNIVERSITY

1 year diploma, trade cert or apprenticeship (total 12 years)

12

2 year diploma, trade cert or apprenticeship (total 13 years)

15

2 year diploma, trade cert or apprenticeship (total 14 years)

20

3 year diploma, trade cert or apprenticeship (total 15 years)

22

Language

Up to 16 points for 1st official language

Up to 8 points for 2nd official language

1st official language: (English or French)
High proficiency:        4 points each
Moderate proficiency: 2 points each
Basic proficiency:       1 or 2 points each
      

1st official language: (English or French)
High proficiency:        2 points each
Moderate proficiency: 2 points each
Basic proficiency:       1 or 2 points each

Speaking   Listening   Reading   Writing

 

Skilled Work Experience in the past 10 years

21

1 year:

15

 

2 years:

17

3 years:

19

4 years:

21

Arranged Employment

10

People with approved Job Offers or work permits in Canada

 

Adaptability

10

Spouse's education: College, Bachelors or Masters level

3-5

 

Arranged Employment factor bonus

5

2 years previous study in Canada by self or spouse

5

1 year previous work in Canada by self or spouse

5

Relative in Canada (parent, grandparent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew)

5

TOTAL

100

 

 

When introduced in June 2002, the pass mark was set at 75 points; in September 2003, due to a drop in the number of applications, and a number of political factors, the government lowered the pass mark to 67 points. This can change at any time, however.

Even if you do not meet the required number of points, you may still be able to qualify for immigration based upon a “substituted evaluation”, if you can establish that you would be able to become successfully economically established in Canada.

At Lowe & Company, we will work with you to present your application in the best possible light, and argue for the best fit into the immigration regulations. We may ask for more detailed reference letters; character references; do research into your school background; advise you on job opportunities and Work Permits in Canada; or prepare your case for a substituted evaluation if you cannot meet the pass mark.

The information on CanadaVisaLaw.com’s Web Site has been prepared so you may learn more about the services we offer. These materials do not constitute legal advice, and are not intended to provide specific advice about your particular situation. Because the law constantly changes and is subject to varying interpretations, we urge you to contact us regarding any specific problem you may have, and we advise you not to take, or refrain from taking, any action based upon materials in this Web Site without consulting legal counsel.

Click here to download a PDF version of this file.
General Arranged Employment Point Qualifications
Adaptability Substituted Evaluation