Immigration: Skilled Workers

The Point System

The point system measures six factors related to the applicant and assigns a score to each factor. If the applicant’s total score meets the pass mark then they potentially qualify for immigration to Canada under the Skilled Worker category. A total of 100 points are available and the pass mark is currently set at 67. The factors measured under the point system are:

age (10 points)
education (25 points)
work experience (24 points)
language skills (English and French) (21 points)
arranged employment (10 points)
adaptability (10 points)

Other Requirements

Have an Arranged Employment Offer (AEO) in Canada

Where the Skilled Worker applicant is already working in Canada with a work permit or is able to get an approved job offer in a skilled occupation, this will qualify an applicant even if the applicant’s occupation does not appear on the list of in-demand occupations, assuming they also obtain 67 points in the assessment.

Have worked for at least one year in a listed In-demand Occupation

The current list of In-demand Occupations was released on June 25, 2011, and may be subject to change based on any future review of Canada’s labour market needs. Applicants who have at least one year of full time experience within the last 10 years in any of the occupations on the list will qualify under the Skilled Worker category assuming they also obtain 67 points in the assessment.