Skilled Worker Immigration

The primary means by which immigration to Canada is obtained is through what has in the past been called "The Independent Program". This type of application requires full and proper presentation of an application showing that the applicant has skills and characteristics which will allow him or her to integrate within Canadian society. Since June 28, 2002, new law radically altered the criteria for selection in this regard. The law was further changed in late 2008 to require that skilled workers fit into specific occupational categories, which are:

Financial Managers
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Managers in Health Care
Restaurant and Food Service Managers
Accommodation Service Managers
Construction Managers
Financial Auditors and Accountants
Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
Mining Engineers
Geological Engineers
Petroleum Engineers
Specialist Physicians
General Practitioners and Family Physicians
Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physiotherapists
Head Nurses and Supervisors
Registered Nurses
Medical Radiation Technologists
Licensed Practical Nurses
University Professors
College and Other Vocational Instructors
Chefs
Cooks
Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
Industrial Electricians
Plumbers
Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
Welders and Related Machine Operators
Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
Crane Operators
Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

Please see the information below, and also, please complete our Free Skilled Worker Assessment to determine your chances for immigration to Canada.

Note that as of September 17, 2008, applicants already working in Canada may qualify to apply for permanent residence from within Canada under the new 'Canadian Experience Class', which has relaxed requirements. Please see our Canadian Experience Class page for further information.

Factors which are now considered in Skilled Worker applications include:

  • Age (Maximum Points 10)
    Maximum points are awarded for persons between ages 21 and 49.
  • Education (Maximum Points 25)
    25 points are awarded for a master's degree or higher, and 20 for a bachelor's degree (other scores for other kinds of education). Ensure your academic qualifications are properly addressed and evaluated. Depending on what part of the world you are from, your credentials could require careful consideration.
  • Knowledge of First Language (Maximum Points 16)
    For most of our clients, English is the stronger of the two official languages of Canada. If this is not the case, the first and second language considerations can be reversed. English abilities are assessed primarily based on the results of an IELTS exam. Your abilities must be carefully assessed and your rights must be protected.
  • Knowledge of Second Language (Maximum Points 8)
    French abilities are assessed primarily based on the results of a TEF exam. Your abilities must be carefully assessed and your rights must be protected.
  • Experience in occupation (Maximum Points 21)
    The number of points available for experience is based on a formula which Kranc Associates can advise you about. A minimum of one year of experience in the relevant field is required.
  • Arranged employment (Maximum 10 Points)
    It should be noted that this means employment approved by Service Canada (formerly Human Resources and Skills Development Canada), and not merely a simple job offer. Kranc Associates can advise you as to whether this is available and how to achieve these vital points.
  • Adaptability (Maximum Points 10)
    This could be important to your application - and includes factors such as having a close relatives in Canada, your spouse's education, your previous work or study in Canada, and whether you have arranged employment.

Let Kranc Associates analyze your case.

Ensuring that you achieve maximum potential in each category is crucial to the success of your application and Kranc Associates gives you maximum legal protection in this regard.

Canadian Immigration Officers can also use their discretion to override the technical factors. Where appropriate, Kranc Associates can argue that your case be considered for positive discretion, or 'substituted evaluation', and attempt to secure immigration for you.

If you are someone considering an application in this category, it is crucial that you have your information and credentials reviewed by competent counsel who can advise you about the chances for success on an application for permanent residence.

This particular method of immigration is also susceptible to change since the government's control on the number of immigrants coming to Canada can best be regulated through this program. As such, a relevant factor in your application today could be obsolete tomorrow, and therefore, you need up-to-date legal advice to ensure the integrity of your application.

Please Complete our Free Skilled Worker Assessment Form to find about chances in your case.