Resident Visas - Economic Class - Skilled Workers
Email this pageAnother key objective of the Canadian Immigration Act is to foster the development of a strong and viable economy and the prosperity of all regions in Canada. As such, persons with particular expertise and with particular means are encouraged to apply for permanent resident status under the heading of Independent or Economic Immigrants. This heading includes both skilled workers and business class applicants (investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons).
Who is a skilled worker?
Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they are able to become economically established in Canada by virtue of their particular skills or expertise.
To qualify as a "Skilled Worker," applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum selection criteria requirements, and that they have the necessary funds required for settlement in Canada. The potential immigrants in this category must earn enough points under the six established selection factors (set out below) and pass medical and security checks.
Funds for Settlement
The government of Canada requires applicants in this category to establish that they have enough funds to support their family for six months after arrival in Canada. These funds cannot be borrowed from another person.
An applicant must provide proof of funds upon submission of his/her application for immigration. The amount of money that need be proven is determined by the size of the applicant’s family. For example, an applicant who has a family of four must demonstrate that he/she has $17,286.
|
Number of |
Funds required |
|
1 |
$9,186 |
|
2 |
$11,482 |
|
3 |
$14,280 |
|
4 |
$17,286 |
|
5 |
$19,323 |
|
6 |
$21,360 |
|
7 or more |
$23,397 |
An applicant need not show that he/she has these funds if the applicant has already arranged for employment in Canada.
The Selection Criteria
Currently, in order to qualify as a skilled worker, an applicant must receive a total of 75 points allocated under six selection factors which are used as a measure of determining the likelihood of the applicant's establishment and adaptation to Canadian society. These factors are applicable to all potential immigrants applying in the Skilled Worker category. They are: (1) Education; (2) Knowledge of Official Languages; (3) Experience; (4) Age; (5) Arranged Employment in Canada, and; (6) Adaptability.
As a general rule, the higher an applicant's education, the more points he/she will receive under the first of the six selection criteria. In much the same way, the more proficient one is in Canada's official languages, the better.
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Application Assessment Process
Once the applicant has received notice that the Visa Office has received a completed application, a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will evaluate the application based upon the above criteria and the applicant’s ability to meet the required funds.
A successful Skilled Worker applicant will be given a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Maple Leaf Cards
By December 31, 2003, all permanent residents of Canada who are not yet citizens of Canada will have to obtain, if they have not done so already, the new identity cards which are going to replace the present long form landed immigrant documents, which are typically attached to the permanent resident’s passport. After December 31, 2003, a permanent resident will not be able to enter Canada without this card.
View the timeline for when existing permanent residents of Canada who are not yet citizens of Canada should apply for these cards.
