::Frequently Asked Questions - Skilled Worker::

2.1. What is the definition of a skilled worker in Canada?
2.2. What are the required funds to establish in Canada?
2.3. Do I have to find a job before applying for a permanent resident visa to Canada?
2.4. Can I qualify even if I score lower than 67 points?
2.5. If I have relatives residing in Canada, will this benefit my application?
2.6. Does the Canadian immigration authorites consider part time working experience?
2.7. Can I apply in any occupation?
2.8. Can I apply in an occupation not related to my education?
2.9. Do I need professional experience to qualify?
2.10. Is credit given for experience gained during post-secondary studies?

2.1. What is the definition of a skilled worker in Canada?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) defines skilled workers as "people whose education and work experience will help them find work and make a home for themselves as permanent residents in Canada".

2.2. What are the required funds to establish in Canada?

Skilled Worker applicants will generally be required to prove that they have settlement funds sufficient for themselves and any accompanying dependents for an estimated period of six months. These funds cannot be borrowed from another person. The amount of money or liquidable assets you require is determined by the size of your family.

Please find below the table used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to determine if you have enough money or liquidable assets to support yourself and your family upon your arrival to Canada:

You do not have to provide proof of these funds if you have arranged employment in Canada. Please note that these figures do not apply to applicants whose destination is to the Province of Quebec.

2.3. Do I have to find a job before applying for a permanent resident visa to Canada?

You are not required to obtain an offer of an employment to qualify as a Skilled Worker.

2.4. Can I qualify even if I score lower than 67 points?

Yes, you could qualify. However, you are less likely. Under the new Regulations which came to effect on June 28, 2002, applicants who fail to score the minimum points required, may still be approved on the basis of "Positive Discretion". This means that visa officers have the power to approve applicants with less points than the Pass Mark, if there are good reasons to believe they will be able to successfully establish themselves in Canada. The same guidelines apply for applicants who make the minimum score. Visa Officers may refuse such applicants if they feel that they are not suitable and will not successfully establish themselves in Canada (despite achieving the required pass mark).

2.5. If I have relatives residing in Canada, will this benefit my application?

Skilled Worker applicants will be awarded five bonus points they have an uncle, aunt, brother, sister, parents, nephew or niece which is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, aged 19 or over and residing in Canada permanently.

2.6. Does the Canadian immigration authorites consider part time working experience?

Part-time work experience is acceptable. It is assessed in proportion to a standard full-time working week. For example, a two-year part-time position requiring approximately 20 hours of work each week, will be counted as one year of full-time experience.

2.7. Can I apply in any occupation?

An applicant can apply in an occupation that is in the category of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC). If applicant's occupation is not in the List, the application will be refused.

2.8. Can I apply in an occupation not related to my education?

Yes, you can apply in an occupation not related to your education if you have experience in the occupation and it's in the category of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B on the NOC.

2.9. Do I need professional experience to qualify?

Applicant must have at least one year experience in an occupation as listed above to apply (6 months for applicants destined to Quebec or Manitoba). If they do not, the application will be refused, there will no further consideration. The experience must be obtained at any time within last 10 years preceding the application.

2.10. Is credit given for experience gained during post-secondary studies?

Yes, as long as the experience gained at that time is consistent with the definition of an occupation appearing on the General Occupations List, it can be counted in the assessment of work experience.