Information about CANADA Federal Skilled Worker

Applying as a federal skilled worker

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), “Skilled workers are people who are selected as permanent residents based on their ability to become economically established in Canada”. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is an entry scheme for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.

Do I qualify as a federal skilled worker?

Step one

CIC examines certain basic criteria to determine an applicant’s eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. At the very least, you must:

• Have an offer of arranged employment, or
• Have been living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary worker or an international student, or
• Be a skilled worker who has at least one year of experience in one of the occupations in extreme demand in Canada

Step two

• 0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
• 0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
• 1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
• 1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
• 2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
• 2151 Architects
• 3111 Specialist Physicians
• 3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
• 3113 Dentists
• 3131 Pharmacists
• 3142 Physiotherapists
• 3152 Registered Nurses
• 3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
• 3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
• 3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
• 4151 Psychologists
• 4152 Social Workers
• 6241 Chefs
• 6242 Cooks
• 7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
• 7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
• 7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
• 7242 Industrial Electricians
• 7251 Plumbers
• 7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
• 7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
• 7371 Crane Operators
• 7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
• 8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

NOTE: the occupations above are all Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification list.

If at this stage your application is deemed eligible for processing, to qualify as a skilled worker, you must also:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment,and
• Your work experience must be Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification list, and
• You must have had this experience within the last 10 years

Step three

It is at this stage that those who have met the above minimum requirements are assessed according to six key selection factors. Currently, applicants need to score at least 67 out of 100 points to pass, though this pass mark is subject to change at any time and should be verified with CIC.

A free online self-assessment test is available through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It can help you to easily determine whether or not you can meet the pass mark.

Points are awarded according to six selection factors:

Category	Maximum points granted	Detail
Education	25	A high school diploma will earn just five points, but a basic university degree commands 20. To achieve maximum points in this category, you must have a Master’s degree or PhD, with a minimum 17 years of completed study.
Knowledge of English and/or French	24	Fluency in English or French achieves 16 points, while fluency in both gains the maximum allowable 24 points in this category. Note that you may be required to take a language proficiency test.
Work experience	21	Points in this category are allocated per number of years of work experience an applicant has. To earn the full 21 points, you must have at least four years of experience in the occupation listed on your application.
Age	10	Priority and maximum points are given to applicants between the ages of 21 and 49 years.
Arranged employment in Canada	10	If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer or are on a temporary work visa and hold a job in Canada, you will receive maximum points in this category.
Adaptability	10	CIC wants migrants with the best chances of settling well. If you have lived or studied in Canada previously, have arranged employment or family in Canada, you are likely to receive additional points in this category.

Meeting the financial criteria

You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada if you do not have pre-arranged employment.

You will be asked to provide proof of your funds to the Canadian visa office in your home country when you submit your application for immigration. The amount of money you need to support your family (sufficient funds) is determined by the size of your family. Sufficient funds amounts are updated yearly.

Number of family members	Funds required  (in Canadian dollars)
One	$10,833
Two	$13,486
Three	$16,580
Four	$20,130
Five	$22,831
Six	$25,749
Seven +	$28,668

How to apply

Start by downloading the skilled worker application package. Then, take advantage of the simplified application process for skilled workers.

What happens next?

Applications are processed on a first come first served basis. Steps one and two are completed at the Sydney Case Processing Center in Canada. Applications are then sent to local visa offices.

Initially, CIC determines whether your application is complete and that fees have been paid. Afterward, your eligibility is assessed, and you will receive a confirmation letter, including a reference number, instructing you to send a copy of your application to the relevant Canadian visa office within 120 days.

After your application has been submitted, you can check its status and review processing times on the CIC website.

Your application will be assessed according to the points scale at this stage. If you pass, you will be asked to undergo a full criminal and medical assessment.

CANADA Federal Skilled Worker - Selection Criteria

Federal Skilled Worker - Selection Criteria

Skilled workers and professionals: Self-assessment test Who should take the test? You should take this test to help you decide if you want to apply to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you both should take the test to see who scores the most points. The person with the most selection points should apply as the principal applicant. The self-assessment test will help you determine if you would earn enough points in the six selection factors to qualify as a skilled worker immigrant. Note: you must meet the minimum requirements for your application to be eligible for processing. Use CIC eligibility tool to see if you would meet the minimum requirements. This test is only for guidance. A Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will make a decision about your application based on the information you provide. The information from the test is for your use only. Pass mark The current pass mark is 67. The pass mark could change. You should check for updated information on a regular basis. Skilled Worker Self-Assessment Factor 1 – Education (maximum 25 points) Indicate your highest level of education Number of points Did not complete secondary school (also called high school 0 points Obtained a secondary school credential 5 points Obtained a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and completed at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 12 points Obtained a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and completed at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 15 points Obtained a one-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 15 points Obtained a two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and completed at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 20 points Obtained a university degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 20 points Obtained a three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship (other than university) and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 22 points Obtained two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 22 points Obtained a master’s or Ph.D. and completed at least 17 years of full-time education or full-time equivalent studies 25 points Factor 2 – English and French language ability (maximum 24 points) To assess your English and French ability, first decide which language you are most comfortable with. This language is your first official language. The language you feel less comfortable communicating in is your second official language. Determine your language ability, then award points according to your ability to read, write, listen to and speak English and French. Check the areas that reflect your ability to read, write, listen to and speak English and French. First Canadian Official Language (either English or French) Read Write Speak Listen High Proficiency (Maximum of sixteen (16) points) 4 points 4 points 4 points 4 points Moderate Proficiency (Maximum of eight (8) points) 2 points 2 points 2 points 2 points Basic Proficiency (Maximum of two (2) points) 1 point 1 point 1 point 1 point No Proficiency (No points) 0 points 0 points 0 points 0 points Second Canadian Official Language (either English or French) Read Write Speak Listen High Proficiency (Maximum of eight (8) points) 2 points 2 points 2 points 2 points Moderate Proficiency (Maximum of eight (8) points) 2 points 2 points 2 points 2 points Basic Proficiency (Maximum of two (2) points) 1 point 1 point 1 point 1 point No Proficiency (No points) 0 points 0 points 0 points 0 points Factor 3 – Work Experience (maximum 21 points) You must have at least one year of full-time paid work experience (37.5 hours per week), or the equivalent in part-time work. p>You will earn points for the number of years you have spent in full-time (37.5 hours per week, or the equivalent in part-time), paid work. This experience must: be in an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) list and be listed in an occupation listed in Skill Type 0 or Skill Levels A or B of the NOC and have occurred in the past 10 years. You must have performed most of the duties, including all the essential duties, that are listed for the occupation. If the initial description and list of main duties match what you did at your last job(s), you can use this experience to earn points under the selection factors when you apply as a skilled worker. Use the chart below to calculate the number of points based on your number of years of experience. PLEASE NOTE: You must meet all of the above criteria, or your application will not be accepted. To determine your points, first assess your work experience, and then complete the following: Your Work Experience is … Less than 1 year 0 points More than 1 year but less than 2 years 15 points More than 2 years but less than 3 years 17 points More than 3 years but less than 4 years 19 points 4 or more years 21 points Factor 4 – Age (maximum 10 points) Points are given for your age at the time your application is received. Please Enter Your Age in Years less than 17 - 0 points 20 - 8 points 52 - 4 points 17 - 2 points 21 - 49 - 10 points 53 - 2 points 18 - 4 points 50 - 8 points Over 53 - 0 points 19 - 6 points 51 - 6 points Factor 5 – Arranged Employment (maximum 10 points) To obtain points for this factor, you must have a permanent job offer in Canada, be capable of carrying out the work, and likely to accept the job. The job offer must be in an occupation listed in Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification. One of the following situations must also apply. You are working in Canada on a temporary work permit and your temporary work permit was issued after receipt of a positive labour market opinion of your job offer from Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC); you are currently working in that job; the work permit was valid at the time you made your permanent resident visa application and at the time the visa, if any, is issued; and your employer made an offer to employ you on an indeterminate basis once the permanent resident visa is issued. OR You are working in Canada on a temporary work permit and your temporary work permit was exempted from the requirement of obtaining a labour market opinion of your job offer from HRSDC on the basis of an international agreement (e.g., NAFTA or GATS), a significant benefit to Canada (e.g., intra-company transfer) or public policy on Canada’s academic or economic competitiveness (e.g., post-graduate work); you are currently working in that job; the work permit was valid at the time you made your permanent resident visa application and at the time the visa, if any, is issued; and your employer made an offer to employ you on an indeterminate basis once the permanent resident visa is issued. OR You are working in Canada on a temporary work permit and the circumstances described in 1 and 2 above do not apply to you; your employer has made an offer to employ you on an indeterminate basis once the permanent resident visa is issued; and your permanent job offer has received a positive labour market opinion from HRSDC. You cannot apply to HRSDC for a labour market opinion yourself. Your employer must apply for you. OR You do not intend to work in Canada before being issued a permanent resident visa, you do not hold a temporary work permit, and the employer has made an offer to employ you on an indeterminate basis once the permanent resident visa is issued; and your permanent job offer has received a positive labour market opinion from HRSDC. You cannot apply to HRSDC for a labour market opinion yourself. Your potential employer must apply for you. you meet the Canadian licensing or regulatory requirements for the job. No Arranged Employment 0 points Arranged Employment 10 - points Factor 6 – Adaptability (maximum 10 points) You can receive a maximum of 10 points based on any combination of the elements listed below: 1. Accompanying Spouse / Common-Law Partner’s Education: Secondary school diploma or less 0 points A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and completed at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 3 points A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship or university degree at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 3 points A two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship or university degree at the bachelor&# 8217;s level and completed at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 4 points A three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship (not university) and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 4 points Two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and completed at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 4 points A master’s or Ph.D. and completed at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies 5 points Not Applicable 0 points 2. Principal Applicant or Spouse / Common-Law Partner has studied in Canada No, or has less than two years post-secondary education in Canada 0 points Completed at least two years of post-secondary education in Canada since the age of 17 5 points 3. Principal Applicant or Spouse / Common-Law Partner has worked in Canada No, or has worked full-time in Canada for less than one year 0 points Worked full-time in Canada for at least one year 5 points 4. Principal Applicant has obtained points under Factor 5, Arranged Employment You are not eligible to claim points on this question as you do not have arranged employment under Factor 5. 5. Principal Applicant or Spouse / Common-Law Partner has family in Canada No family in Canada 0 points Family in Canada (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother, niece, nephew, child or grandchild, spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada) 5 points

Information for International Nurses Applicants about nursing in CANADA

Where can I find out how to obtain a visa to work as a nurse in Canada?
Contact the Canadian Consulate nearest you for information regarding immigration or visas. It is very likely that an offer of employment will be required.
Where do nurses work in Canada?
Canada has had a publicly funded system of hospital and medical care since 1968. The majority of nurses work within the publicly funded sector of health care, a minority work in the private sector and a small number of nurses are self-employed.
Because health is a provincial jurisdictional area, the health care delivery system is not centralized and there is no one place where nurses can apply for work. They must apply directly to individual employers. The Canadian Healthcare Association publishes a large directory that lists and gives addresses for hospitals, health centres, nursing homes, health associations and health education programs. This directory may be available through a public library or Canadian Consulate.
What are the employment prospects in Canada?
The nursing employment situation in Canada is improving after several years of health care restructuring and hospital downsizing. Nurses with skills and experience in specialty areas (e.g., emergency, critical care and operating room) and those willing to work in smaller communities or isolated communities are in the most demand. The Canadian Nurses Association is predicting a continued shortage of nurses for the future.
Where can I obtain information about becoming licensed to practise nursing in Canada?
Unlike many other countries the registration of nurses does not occur at the national level. In order to practise nursing you must be licensed or registered in the province or territory in which you will work. You can request application forms from your provincial or territorial regulatory body.
Will I need to write an examination to become licensed to practise in Canada?
Canadian provinces and territories, with the exception of Québec, require that you write the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination as part of the registration or licensure process. At present, this examination can only be written in Canada on the recommendation of a provincial or territorial nurses association. The Canadian Nurses Association publishes CNA’s Canadian Registered Nurse Examination Prep Guide will help you prepare for the exam. Québec nurses have their own exam.
For further information, contact Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec.
What languages do I need to know in order to become a registered nurse?
You require language proficiency to become registered or licensed in Canada. Bilingualism (French and English) is an asset. Candidates must have knowledge of French to practise in Québec. In New Brunswick, Manitoba and Ontario, candidates must be proficient in either French or English. Employment and nursing education programs for unilingual French speaking nurses are available in Québec and in certain areas in New Brunswick, Manitoba and Ontario. In these provinces the Canadian RN exam may be written in either French or English. In the other provinces and territories require proficiency in English .
Can I work as a psychiatric/mental health nurse?
In Canada, registered nurses provide psychiatric/mental health services in a variety of settings. These nurses often have post-basic education and may also hold Canadian Nurses Association's specialty certification in psychiatric/mental health nursing. Registered mental health nurses from other countries may not have the broad education required for licensure as a registered nurse in Canada.
LIST OF COLLEGES OF REGISTERED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES

The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of British Columbia 307-2502 St.Johns St. Port Moody, B.C. V3H 2B4 Tel: (604) 931-5200 Tool Free: 1-800-565-2505 Fax: (604) 931-5277 Web site: www.crpnbc.ca Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Alberta #201, 9711 - 45 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5V8 Tel: (780) 434-7666 Toll Free: 1-877-234-7666 Fax: (780) 436-4165 Web site: www.rpnaa.ab.ca

College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba 1854 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 0G9 Tel: (204) 888-4841 Fax: (204) 888-8638 E-mail: crpnm@crpnm.mb.ca Website: www.crpnm.mb.ca Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan 2055 Lorne Street Regina, SK S4P2M4 Tel: (306)586-4617 Fax: (306) 586-6000 Web site: www.rpnas.com

Canadian nursing education takes place at the post-secondary level. The nursing programs include classroom theory and supervised practice for nursing roles and responsibilities including: disease prevention and health promotion; the nursing care of sick children, adults and the elderly; mental health and psychiatric nursing; and maternal-child (or obstetrical) nursing. The programs also include general arts and science courses. Read more about nursing education programs in Canada.
Can I practise midwifery?
Midwifery is a recognized profession in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec and Nova Scotia. For further information, please refer to the Canadian Association of Midwives.
For prior learning assessment, please consult your provincial or territorial regulator.
Related Links:

• Registering and Licensing Authorities in Canada
  
• The Canadian RN Prep Guide
  
• NursingCareersCanada.ca