As the name implies, the Federal Skilled worker category covers applicants with either university education (professionals) and technically qualified people (trades people), who have demonstrated skills or experience in their respective profession or occupation and have the ability to independently adapt to Canadian workforce. Both self-employed and the employed persons can apply as Skilled worker, provided they satisfy the occupational requirements.

The selection is based on a combination of Selection factors and a Point system. The applicants are assessed on 6 factors like Age, education, length of experience, proficiency in Official languages (English/ French), Arranged Employment and Adaptability. Based on the individual situation, points are awarded for each of these factors, as per the Points system. An applicant with a total score more than the Pass mark can apply.

Additional points are awarded for 'Arranged employment' i.e. a job offer from a qualified Canadian employer

The Pass mark is re-set by the department from time to time. The current pass mark is 67, out of a possible maximum of 100 points.

The Selection factors are as follows:

A few salient features of Point system are discussed below:

• The maximum score for the Age factor is for ages 21-49 years.
• For education, Points are awarded for both completed education and no. of years of study. Part-time or Correspondence study may also qualify.
• Work Experience in an Occupation on the Positive List in the last 10 years is considered. So, if your occupation is not on the list, you may find it difficult to qualify.
• The Language points are based on either of the 2 Official languages of Canada, English & French. These are based on score in an approved Language test. IELTS and CELPIP are approved for English, whereas TEF is approved for French. Maximum possible score in the first language is 16 and in second language is 8.
• Arranged Employment: Additional points are awarded for ‘Arranged employment’ i.e. a job offer from a Canadian employer, ‘confirmed’ by Service Canada (previously Human Resources & Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)).
• Adaptability: Points are awarded for Close relatives who are Canadian citizens/ Permanent Residents, for educational credentials of spouse, for previous study or work in Canada, and Arranged employment.

Amendments introduced in November, 2008 limit the applications that may be accepted by the immigration department for processing under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, even though they may score the required points. These are:

1. Applicants who have experience in one of the 38 occupations included in the Ministerial instructions;
2. Applicants with an Arranged Employment Opinion;
3. Applicants who are in Canada as Temporary Foreign worker or International Student for at least 1 year.

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