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Changes Coming to Federal Skilled Workers and Canadian Experience Class
In January 2013, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will implement changes to the Federal Skilled Workers Program and Canadian Experience Class, as well as add a new stream called Federal Skilled Trades Class. Here is a summary of the expected changes:
Federal Skilled Workers Program
Changes to Point System: The six selection factors and minimum required points (67/100) will remain the same, but the number of points given and how they are given will change.
Factor 1: Language Requirements – Maximum 24 Points
The Language levels are set using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveau de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC). There will be a new minimum mandatory of CLB/NCLC 7, which is considered an “adequate intermediate proficiency.” Applicants must obtain a minimum of 7 CLB/NCLC in all four language abilities (speaking, oral comprehension, reading and writing) for the first official language. To get points for the second official language, applicants must receive a minimum of 5 CLB/NCLC in all four abilities. The Minister has the discretion to reduce or increase this minimum mandatory level.
1st Official Language |
Points |
Minimum CLB/NCLC |
High |
6 points per ability |
9 |
Moderate |
5 points per ability |
8 |
Basic |
4 points per ability |
7 |
2nd Official Language |
Maximum 4 points |
5 |
Factor 2: Education – Maximum 25 points
Education |
Points |
Doctoral |
25 |
Masters or Professional Degree |
23 |
Two or more post-secondary credentials (one of which is a 3-year or longer credential) |
22 |
3-year or longer post-secondary credential |
21 |
2 –year post-secondary credential |
19 |
1-year post-secondary credential |
14 |
Secondary School |
5 |
Factor 3: Age – Maximum 12 points
Age |
Points |
18 to 35 years |
12 |
36 years |
11 |
37 years |
10 |
Over 37 years |
Less one point per year |
46 years |
1 |
47 years or over |
0 |
Factor 4: Work Experience – Maximum 15 points
Work Experience |
Points |
1 year |
9 |
2 to 3 years |
11 |
4 to 5 years |
13 |
6 plus years |
15 |
Factor 5: Arrange Employment – Total 10 points
To receive 10 points for arranged employment, applicants must have a indeterminate job offer and a Labour Market Opinion (unless exempt from needing a Labour Market Opinion).
Factor 6: Adaptability – Maximum 10 points
Adaptability |
Points |
Applicant’s previous skilled work in Canada for minimum 1 year |
10 |
Applicant’s previous study in Canada |
5 |
Accompanying Spouse/Partner’s previous study in Canada |
5 |
Accompanying Spouse/Partner’s previous work in Canada |
5 |
Arranged Employment |
5 |
Relative in Canada (18 years or over) |
5 |
Accompanying Spouse/Partner’s official language (CLB/NCLC 4) |
5 |
Federal Skilled Trades Class
Federal Skilled Trades Class will be available to specific trades people that fall under the National Occupation Classification List (NOC) skilled level B. Trades will include industrial, electrical and construction; maintenance and equipment operation; supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production; processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators; and chefs, cooks, bakers and butchers.
Requirements:
- Applicant is either working in Canada OR has up to 2 valid job offers, OR has a certificate of qualification from a Canadian trades authority
- Meets the minimum language level requirements
- Has 24 months of work experience in the same occupation in the last 5 years
- Has the qualifications to satisify the employment requirements set out by the NOC trade description and requirements
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian work experience requirement will be reduced from 24 months to 12 months for Skilled Workers that have experience in NOC 0,A or B. Skilled workers that have gained 12 months of skilled work experience in the 36 months prior to submitting their application can apply.
A minimum language requirement will remain, and will be set at CLB/NCLC 7 for NOC 0, A and CLB/NCLC 5 in each ability for NOC B applicants.
For more information, visit: Canada Gazette