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Changes Coming to Federal Skilled Workers and Canadian Experience Class

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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.

1^st Official Language	Points	Minimum CLB/NCLC
High	6 points per ability	9
Moderate	5 points per ability	8
Basic	4 points per ability	7
2^nd 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

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