Skilled Workers in Canada

In March 2010, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney made the first indication of upcoming changes to the Federal Skilled Worker priority occupation list.  The ministry’s “research shows it is time to revise [the list of priority occupations] to make sure they continue to meet their goals.”

Currently there are 38 occupations that are “fast tracked” through the immigration process, granting international skilled workers permanent resident status in less than one year without a job offer.  These occupations range from Nurses, Electricians, Construction Managers and Accountants.  For a complete list of all 38 occupations please visit our Skilled Worker page.

What does this mean for you as a Foreign Worker?

As an international skilled worker, it means that if you currently qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker, and want to move to Canada you should apply as soon as possible before any changes are made.  The minister hints that there may be significant changes to the fast tracked occupations and the process for applying stating “When these conditions change, the instructions are meant to change too”.  They may significantly change the priority occupations or the entire application process, as they did in 2008. 

What does this mean for you as an employer?

Let Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) know what occupations you are having trouble filling with educated and experience Canadian workers.  Minister Kenney has requested the public’s input on “worker shortages in trades and professions across Canada.”  They are looking at all occupations across Canada to determine where there is the most demand and how they can update the list of 38 priority positions to benefit Canada’s economy.  To give your opinion on where the labour market is seeing the highest demand for specific skills, visit the CIC web site.

The current fast tracked occupations allow for a foreign worker to receive permanent resident status in less than 1 year.  This means that there is no further paper work, Labour Market Opinions or temporary permits required once the permanent resident application is approved.  It considerably decreases the amount of paperwork and effort required to continue to employ the most talented workers.

The Current Federal Skilled Worker Process:

Right now, skilled workers who have a minimum of one year of experience in an occupation listed in one of the 38 positions may qualify to apply for permanent resident status if they meet a minimum number of points.

67 points are required to qualify and the points are calculated based on age, number of years of experience, education, ability to speak French and or English, and family relationships in Canada.  Additional points are awarded if the candidate has received an approved job offer, otherwise known as an Arranged Employment Offer (AEO).

To find out if you currently qualify to permanently immigrate to Canada with your family as a Federal Skilled Worker please visit our Assessment Page to complete the questions and our Red Seal Immigration staff will be in contact with you to discuss your options.

If you are an employer interested in information about hiring international workers, please visit our Contact Us page, or send an email to info@redsealimmigration.com. 

By Ruth Mitchell Eden
Immigration Consultant, B.Comm, CCIC
Red Seal Immigration Ltd.