Point System

Federal Skilled Worker Point System

Canada uses a point based system to assess skilled workers. The point system was designed to improve consistency and fairness by reducing discretion and the potential for discrimination in selecting immigrants. Under the point system immigration officers assign points up to a fixed maximum in each several categories. The minister has the authority to set the passing mark. Therefore, the minister can make changes to the passing mark based on changes in the Canadian economic and social landscape.

The point system changes affect the weight and number of points in the selection factor:

• Giving higher priority to younger workers by changing the point for age

• Placing more emphasis on fluency in official languages by establishing new minimum official language proficiency thresholds and increasing points for language

• Increasing points for Canadian work experience and reducing points for foreign work experience

• Simplifying the process for those who have arranged employment

• Awarding points for an applicant whose spouse has fluency in official languages and Canadian experience

In addition to meeting the requirements, the principal applicant must achieve a passing score on the selection grid

The passing mark is the minimum required total out of 100 points. The current pass mark is 67 points out of 100.

Federal skilled workers are assessed according to six selection factors

• Education

• Language proficiency in English or French

• Experience

• Age

• Arranged employment

• Adaptability

Points are allocated to the principal applicant with a view to select applicants who posses attributes that will lead to their becoming economically established.

A visa officer awards points for education to a maximum of 25 based on the number of years of completed full time studies and then second on the applicant’s educational credentials.

All applicants are required to submit a language proficiency test even if they are from English or French speaking country. The maximum number of points awarded for language are 28.

The visa officer awards points based on the principal applicant’s full time paid work experience that occurred within the past ten years of the date of application. The maximum points for experience awarded by an officer are 15.

The visa officer may award 10 points to the principal applicant if he/she has an approved offer of employment. The applicant must provide proof of job offer.

The visa officer awards points based on the age of the principal applicant. The maximum points that can be awarded for age are 12.

If the principal applicant is immigrating to Canada with a spouse then the partner can also earn points for adaptability. The maximum number of points that can be awarded for this are 10.

It is recommended for those looking to apply under the federal skilled workers class to first use a self assessment tool available on CIC to calculate the total point that can be awarded to them.

As you know, with the Express Entry things have changed a lot. So, ensure you read our articles on the Comprehensive Ranking System as well.

For further information on point system and the points associated with each category, don’t hesitate to contact us at Akrami & Associates.