Canada Immigration Requirements

There are two main paths to Canada. One way is to obtain a permanent residence visa. The other way is to come to Canada on a temporary work permit. There are a few differences in practice between permanent residency and citizenship in Canada. The first is that as a permanent resident you may not vote in elections. The second is that while citizenship is a right that may not be taken away, as a permanent resident you may be deported if you commit a serious crime. The selection factors that make up the assessment are

Education (maximum 25 points)

Ranges from 5 points for completing high school to 25 points for completing a master’s or Ph.D.

The system also gives credit for trade certificates or apprenticeship programs.

Language Skills (maximum 24 points)

Canada uses both English and French as official languages, and you may receive credit for proficiency in either one or both.

Experience (maximum 21 points)

Full points for four or more years of experience at an appropriate level.

Age (maximum 10 points)

Full points for being between the ages of 21-49.

Arranged Employment (maximum 10 points)

If you hold a permanent job offer from a Canadian employer or are applying from within Canada and hold a temporary work permit you may receive credit for your Canadian employment.

Adaptability (maximum 10 points)

This category brings in a number of factors related to an applicant’s ability to adapt to living in Canada, including previous experience working or studying in Canada, or having family in Canada.

 Training (maximum 29 points): 

Points are awarded separately for both education and job-related training.

Additional points are awarded for having more than one area of specialty.

Validated Employment Offer (maximum 10 points)

Points are awarded for having a job offer from an employer in Quebec, with greater points awarded for a job outside of the area of Montreal.

Experience (maximum 9 points)

Full points are awarded for four or more years of experience at the appropriate skill level according to the NOC.

Age (maximum 18 points)

Full points are awarded for being between the ages of 18-35.

Language Proficiency (maximum 22 points)

French is the official language of the Province of Quebec. The Quebec selection criteria place value on oral language abilities rather than written comprehension. Up to 16 points are available for oral interaction in French, with an additional 6 available for oral interaction in English.

Stay and Family in Quebec (maximum 9 points)

Having previously spent time living, working, or studying in Quebec, as well as having family in the province will help a prospective immigrant establish themselves more easily. Points are awarded for both of these areas.

Spouse’s Characteristics (maximum 18 points)

If an applicant is accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner, points may be awarded for the spouse’s education, training, work experience, age, and language.

Children (maximum 8 points)

Up to the maximum, 4 points are awarded for each child under 12 years of age, and 2 points for each child between 13 and 21.

Financial Self-Sufficiency (1 point)

One point is awarded for having sufficient funds for financial self-sufficiency upon arrival. However, without satisfying this requirement the application is automatically refused.

Adaptability (maximum 8 points)

This category uses an overall assessment of the applicant’s ability to adapt to life in Quebec.

Satisfying these requirements will lead to the issue of a Quebec Selection Certificate, which is recognized by CIC for immigration to Quebec. The applicant must still pass a security clearance and medical examination. For More