Economic Class (Skilled Workers, Professionals)

Permanent residents admitted to Canada under the Economic Class are selected for their skills and ability to contribute to Canada's economy. Canada values skilled immigrants who can effectively compete and succeed in the country's knowledge-based economy. Foreign nationals who are skilled workers are chosen for their ability to become successfully established in Canada. The regulations under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act stress education, language ability and skilled work experience rather than experience in a specific occupation.

Skilled workers are people whose education and work experience will help them find work and make a home for themselves as Permanent Residents in Canada. Skilled workers are people who may become Permanent Residents because they are able to become economically established in Canada.

To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, applicants must

• meet the minimum work experience requirements.
• prove that they have the funds required for settlement. You must have enough money to support your family for six months after you arrive in Canada.
• Language Skills::Language skills are an important factor in the selection process. Points are given for your ability in one or both of Canada's official languages, English and French.
• earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.

Skilled workers are assessed according to a selection grid (point system)

1. Factor One: Education
2. Factor Two: Official Languages
3. Factor Three: Experience
4. Factor Four: Age
5. Factor Five: Arranged Employment
6. Factor Six: Adaptability

Permanent Resident Card

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act provides for the introduction of a Permanent Resident Card to make it easier for permanent residents to re-enter Canada after travelling abroad

. As of June 28, 2002, all new permanent residents will receive Permanent Resident Cards. Existing permanent residents may apply for the card after October 15, 2002. Effective January 2004, permanent residents travelling outside Canada will need it for status identification in order to return to Canada.

The card is revoked if it is lost or stolen, if the permanent resident becomes a Canadian citizen, or if the person loses permanent resident status. If the card is lost, permanent residents may apply for a travel document in order to return to Canada, but they must satisfy an officer that they meet the residency requirements.

Selection criteria for skilled workers

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations establish a new selection grid for skilled workers. Applicants are assessed on a variety of selection criteria which evaluate their ability to adapt to the Canadian economy

Please note:
If you applied before January 1, 2002 and have not received a selection decision by March 31, 2003, your application will be evaluated under the new criteria with a pass mark of 70.

If you applied on or after January 1, 2002 and did not receive a selection decision by June 28, 2002 when the new rules came into effect, your application will be evaluated under the new criteria with a pass mark of 75.