Polarim: Canada, Canada Immigration.

Applying as an Independent Immigrant

Most independent immigrants are skilled workers, who are expected to have the skills, education, work experience, language ability and other qualities needed to participate in the Canadian labour market. The selection criteria, known as the "point" system, focus on occupation, education and training, experience, age, and knowledge of English and/or French. Bonus points are given if relatives in Canada are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The visa officer will give points for personal suitability.

Immigrants to Quebec must meet selection criteria set by that province. For more information, please see the web site for Quebec immigration. The federal government is still responsible for medical examinations and background checks.

How do I know if I might qualify?

Skilled workers must obtain a minimum of 67 points. The preliminary form allows us to access your case. This is free and comes to you with no obligation.

Here are the factors assessed and the maximum points for each

Selection Criteria

Factor One: Education	Maximum 25
You have a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.	25
You have two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.	22
You have a three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study	22
You have a university degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.	20
You have a two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.	20
You have a one-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.	15
You have a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.	15
You have a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study	12
You completed high school.	5

Factor Two: Official Languages	Maximum 24
1st Official Language
High proficiency (per ability)	4
Moderate proficiency (per ability)	2
Basic proficiency (per ability)	1 to maximum of 2
No proficiency	0
Possible maximum (all 4 abilities)	16
2nd Official Language
High proficiency (per ability)	2
Moderate proficiency (per ability)	2
Basic proficiency (per ability)	1 to maximum of 2
No proficiency	0
Possible maximum (all 4 abilities)	8

Factor Three: Experience	Maximum 21
1 year	15
2 year	17
3 year	19
4 year	21

Factor Four: Age	Maximum 10
21 to 49 years at time of application	10
Less 2 points for each year over 49 or under 21

Factor Five: Arranged Employment In Canada	Maximum 10
You have a Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) confirmed offer of permanent employment.	10
You are applying from within Canada and have a temporary work permit that is:
HRDC confirmed, including sectoral confirmations; or	10
HRDC confirmation exempt under NAFTA, GATS, CCFTA, or significant economic benefit (i.e. intra-company transferee.)	10

Factor Six: Adaptability	Maximum 10
Spouse’s or common-law partner’s education	3-7
Minimum one year full-time authorized work in Canada	5
Minimum two years full-time authorized post-secondary study in Canada	5
Have received points under the Arranged Employment in Canada factor	5
Family relationship in Canada	5

Total	Maximum 100
Pass Mark	67

What occupations are in demand?

There are over 1000 occupations which are in demand in Canada. If you qualify for immigration in the independent category.

Some professions such as engineers or physiotherapists require applicants to meet standards set by a professional body or association, which may be different in each province of Canada. Check to see if this applies to your profession and which association you should contact. For example, an engineer should contact the Canadian Council for Professional Engineers for an evaluation of qualifications.

Will I need an interview?

In most cases you will be asked to attend an interview, where a visa officer will evaluate your qualifications, language ability, personal suitability and so on. In some cases, applications may be accepted, or refused, without an interview.

How much money will I need to go to Canada?

The Canadian government does not provide financial assistance to independent immigrants, who are expected to be self-supporting. You may not find a job quickly and will need to take enough funds to settle in Canada and support yourself and your family. You will be asked to show that you have transferable funds of at least $10,000 (Canadian) for yourself plus $2,000 for each dependent.

Canadian Government fees for processing!

Polar Professional Fees!