Immigration to Canada - Pass Mark Areas

In this article, I will explain the different areas of the Canadian Immigration Skilled Worker Pass Mark.

Education One of the goals of the Canadian immigration system is to attract skilled workers to their country. Skilled workers usually have more than a high school diploma, so the Pass-Mark system rewards higher point totals for advanced studies. However, you don't need a master's degree or above to get a high score in this area. In fact, you'll also get points if you've earned a bachelor's degree, completed an apprenticeship, or attended a trade/vocational school.

Language Canada, unlike the United States, has an official language. In fact, it has two: English and French. For this reason, the country looks for immigrants who know at least one of those languages. Additionally, a permanent resident who can easily communicate has a better chance of being successful than one who does not. Language ability is measured according to your proficiency in four separate areas: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Your abilities in each of those four are ranked as high proficiency, moderate proficiency, basic proficiency, or no proficiency. You'll also receive additional points if you know BOTH English and French to some degree.

Work Experience Again, Canada wants people who are ready to enter the Canadian job market and who have skills that will be useful to employers. This requires experience. Points are awarded based on how much experience you have in your specific field. To receive the maximum number of points, you need more than four years of experience.

Age/Arranged Employment/Adaptability These three areas don't provide many additional points, but they can be important if you are lacking in one area. All three are used to determine how likely you are to fit in once you move to Canada. Age is a factor because individuals who are younger than 17 or older than 53 may have trouble finding employment and fitting into Canadian life. Individuals who are between the ages of 21 and 49 generally receive the highest number of points available. Although you do receive extra points if you already have a job lined up in Canada when you apply, it is not a necessity. As long as you have the education, language ability, and work experience, you shouldn't worry about finding a job in advance.

Finally, adaptability covers several issues, including the education of your spouse or partner who will be moving to Canada with you and the family connections you already have in the country. These extra points can make a big difference if your score is hovering just under 67.

In the next section of the report, we'll look at the documents you need in support of these six areas and why it is so important to prepare them correctly when you are applying.

Alex Berez is author of "Step by Step Immigration to Canada". http://www.StepByStepImmigrationCanada.com