Professional Documents
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Skilled workers have education, work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other
abilities that will help them to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in
Canada.
Making an application to immigrate to Canada is straightforward. This section will help you to
find guides, information, and the forms you need to make your application.
The rules for applying as a skilled worker can change from time to time, so make sure you
visit this site regularly if you are considering immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker.
Before you apply, make sure you refer to updated selection criteria, and that you are familiar
with the current application procedures. After you apply, make sure you return to this web
page to find out about the steps that follow.
Note: You must meet the following minimum requirements to apply as a skilled
worker:
• you have at least one continuous year of full-time, paid work experience or the
equivalent in part-time continuous employment;
• your work experience must be Skill Type 0 (managerial jobs), A (professional jobs) or
B (technical jobs and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational
Classification (NOC); and
• you must have had this experience within the last 10 years.
Learn about…
Most applicants must use the simplified process. However, you must use the regular process
if:
If none of the situations described above apply to you, you must use the simplified
application process.
There is a waiting list to come to Canada as skilled worker. This means it may be several
years before your application is processed. The simplified application process guarantees your
place in the processing line. Your application will be processed based on regulations that are
in effect on the date that you submit your application, even if they change after you apply.
When the visa office is ready to assess your application, you will be asked to send the
required supporting documentation. The visa office will send you information regarding the
medical examination and the criminal and security checks that you and your dependants have
to undergo. More information on both of these topics is available under the Quick Find section
on the right-hand side of this page.
If you do not qualify for the simplified application process, you must use the regular
application process. See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more
information.
Quebec has its own immigration program. For information on immigrating to Quebec, check
the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Download and print the simplified application kit from the Related Links section at the bottom
of this page.
• Fill out and sign the forms. Most forms can be completed on your computer. Print the
forms after you complete them, because you cannot save them on your computer.
• If you do not want to complete the forms on your computer, you can complete them
by hand. Print clearly, using black ink. You can also use a typewriter.
Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will
not be processed and will be returned to you.
You must submit your application to the correct visa office. You must submit your application
to the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country where you have been
legally admitted for at least one year.
You can find a list of countries and corresponding visa offices in the Quick Find section at the
right-hand side of this page. Select your country of residence or citizenship and you will be
directed to the visa office responsible for your application.
You must check the website of the visa office where you will submit your application, since
application procedures may vary slightly from one visa office to another.
4. Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you submit
your application.
You can find the visa office instructions you need under the Related Links section at the
bottom of this page. Print the instructions that are required for the visa office where you
submit your application.
• The processing fee for you and your dependants who will accompany you to Canada.
This fee must be submitted when you apply. It is not refundable, even if your
application is not approved.
• The Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or
common-law partner, if applicable. Wait until your application is processed to pay this
fee. It must be paid before CIC issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is
refundable if you cancel your application, if your application is not approved, or if you
do not use your visa.
Information on how to pay your processing fee and your Right of Permanent Residence fee is
included in the instructions for the visa office where you submit your application.
More information on fees is available in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this
page.
Make sure your application is completed correctly. The visa office cannot process forms that
are not completed correctly. Sending incomplete forms will delay your application.
Mail your application and your fees to the appropriate Canadian visa office.
Since you are using the simplified application process, you do not have to include any
supporting documents when you submit your application.
Related Links
Most applicants can apply to immigrate to Canada using the simplified application process.
However, some applicants must use the regular application process.
See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more details.
If none of the three situations described above apply to you, you must use the simplified
application process. See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more
information.
Quebec has its own business immigration program. For information on immigrating to
Quebec, check the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
You can download and print the application kit from the Related Links section at the bottom
of this page.
• Fill out and sign the forms. Most forms can be completed on your computer. Print the
forms after you complete them, because you cannot save them on your computer.
• If you do not want to complete the forms on your computer, you can complete them
by hand. Print clearly, using black ink. You can also use a typewriter.
• Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application
packages will not be processed and will be returned to you.
• You must complete all of the forms:
o Application for Permanent Residence in Canada
o Schedule 1: Background/Declaration
o Additional Family Information
o Schedule 3: Economic Classes: Federal Skilled Workers
o Use of a Representative. You must complete this form if you want to use a
representative to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice.
More information on immigration representatives is available in the Quick Find
section on the right-hand side of this page.
• If you apply using the regular application process, you must submit the police
certificates with your application.
You must submit your application to the correct visa office. You must submit your application
to the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country where you have been
legally admitted for at least one year.
You can find a list of countries and corresponding visa offices in the Quick Find section of this
page. Select your country of residence or citizenship and you will be directed to the visa office
responsible for your application. You must check the website of the visa office where you will
submit your application, since application procedures may vary slightly from one visa office to
another.
4. Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you will
submit your application.
You can find the visa office instructions you need under the Related Links section at the
bottom of this page. Print the forms and instructions that are required for that specific visa
office. The instructions include information on medical examinations and the criminal and
security checks that you and your dependants will have to undergo. More information on both
of these topics is available under the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.
• The processing fee for you and your dependants. This fee must be paid when you
apply. It is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
• The Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or
common-law partner, if applicable. Wait until your application is processed to pay this
fee. It must be paid before CIC issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is
refundable if you cancel your application, if your application is not approved, or if you
do not use your visa.
Information on how to pay your processing fee and your Right of Permanent Residence fee is
included in the instructions for the visa office where you submit your application.
More information on fees is available in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this
page.
6. Check your application.
Make sure your application is completed correctly, and that you include all of the necessary
supporting documentation. Use the checklist that is included in the guide (Appendix A) to
make sure your have not forgotten anything.
The visa office cannot process your application if supporting documentation or processing
fees are missing, or if your forms are not completed and signed. This will delay your
application.
Mail your application and your fees to the appropriate Canadian visa office.
Related Links
In order to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program, applicants must be nominated by a
Canadian province or territory.
Consult this section to find all the information and required forms to apply as a provincial
nominee. Because the criteria for provincial nomination are determined by the individual
provinces and territories, they can change without notice. For this reason, make sure to
consult this site and the corresponding provincial site regularly before submitting your
application.
Before you apply, make sure that you are familiar with the current application procedures.
After you apply, make sure you return to this web page to find out about the steps that
follow.
Learn about…
Your application to come to Canada as a skilled worker will be assessed on six selection
factors and a point system. The six selection factors are:
• Your education
• Your abilities in English and/or French, Canada’s two official languages
• Your experience
• Your age
• Whether you have arranged employment in Canada
• Your adaptability
You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants
after you arrive in Canada, and pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks.
If you are eligible to apply as a skilled worker, you will be assessed on six selection factors
and a point system. Learn more about each factor by clicking on it.
You can assess your qualifications using CIC’s Skilled Worker Self-Assessment Test. The test
is available in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
If your score is the same or higher than the pass mark, then you may qualify to immigrate to
Canada as a skilled worker. Review the information about immigrating to Canada as a skilled
worker and decide if you want to apply.
If your score is lower than the pass mark, you are not likely to qualify to immigrate to
Canada as a skilled worker. We recommend that you do not apply at this time.
However, you can still apply if you believe there are other factors that would show that you
are able to establish yourself in Canada and support your dependants. Send a detailed letter
with your application explaining why you think you are able to become economically
established in Canada. Include any documents that support your claim.
Principal applicant
If you are married or living with a common-law partner, either you or your spouse can apply
as the principal applicant. Use the self-assessment test to help you determine which person is
likely to earn the most points. The person who would earn the most points should apply as
the principal applicant. The other person would be considered as a dependant in the
applications.
Note: A common-law partner is a person who has lived with you in a conjugal relationship for
at least one year. Common-law partner refers to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
Related Links
Full-time studies — At least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year,
including any period of training in the workplace that is part of your studies.
Full-time equivalent studies — The length of time that it would have taken to complete a
program of study on a full-time basis, but was actually completed on a part-time or
accelerated basis.
Education Maximum
25 points
You have a master’s degree or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time 25 points
equivalent study.
You have two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 22 points
years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
You have a three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 22 points
15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
You have a university degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and at 20 points
least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
You have a two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 20 points
years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
You have a one-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and at least 13 15 points
years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
You have a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 13 15 points
years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
You have a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 12 12 points
years of full-time or full-time equivalent study.
If you have studied less than the number of years listed with your highest degree or diploma,
you must award yourself the points that match your years of study.
• Example 1: if you have a master’s degree but have completed only 15 years of full-
time study, award yourself 22 points.
• Example 2: if you have a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree, and at least 14 years
of education, award yourself 20 points.
Abilities in English and/or French
(Maximum 24 Points)
The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very
important to you as a skilled worker. Proficiency in English, French or both will help you in the
Canadian labour market.
Your ability in English and/or French is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers. You
will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high proficiency in English and
French. You will be given points based on your ability to:
• listen;
• speak;
• read; and
• write.
If you have some proficiency in both English and French, decide which language you are more
comfortable using. This is your first official language. The other is your second official
language.
If you are claiming to have language abilities on your application, you must provide
conclusive proof of your level of proficiency. There are two ways to do this. You can:
We strongly recommend that you take a language test from an approved organization. You
will find a link to a list of approved English language testing organizations under the Related
Links section at the bottom of the page. You will also find a link to additional information on
language testing.
Use the following chart to assess your skill levels. Follow the links for a description of each
skill level.
NO: You do not meet the above Does not Does not Does not Does not
criteria for basic proficiency. meet Basic meet Basic meet Basic meet Basic
Level. Level. Level. Level.
Use the descriptions from the table above to score your language proficiency.
High proficiency 4 4 4 4
Moderate proficiency 2 2 2 2
Basic proficiency 1 1 1 1
Please Note: You can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level proficiency.
No proficiency 0 0 0 0
High proficiency 2 2 2 2
Moderate proficiency 2 2 2 2
Basic proficiency 1 1 1 1
Please Note: You can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level proficiency.
No proficiency 0 0 0 0
• Learner can communicate effectively in most daily practical and social situations, and
in familiar routine work situations.
• Can participate in conversations with confidence.
• Can speak on familiar topics at both concrete and abstract levels (10 to 15 minutes).
• Can provide descriptions, opinions and explanations; can synthesize abstract complex
ideas, can hypothesize.
• In social interaction, learner demonstrates increased ability to respond appropriately
to the formality level of the situation.
• Can use a variety of sentence structures, including embedded and report structures,
and an expanded inventory of concrete, idiomatic and conceptual language.
• Grammar and pronunciation errors rarely impede communication.
• Discourse is reasonably fluent.
• Uses phone on less familiar and some non-routine matters.
Performance Conditions
• Interaction is with one or more people, face to face or on the phone. It is often at a
normal rate.
• Speech is partly predictable and does not always support the utterance.
• Considerable level of stress affects performance when verbal interaction may result in
personal consequences (e.g., on the job).
• Audience is small familiar and unfamiliar informal groups.
• Setting and context are familiar, clear and predictable.
• Topic is familiar, concrete and abstract.
• Pictures and other visuals are used.
• Length of presentation is 15 to 20 minutes.
Interaction one-on-one
Interaction in a group
I. Social Interaction
Performance Indicators
Interpersonal competencies
Introduces a person (e.g., guest, speaker) formally to a small familiar group.
Expresses/responds to a formal welcome or toast.
Expresses/responds to sympathy.
Responds to a minor conflict; comforts and reassures.
Uses appropriate non-verbal behaviour.
Adjusts conversation to appropriate formality level.
Conversation management
Manages conversation.
Checks if listener can follow.
Keeps conversation going with a range of strategies, including follow-up questions.
Includes others.
Phone competencies
Greets/identifies organization.
Provides clear information to simple routine questions.
Clarifies/confirms information.
Refers/transfers calls.
Closes conversation.
Speaks intelligibly.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Gives spoken directions.
(Conveys the sequence of steps; uses clear reference, correct stress and intonation: listener
can follow the instructions.)
Performance Indicators
Identifies the problem.
Indicates possible solutions.
Recommends best solution.
Provides required details.
Speaks intelligibly; listener can follow all details.
IV. Information
Performance Indicators
Presentations
Addresses the purpose of the task.
Expresses main ideas and supports them with details.
Provides an introduction, development and conclusion.
Narrates, describes coherently (agents, actions, circumstance, process and sequence are
clear).
Provides accurate and detailed descriptions, explanations or account of events in the story
sequence.
Uses style of presentation and formality in addressing the listener.
Demonstrates good use of complex structures, with only minor difficulties.
Demonstrates adequate vocabulary for the topic, including sufficient technical language to
describe a process.
Speaks with adequate fluency and intelligibility.
Interaction one-on-one
Explains or asks about the nature of inquiry or concern and information needed.
Initiates questions to gather, analyse and compare information needed for some decision
making.
Responds to questions with required information.
Summarizes and repeats the information.
Closes.
Speech is intelligible; listener can follow all details.
Interaction in a group
Participates in a seminar-style or business meeting (e.g., debate/discussion/meeting).
Expresses opinions, feelings, doubts and concerns.
Qualifies opinions, adds information, elaborates.
Opposes or supports a stand, idea, proposed solution.
Uses appropriate non-verbal behaviour.
• Learner can comprehend main points, details, speaker’s purpose, attitudes, levels of
formality and styles in oral discourse in moderately demanding contexts.
• Can follow most formal and informal conversations, and some technical work-related
discourse in own field at a normal rate of speech.
• Can follow discourse about abstract and complex ideas on a familiar topic.
• Can comprehend an expanded range of concrete, abstract and conceptual language.
• Can determine mood, attitudes and feelings.
• Can understand sufficient vocabulary, idioms and colloquial expressions to follow
detailed stories of general popular interest.
• Can follow clear and coherent extended instructional texts and directions.
• Can follow clear and coherent phone messages on unfamiliar and non-routine
matters.
• Often has difficulty following rapid, colloquial/idiomatic or regionally accented speech
between native speakers.
Performance Conditions
• Tasks are in a standard format, with items to circle, match, fill in a blank, and
complete a chart.
• Learner is adequately briefed for focused listening.
• Communication is face to face, observed live, or video- and audio-mediated (e.g.,
tape, TV, radio).
• Speech is clear at a normal rate.
• Instructions are clear and coherent.
• Listening texts are monologues/presentations and dialogues (five to 10 minutes),
within familiar general topics and technical discourse in own field.
• Topics are familiar.
• Presentation/lecture is informal or semi-formal with the use of pictures, visuals (10 to
15 minutes).
• Learner is briefed for focused listening.
• Speech is clear, at a normal rate.
I. Social Interaction
Performance Indicators
Identifies specific factual details and inferred meanings in video- and audio-mediated listening
texts/discourse.
Identifies situation, relationships between participants and speaker’s purpose.
Identifies some attitudinal nuance, emotional tone and register of the text.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Follows instructions and completes a task.
Performance Indicators
Identifies main intent, main idea, factual details, words and expressions and inferred
meanings in suasion oral texts as required.
Identifies functional value of utterances as warnings, threats, suggestions or
recommendations.
Evaluates the validity of a suggestion or a proposed solution for a specific context.
IV. Information
Performance Indicators
Identifies the component parts of the presentation (e.g., introduction, etc.).
Identifies phrases and sentences that mark topic introduction, topic development, topic shift
and conclusion.
Identifies main idea, which is not explicitly stated, and extracts detailed information from the
text.
Identifies facts, opinions and attitudes in conversations about abstract ideas.
• Learner can follow main ideas, key words and important details in an authentic two-
to three-page text on a familiar topic, but within an only partially predictable context.
• May read popular newspaper and magazine articles and popular easy fiction as well as
academic and business materials.
• Can extract relevant points, but often requires clarification of idioms and of various
cultural references.
• Can locate and integrate several specific pieces of information in visually complex
texts (e.g., tables, directories) or across paragraphs or sections of text.
• Text can be on abstract, conceptual or technical topics, containing facts, attitudes and
opinions. Inference may be required to identify the writer’s bias and the
purpose/function of text.
• Learner reads in English for information, to learn the language, to develop reading
skills.
• Uses a unilingual dictionary when reading for precision vocabulary building.
Performance Conditions
• Text is one page, five to 10 paragraphs long and is related to personal experience or
familiar context.
• Text is legible, easy to read; is in print or neat handwriting.
• Instructions are clear and explicit, but not always presented step by step.
• Pictures may accompany text.
• Context is relevant, but not always familiar and predictable.
• Text has clear organization.
• Text content is relevant (e.g., commercials/advertising features, business/form
letters, brochures).
• Informational text is eight to 15 paragraphs long with clear organization in print or
electronic form.
• Pictures often accompany text.
• Language is both concrete and abstract, conceptual and technical.
• Text types: news articles, stories, short articles, reports, editorials, opinion essays.
Performance Indicators
Identifies specific factual details and inferred meanings in text.
Identifies purpose of text, context of the situation, reader-writer relationship.
Identifies mood/attitude of writer and register of the text.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Follows an extended set of multi-step instructions for an established process or procedure.
Completes tasks.
Performance Indicators
Identifies main intent, main idea, factual details and some inferred meanings in the texts.
Identifies writer’s purpose/intent/attitude.
Identifies communicative value of text, and its parts.
Finds and integrates three or four pieces of specific information in extensive and visually
complex directories.
Performance Indicators
Identifies factual details and inferred meanings in text (70%-80%).
Identifies main idea.
Identifies organization of text, topic sentences and logical relationship links between
paragraphs.
Follows the sequence of narration or process even when events are out of sequence.
Distinguishes facts from opinions.
Extracts detailed information.
Infers meaning of words from contextual clues.
Hypothesizes how something works.
Evaluates ideas in text, draws conclusions and expresses personal opinion.
Interprets key information in a diagram or graph as verbal text; transfers key ideas
diagrammatic display.
Accesses/locates several pieces of information in online electronic reference sources.
Uses effective search strategy and tools.
Performance Conditions
Performance Indicators
Addresses the purpose of the task.
Expresses main ideas and gives details.
Conveys a sense of audience: language, format and content are appropriate.
Demonstrates good use of complex structures.
Demonstrates adequate vocabulary for the topic.
Performance Indicators
Addresses the purpose of the task.
Conveys essential information to the reader.
Reduces information to main points, with accurate supporting details, with no major omission
of important points or details.
Fills out all form sections with required information.
Conveys a sense of audience in language format and content.
Demonstrates good use and control of complex grammatical structures, vocabulary, spelling
and punctuation.
Presents text in legible handwriting or print, with clear layout.
Performance Indicators
Addresses the purpose of the task.
Conveys essential information to the reader.
Reduces information to main points, with accurate supporting details, with no major omission
of important points or details.
Fills out all form sections with required information.
Conveys a sense of audience in language format and content.
Demonstrates good use and control of complex grammatical structures, vocabulary, spelling
and punctuation.
Presents text in legible handwriting or print, with clear layout.
Performance Indicators
Addresses the purpose of the task.
Expresses main ideas and gives details.
Conveys a sense of audience.
Demonstrates good use of complex structures, with only minor difficulties.
Demonstrates adequate vocabulary.
Provides accurate and detailed descriptions/explanations in the report/story sequence.
Provides an introduction, development and conclusion, and paragraph structure.
Presents text as a coherent connected whole with good use of appropriate logical connectors
(at the same time).
Demonstrates accurate spelling and punctuation; makes minor errors only.
Presents text in legible handwriting.
• Learner can communicate with some confidence in casual social conversations in some
less routine situations on familiar topics of personal relevance.
• Can communicate facts and ideas in some detail: can describe, report and provide
simple narration.
• Can use a variety of structures with some omission/reduction of elements (e.g.,
articles, past tense, morphemes). Grammar and pronunciation errors are frequent and
may sometimes impede communication.
• Can demonstrate a range of everyday vocabulary, some common phrases and idioms.
• Can demonstrate discourse that is reasonably fluent, with frequent normal
hesitations.
• Can use the phone to communicate on familiar matters, but phone exchanges with
strangers are stressful.
Performance Conditions
• Interaction is face to face, or on the phone, with familiar and unfamiliar individuals
and small informal groups.
• Rate of speech is slow to normal.
• Context is familiar, or clear and predictable.
• Context is moderately demanding (e.g., real world environment, limited support from
speaker).
• Circumstances range from informal to more formal.
• Setting or content is familiar, clear and predictable.
• Topic is concrete and familiar.
• Presentation is informal or formal.
• Use of pictures or other visuals.
• Presentation is five to seven minutes long.
Interactions one-on-one
Interactions in a group
I. Social Interaction
Performance Indicators
Interpersonal competencies
Indicates partial comprehension; asks clarifying questions.
Takes turns by interrupting appropriately.
Encourages conversation, repeating a key word or phrase.
Avoids answering a question.
Uses appropriate non-verbal behaviour.
Conversation management
Opens, maintains, closes a short formal conversation (four to five words).
Closes a conversation in three customary steps (pre-closing, closing, leave-taking).
Introduces a guest/speaker formally to a small familiar group.
Makes/cancels an appointment.
Expresses and responds to apology, regrets and excuses.
Uses appropriate non-verbal behaviour.
Phone competencies
Answers the phone appropriately.
Greets.
Clarifies and confirms accuracy of information.
Closes conversation.
Gets all the details in the message.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Gives spoken directions (uses correct sequence of steps, clear reference, correct stress and
intonation: listener can follow the instructions).
Performance Indicators
Makes a simple formal suggestion; provides a reason.
Makes a simple prediction of consequences.
Renews a verbal request for the item or service needed.
IV. Information
Performance Indicators
Presentations
Presents information in a coherent, connected discourse.
Uses an introduction, development and conclusion.
Uses explicit markers/logical connectors (first, next, finally).
Uses simple grammatical structures, with clear present, past and future tenses.
Uses vocabulary adequately for topic.
Provides accurate and detailed descriptions.
Speaks with appropriate eye contact, body language, voice volume, rate, fluency and
intelligibility.
Interaction one-on-one
Explains the nature of an inquiry and information needed.
Provides necessary details.
Asks relevant questions.
Summarizes and repeats back. Thanks for the help and information.
Speaks intelligibly; listener can follow.
Interaction in a group
Participates in a small group discussion/meeting.
Expresses opinions and feelings.
Expresses obligation, ability, certainty (e.g., have to, must, able/unable).
• Learner can follow the main idea and identify key words and important details in oral
discourse in moderately demanding contexts of language use (e.g., face-to-face
formal and informal conversations, audiotapes and radio broadcasts) on relevant
topics and at a slow to normal rate of speed.
• Can understand a range of common vocabulary and a limited number of idioms.
• Can follow conceptualized discourse related to common experiences and general
knowledge.
• Can understand conceptualized short sets of instructions and directions.
• May still frequently request repetition.
• Can follow simple, short, predictable phone calls.
Performance Conditions
• Learner is adequately briefed for focused listening.
• Communication is live, or video- and audio-mediated (e.g., tape).
• Speech is clear and at a slow to normal rate.
• Instructions are clear and explicit, used with some visual clues, but not always
presented in a step-by-step form.
• Listening texts are moderately short (five to eight exchange turns, each turn three to
five sentences long, or two to five minutes), on familiar topics.
• Some tasks require oral or physical response; some tasks are in a “guided” writing
format (e.g., circle or match items, fill in the blanks, complete a chart, answer
questions, etc.).
• Learner may need one to two repetitions.
• Presentation or interaction is live, informal or semi-formal.
• Topic is concrete and familiar.
• Setting and context are familiar.
• Pictures and visuals are used.
• Length of discourse is up to 10 minutes.
I. Social Interaction
Performance Indicators
Identifies specific factual details and inferred meanings in video- and audio-mediated listening
texts/discourse as required.
Identifies mood/attitude of participants.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Understands clear spoken instructions as required.
Follows sequence markers and other linguistic clues in the text to comprehend the order of
steps.
Completes task.
Performance Indicators
Identifies factual details, words and expressions, and inferred meanings in suasion oral texts
as required.
Identifies functional value of utterances as suggestions, advice, encouragements and requests.
IV. Information
Performance Indicators
Identifies factual details and inferred meanings in a listening text as required.
Gets main ideas, supporting details, statements and examples as required.
Suggests an appropriate conclusion based on inference: predicts what will happen next in a
narration.
• Learner can follow main ideas, key words and important details in a one-page (three
to five paragraphs) plain language authentic prose and non-prose (formatted) text in
moderately demanding contexts of language use.
• Can locate three to five pieces of specific, detailed information in prose passages,
charts and schedules for analysis, comparison and contrast.
• Can read printed or legible handwritten notes, memos, letters, schedules and
itineraries.
• Can get new information about familiar topics from reading mostly factual texts with
clear organization, and within familiar background knowledge and experience.
• Language of the text is mostly concrete and factual, with some abstract, conceptual
and technical vocabulary items, and may require low-level inference to comprehend it
(e.g., learner may guess some new words by recognition of prefixes and suffixes).
• Uses a concise unilingual ESL/EFL learner dictionary regularly.
Performance Conditions
• Text is up to one page long and related to a personal or common experience, or a
familiar context.
• Text is legible, easy to read; is in print or neat handwriting.
• Instructions are clear and explicit, for everyday situations, used with some visual
clues, but not always presented in a step by step form.
• Context is relevant and familiar.
• Pictures occasionally accompany text.
• Text has clear organizational structure.
• Types of texts: forms, tables, schedules, directories, calendars, notices and
announcements.
• Text is three to five paragraphs long, with clear organization; is in printed or
electronic form.
• Passages are in plain language, with occasional idioms.
• Language is mostly concrete and literal, but may also be abstract and technical.
• Context and topic are often familiar; are sometimes related to personal experience;
and are partly predictable to learner.
• Text types: newspaper articles, educational content materials, stories, encyclopedia
entries.
Performance Indicators
Identifies specific factual details and inferred meanings in the texts.
Identifies purpose of text.
Identifies reader-writer relationship, attitude of writer and context.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Follows instructions as required.
Carries out task.
Performance Indicators
Identifies main intent, main idea, factual details and some inferred meanings in the texts.
Identifies writer’s purpose/intent/attitude.
Identifies communicative value of text, and its parts.
Finds two or three specific pieces of information by scanning five to 10 paragraphs, extensive
directories or forms.
Performance Indicators
Identifies factual details and inferred meanings in text as required (70%-80%).
Identifies/states main idea and key details.
Retells or summarizes the story.
Relates sequence of steps in a cycle.
Guesses meaning of words and expressions from textual clues.
Predicts what will happen next in the text.
Interprets a cycle diagram and a time line/schedule chart.
Accesses, locates and compares two or three pieces of information in a CD-ROM electronic
reference source.
Performance Conditions
I. Social interaction
Performance Indicators
Conveys the message: reader can follow the text.
Uses language and content that are appropriate and relevant to the occasion.
Conveys main ideas and supports them with detail in a basic paragraph structure.
Makes few errors in simple grammatical structures, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation,
format/layout.
Performance Indicators
Takes notes and reduces written or oral information to important points with accurate details.
Records names, addresses, numbers, dates, times, directions and other details with correct
spelling, and in
legible handwriting.
Copies important or new words and details off the board or screen (where relevant).
Performance Indicators
Conveys a clear message to the recipient.
Conveys a sense of audience in language and format.
Demonstrates good use and control of simple structures, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
Fills out forms with required information.
Spells and follows punctuation conventions.
Performance Indicators
Addresses the purpose of the task.
Expresses main ideas and supports them with details.
Demonstrates good control of simple grammatical structures, and some difficulty with complex
structures.
Demonstrates adequate vocabulary for the topic.
Provides accurate descriptions, comparisons, account of events in the report/story, sequence
of stages in a process.
Provides an introduction, development and conclusion, and an adequate paragraph structure in
the text.
Uses appropriate logical connectors.
Demonstrates accurate spelling and punctuation; makes minor errors only.
Presents text in legible handwriting or print.
• Learner can take part in short routine conversations about needs and familiar topics of
personal relevance with supportive listeners.
• Can communicate basic needs and personal experience.
• Can ask and respond to simple familiar questions.
• Can describe a situation, tell a simple story, describe the process of obtaining
essential goods (e.g., purchasing, renting) or services (e.g., medical). Uses a variety
of short sentences.
• Demonstrates control of basic grammar (basic structures and tenses).
• Uses correct past tense with many common verbs.
• Demonstrates adequate vocabulary for routine everyday communication.
• Clear evidence of connected discourse (and, but, first, next, then, because).
• Pronunciation difficulties may impede communication.
• Needs only a little assistance.
• Can use the phone only for very short, simple, predictable exchanges, communication
without visual support is very difficult for him or her.
Performance Conditions
• Interaction is face to face, with one person at a time or in a familiar supportive group.
• Interaction on the phone is rare and brief.
• Speech rate is slow to normal.
• Verbal communication is strongly supported by gestures and other visual clues.
• Instructions and directions have only three to four steps and are sometimes
supported with hand gestures.
• Learner’s speech is guided by specific questions from the interlocutor if needed.
• Interaction is empathetic and supportive.
• Topics are about common everyday matters.
I. Social Interaction
Performance Indicators
Opens, develops and closes short small-talk conversation, as appropriate to the situation
(casually or more formally).
Introduces a person to one or two individuals.
Handles basic phone situations and standard replies.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Gives simple directions.
Listener can follow the directions.
III. Suasion (getting things done)
Performance Indicators
Responds to openings, routine questions and closings in a service or sales transaction
discourse.
Provides required information/description of item. Asks relevant questions about price,
availability, location, appearance, function.
Responds to warnings.
IV. Information
Performance Indicators
Relates the story about an everyday activity in a coherent narrative (connected discourse).
Listener can follow the story.
Expresses need, preference, satisfaction/dissatisfaction.
• Learner can follow, although with considerable effort, simple formal and informal
conversations and other listening texts/discourse on topics of immediate personal
relevance at a slower to normal rate of speech.
• Can recognize many topics by familiar words and phrases.
• Can follow simple, short, direct questions related to personal experience and general
knowledge.
• Can understand many common everyday instructions and directions related to the
immediate context.
• Can follow simple, short, predictable phone messages.
• Often requests repetition.
• Needs a little assistance (such as speech modification or explanation).
Performance Conditions
• Listening texts are short monologues, presentations and dialogues (several exchange
turns) on familiar everyday topics.
• Speech is clear and at a slow to normal rate.
• Learner has been adequately briefed for focused listening.
• Communication is face to face or video- and audio-mediated (e.g., tape).
• Instructions are clear and explicit, used with some visual clues. They are mostly
simple and compound clauses containing longer phrases of location, movement and
manner.
• Some tasks require oral or physical response.
• Some tasks are in a “guided” writing format (e.g., circle or match items, fill-in
blanks).
• Learner may require an occasional repetition.
I. Social Interaction
• Identify specific factual details and inferred meanings in dialogues of casual small talk,
introductions, leave-taking, and in short phone calls.
• Identify correctly specific factual details and inferred meanings in a videotaped small
talk; introductions or leave-taking; or in a taped phone conversation by responding
correctly to comprehension questions.
Performance Indicators
• Identifies specific factual details and inferred meanings in video- and audio-mediated
listening texts/discourse as required.
II. Instructions
In the middle cabinet, top shelf. On the diagonal between the upper left and lower right
corner. A quarter of the way from the centre in each direction.
• Locate items on diagrams, maps and in real space following verbal directions.
Performance Indicators
Performance Indicators
• Identifies main intent, main idea, factual details, words and expressions, and inferred
meanings in persuasive oral texts as required.
IV. Information
• Listen to a story about shopping, getting an appliance repaired, arranging travel, etc.;
a weather report/forecast, traffic report; a radio/TV news item.
Performance Indicators
Performance Conditions
Performance Indicators
Gets the gist of the note or letter.
Gets key information/main idea from texts.
Identifies important details/specific information as required.
II. Instructions
Performance Indicators
Follows the one- to six-step instructions.
Numbers steps in sequence.
Performance Indicators
Identifies layout of forms; finds specific information.
Gets overall meaning; identifies type and purpose of text.
Gets key information and specific details from verbal text and graphics or a simple graph.
Finds information in complex directories, dictionaries, maps. Identifies main idea, key and
supporting details.
Identifies links between paragraphs.
Compares facts to make choices.
Predicts, guesses meaning.
Distinguishes facts from opinions.
Performance Indicators
Identifies layout of forms; finds specific information.
Gets overall meaning; identifies type and purpose of text.
Gets key information and specific details from verbal text and graphics or a simple graph.
Finds information in complex directories, dictionaries, maps. Identifies main idea, key and
supporting details.
Identifies links between paragraphs.
Compares facts to make choices.
Predicts, guesses meaning.
Distinguishes facts from opinions.
• Learner can effectively convey in writing simple ideas and information about personal
experience within predictable contexts of everyday needs.
• Can write simple descriptions and narration of events, stories, future plans about self
and family, or other highly familiar topics.
• Can write short messages; postcards, notes, directions, and letters.
• Can fill out simple application forms.
• Can copy information from dictionaries, encyclopedias, and manuals.
• Can take a slow, simple dictation with frequent repetitions.
• Shows ability to use successfully one-clause sentences or coordinated clauses with
basic tenses.
Performance Conditions
I. Social interaction
What the person can do
Convey personal messages in an informal or formal personal short letter or a note to express
invitations, thanks, regrets, cancellations and apologies.
Performance Indicators
Conveys the message: reader can follow.
Uses language and content that are appropriate to the occasion, intent and social context.
Uses simple grammar structures, punctuation and spelling with few errors.
Conveys main ideas and supports them with detail in a basic paragraph structure.
Performance Indicators
Competently copies information, including capitalization, lower case, punctuation, and
phonetic and other notations.
Has legible handwriting or printing. Makes no major omissions in copying information. There
are only a few occasional copying mistakes or slight uncertainty in decoding.
Performance Indicators
Fills out form with required information.
Spells and follows punctuation conventions.
Has legible handwriting or printing. Makes no major omissions in providing information.
Conveys a simple message.
Uses simple structures with few errors in grammar.
Performance Indicators
Describes a situation: reader can follow.
Conveys main ideas, supporting detail.
Uses basic paragraph structure.
Uses simple structures; few errors.
Uses adequate vocabulary for the topic.
Spells correctly; follows punctuation conventions.
Has legible handwriting or printing.
Related Links
You must
• Make arrangements for testing by an approved organization. You will have to pay the
costs.
• Include the results of your test with your immigration application.
• You can use the equivalency charts to see exactly how many points you will earn
based on your test results.
• The test results will be used by CIC as conclusive proof of your language skills.
• You can use language test results for one year from the time you took the test.
You can arrange to take a language test from any of the following approved organizations.
The University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate, IDP Education Australia: IELTS
Australia and the British Council administer this test.
Note: IELTS has two options for the reading and writing tests: General Training and
Academic. You must take the General Training option.
Note: You must submit results from the following TEF tests as proof of your French language
skills:
• compréhension écrite
• compréhension orale
• expression écrite
• expression orale
If you choose not to take an approved language test, you must prove your ability to speak,
listen, read and write Canada’s official languages through other written evidence. You must
provide written proof and an explanation that clearly shows you meet the benchmark criteria
listed in the Canadian Language Benchmarks in each of the four skills.
NOTE
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officers will not conduct an interview to assess
your language skills. CIC will only use test results from organizations approved by CIC in
assigning language points.
You must:
1. Indicate what level of language proficiency you are claiming for each skill (speaking,
listening, reading and writing).
2. Submit, with your application for immigration, a written explanation and supporting
documentation as proof of the levels you have indicated.
A CIC officer will review the evidence you include with your application.
• Your submission must satisfy the officer that your language skills meet the
benchmarks for the levels you are claiming.
• The officer will award points for your language ability based on what you send with
your application.
• You will not know in advance how many points the CIC officer will give you for your
language skills.
You must meet the following minimum work experience requirements to be eligible to apply
as a skilled worker:
• You must have at least one continuous year of full-time, paid work experience or the
equivalent in part-time continuous employment.
• Your work experience must be in the category of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B on
the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC). See below for instructions on
determining the NOC category for your work experience.
• You must have had this experience within the last 10 years.
The NOC is a classification system for jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties,
skills, talents and work settings for occupations in Canada.
To determine how many points you can earn for your work experience, go to the Descriptions
of Occupations page on the NOC website. You will find a link to the NOC site in the Related
Links section at the bottom of this page. Follow the instructions to find the NOC category that
matches your work experience.
If the initial description and list of main duties match what you did at your last job(s), you
can use this experience to earn points under the selection factors when you apply as a skilled
worker.
If the description does not match your work experience, then you might not have the
experience you need to apply as a skilled worker. Look through the NOC list to see if another
occupation matches your experience. Check all the jobs you had in the past 10 years to see if
you have at least one continuous year of work experience in a job that will qualify you as a
skilled worker.
If you do not meet the minimum work experience requirements, your application as a skilled
worker will be refused.
1 year 15
2 years 17
3 years 19
4 years 21
Related Links
The NOC is the authoritative resource on occupational information in Canada. It is used daily
by thousands of people to understand the jobs found throughout Canada's labour market.
Learn more
New @ NOC
HRSDC wants to hear your suggestions on how we can improve the NOC. Share your
comments with us before May 30th at the NOC 2011 Consultation.
The new NOC Web site now reflects all NOC 2006 information. The entire content of the NOC
is now available online and free of charge. In addition, we are pleased to announce the
release of Job Descriptions: An Employer's Handbook. Learn more
Coming Soon
We are currently developing a number of NOC services in order to better meet the needs of
our users. These services include an interactive version of the NOC Matrix, an updated Career
Handbook and the NOC Web Service, which will allow users to seamlessly access NOC content
databases. Learn more
Age Points
16 or under 0
17 2
18 4
19 6
20 8
21–49 10
50 8
51 6
52 4
53 2
54+ 0
Arranged Employment
(Maximum 10 points)
In some situations, you can be awarded selection points for a job that you have arranged
before applying to come to Canada as a skilled worker.
You are currently working in Canada on a Your work permit is valid at the 10
temporary work permit. time
of the permanent resident visa
application and at the time the visa
is issued; and
Note: You cannot arrange for an HRSDC confirmation of a job offer. Your employer must do
this.
Adaptability Maximum
10 points
There is no need to have obtained a degree or diploma for these two years of
study to earn these points.
Relatives in Canada 5
You, or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have a relative
(parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a
grandparent, aunt or uncle, or grandchild of a parent, niece or nephew) who is
residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
You can only count points from each category once. You can claim points from a category
either for you, or for your spouse or common-law partner, but not for both.
Self-assessment test
The self-assessment test will help you determine if you meet the requirements of a skilled
worker immigrant.
This test is only to give you an idea of whether you will qualify as a skilled worker. A
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will make a decision about your application
based on the information you provide.
The information from the test is for your use only. CIC does not keep a record of these
results. If you want to keep a record, you can print or save your results from your computer.
Pass mark
The current pass mark is 67. The pass mark could change. You should check for updated
information on a regular basis.
You should take this test to help you decide if you want to apply to immigrate to Canada as a
skilled worker. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you both should take the
test to see who scores the most points. The person with the most selection points should
apply as the principal applicant.
Final Decision
A CIC officer will make the final decision on the application you submit to a Visa Office. Make
sure you fill out the application forms completely. You will need to provide documents to
support your application and, if selected, to pass medical and security checks.
The results from the online self-assessment test are for your advice only. CIC does not keep a
record of these results. If you want to keep a record, you can print or save this page from
your computer.
See Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker for more information on Skilled Worker
immigration.
Be sure to check out the Working in Canada section for more information.
There are other programs to assist you in immigrating to Canada. See Provincial Nominations
and Business Class Immigration.
A work permit is needed for most temporary jobs in Canada, though for some positions and
business people it is not necessary. More information on work permits for temporary jobs can
be found in this section of the website.
Related Links
Provincial nominees
Persons who immigrate to Canada under the Provincial Nominee Program have the skills,
education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the
province or territory that nominates them. They are ready to establish themselves
successfully as permanent residents in Canada.
To apply under the Provincial Nominee Program, applicants must be nominated by a Canadian
province or territory.
Consult this section to find all the information and required forms to apply as a provincial
nominee. Because the criteria for provincial nomination are determined by the individual
provinces and territories, they can change without notice. For this reason, consult this site
and the corresponding provincial site regularly before submitting your application.
Before you apply, make sure you are familiar with the current application procedures. After
you apply, make sure you return to this web page to find out about the steps that follow.
The process may vary depending on the visa office. However, some processing steps are
common to all offices.
After you submit your application, a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will
verify that you have submitted all the required documentation with your application. The
officer will make sure you have:
If you applied using the simplified application process, the visa office will contact you and ask
you to provide the required documentation about four months before your application is to be
processed.
If your application is not complete, the visa office will return it to you without processing it.
The visa office where you applied will send you a letter when it receives your completed
application and verifies that it is completed properly. The letter will tell you what you need to
do and what happens next.
Processing time
The length of time it takes to process applications varies depending on where you applied.
You can check application processing times in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side
of this page.
• making sure all the necessary information is included with your application
• notifying the visa office of any changes to personal information on your application,
such as your address, phone and fax numbers or a change in the makeup of your
family
• avoiding repeated inquiries to the visa office
• ensuring that the photocopies and documents you provide are clear and legible
• providing certified English or French translations of original documents that you
submit in other languages and
• applying from a country where you are a citizen or permanent resident.
Your application will be delayed if the visa office has to take extra steps to assess your case.
Your application will take longer if:
You can check the status of your application online after the visa office has started to process
your application. Select the Check my application status button in the I Need To… section on
the right-hand side of this page.
Medical examinations
You must pass a medical examination before coming to Canada. Your dependants must also
pass a medical examination even if they are not coming to Canada with you.
Instructions on how to take the medical examination will normally be sent to you after you
submit your application to the visa office. More I Need To… section on the right-hand side of
this page.
If you have a criminal record, you may not be allowed to enter Canada. People who pose a
risk to Canada’s security are not allowed to come to Canada either.
If you want to immigrate to Canada, you and any family members over the age of 18 who
come to Canada with you must provide police certificates to the visa office.
If you apply using the regular application process, you must submit the police certificates
with your application. If you apply using the simplified application process, the visa office will
contact you and ask you to provide the required documentation at a later date.
You can find more information about criminal and security checks in the I Need To… section
on the right-hand side of this page.
A CIC officer will make a final decision on your application based on the current requirements
for immigration to Canada. The decision will be based on several factors, including the results
of your medical examination, and the criminal and security checks.
The officer will also assess the proof of funds you have provided, to ensure that you will be
able to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada.
The visa office will contact you if it needs more documentation or if you are required to
attend an interview.
If your application is approved, you will be asked to submit your passport to the Canadian
visa office where you applied in order to receive your permanent resident visa.
Change of address
If you move or change your address, telephone number or any other contact information
after you submit your application, you must contact the visa office where you submitted your
application.
If your application is approved, the visa office will issue a permanent resident visa to you.
Your permanent resident visa includes your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and
your entry visa. Your COPR will include identification information as well as your photograph.
Please check the information on your COPR to make sure it is correct. It should be the same
as the information on your passport. If there is a mistake on your COPR, contact your visa
office.
You must have your COPR and your visa with you when you arrive in Canada.
The officer will ask to see your passport and other travel documents. Make sure they are not
packed in your luggage, and you have them with you. This will help speed up your entry to
Canada.
• Your valid passport and/or travel documents. Your passport must be a regular, private
passport. You cannot immigrate to Canada with a diplomatic, government service or
public affairs passport.
• Your valid permanent resident visa, and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence
(COPR). The officer will make sure you are entering Canada before or on the expiry
date shown on your permanent resident visa. Please note that this document cannot
be extended. Make sure you use it before it expires.
• Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after you
arrive in Canada. You can find more information under Proof of funds in the Related
Links section at the bottom of this page.
The officer will ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the requirements to
immigrate to Canada. The questions will be similar to the ones you answered on your
Application for Permanent Residence in Canada. The officer will confirm that you still meet the
requirements for admission to Canada. This should only take a few minutes.
You will not be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information, or if you do
not satisfy the officer that you meet the requirements for entry into Canada.
If there are no problems at the point of entry, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada
as a permanent resident. The officer will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your
permanent resident card will be mailed to you at this address.
Disclosure of funds
If you arrive in Canada with more than C$10,000, you must disclose this information to the
CBSA officer. If you do not disclose this information, you could be fined or put in prison.
These funds could be in the form of:
• cash
• securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• negotiable instruments in bearer form, such as bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’
cheques or money orders.
You can find customs and border information on the website of the CBSA.
Related Links
Proof of funds
The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new skilled worker
immigrants.
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after
you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able
to use this money to support the costs of living for your family.
You will need to provide proof of your funds to the Canadian visa office in your home country
when you submit your application for immigration.
The amount of money you need to support your family is determined by the size of your
family. These amounts are updated every year.
Find out how much it costs to live where you are planning to settle in Canada.
Bring as much money as possible to make moving and finding a home in Canada easier.
Disclosure of funds
If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada.
If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in
the form of:
• cash
• securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example, bankers’ drafts, cheques,
travellers’ cheques or money orders).
If you need help finding out what your occupation is called in Canada and what jobs are open
across the country, you can use the Working in Canada Tool. It will give you a detailed labour
market report that includes information on wages and job opportunities for your occupation
and city where you would like to work.
This tool can help you prepare to work in Canada before you travel and after you arrive. You
can find it in the “Learn About” section at the bottom of this page.
Learn about:
1. Why has Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduced the simplified application
process for Federal Economic Class applications?
2. When did the simplified application process come into effect?
3. What does the simplified application process involve?
4. What does the supporting documentation to be provided later include?
5. Is the simplified application process being used at all visa offices?
6. Why is the simplified application process not being used by Buffalo and other U.S.
offices?
7. Can a foreigner living in the United States who has legal status submit a simplified
application?
8. If I am using the simplified application process, do I have to notify the visa office if I
change jobs?
9. I have already submitted my application. Do I have to start over?
10. Why do you return the supporting documents?
11. I have been nominated under a province’s immigration program. Do I submit a
simplified application?
12. Will my processing fees be refunded if I decide to withdraw my application?
13. Will this initiative reduce processing times?
14. I have just taken a language proficiency test at a designated organization, such as the
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Test d’évaluation de
français (TEF). Can I submit the results now?
1. Citizienship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is committed to client-focused service
delivery. CIC recognized that changes in procedure could simplify the initial
application requirements for Federal Economic Class applicants waiting to have their
applications assessed.
3. Simplified kits and forms have been developed to guide applicants through the
application process. Applicants are required to complete and submit a three-page
form along with the processing fees, which secures them a place in the processing
line.
All supporting documents will be requested at a later date, usually about four months
before the visa office is ready to assess the application. A letter of receipt provides
advice to the applicant on labour-market preparation. The letter also encourages
applicants to take advantage of the waiting period. For example, some applicants
could use this time to start courses to improve their language skills.
5. Since September 1, 2006, the simplified application process is in use at all visa offices
except Buffalo, U.S.A. For applicants who submit their applications in Buffalo for
processing by Buffalo and the other U.S. offices, the regular application process
continues to apply. Applicants must submit their supporting documents at the same
time as the application form.
6. Buffalo and its partner missions in the U.S. use a streamlined system where all files
are created and pre-processed in Buffalo. It requires you to submit all relevant
documents and information with your application. This makes processing faster for
most clients who already live in Canada or the U.S. The SAP does not work well with
this system.
7. No. Since Buffalo continues to use the regular application process, American citizens
and other residents of the United States must submit a full application to our visa
office in Buffalo, which will then forward it to the visa office closest to the applicant’s
residence.
If you submit a simplified application to Buffalo, it will be returned to you with a letter
requesting you submit a regular application. Any fees sent with the simplified
application will also be returned.
8. No. You only have to notify the visa office if you have a new address (postal or email)
or hire a new immigration representative. You should also contact the visa office if you
decide to withdraw your application. You do not have to notify Citizienship and
Immigration Canada of any other changes until the visa office contacts you (about
four months before the office is ready to assess your application).
9. No. Applications that were submitted before September 1, 2006, will be processed as
usual. Regular applications received after September 1, 2006, are accepted, but the
supporting documents will be returned to the applicant until the visa office requests
them.
10. The simplified process is intended to help applicants by eliminating the burden of
continuously having to submit documents while waiting for their application to be
processed. It also allows Citizienship and Immigration Canada to avoid duplication of
work and save storage space. In addition, given application processing times, most
documents would have to be updated if the applicant’s situation changes (for
example, marital status, job, education and financial situation).
11. No. Individuals applying under a provincial nomination program do not submit a
simplified application because these applications are processed on a priority basis.
12. Yes. If you contact the visa office before they contact you (that is, before the
assessment of your application begins), your fees will be refunded.
13. No. However, the simplified application process will reduce the amount of information
you need to submit when you apply. It also secures you a place in the processing line,
and you won’t have to submit supporting documents more than once.
14. If you apply under the simplified application process, the visa office will not accept
any supporting documents. If you submit documents with your application, they will
be returned to you.
Submit your language test results with your other supporting documents. The visa
office will contact you to request these documents about four months before your
application is processed. If you take the language test within one year of submitting
your simplified application, the results remain valid and will be accepted as supporting
documentation by the visa office.
The NOC provides a standardized framework for organizing the world of work in a coherent
system. It is used to collect and organize occupational statistics and to provide labour market
information. The structure and content of the NOC is also implemented in a number of major
services and products throughout the private and public sectors.
The NOC is updated in partnership with Statistics Canada according to 5-year Census cycles.
It is based on extensive occupational research and consultations conducted across the
country, reflecting the evolution of the Canadian labour market.
We hope that your session on the NOC 2006 Web site is informative and helpful.
Methodology
The NOC is a standard that classifies and describes the occupations in the Canadian economy.
It is a foundation for labour market statistics and career information. The NOC must be
revised periodically to reflect developments in technology, organizations and language of
work in order to remain accurate and useful. Revisions have been made in five year cycles
coinciding with Census intervals.
Prior to the 2006 update, consultations were held with Sector Councils, industry
representatives and federal, provincial and territorial personnel to identify areas where
changes could be required.
In some cases these consultations suggested that changes were desired at a structural level.
However, by agreement with Statistics Canada, structural changes1 are considered over a ten-
year time frame to allow users of statistics to compare data from different time periods.
These comparisons are important for identifying trends and would be hampered by changes
to the classification structure. Therefore, updating for NOC 2006 was mainly restricted to
changes such as adding new occupational titles to existing groups, validating and modifying
content in unit group descriptions, and correcting and enhancing title indexes and
concordances between English and French.
Analysts were assigned to occupational areas according to the skill types of the classification.
Within an area of specialization, analysts reviewed user inquiries from the NOC inbox,
correspondence from sectors and employers, and problems reported by statistical or program
coding operations. They identified possible gaps, changes or new or emerging occupations.
Analysts also reviewed available literature, sector studies, occupational standards, career
information, industry web sites and job advertisements. Write-in information from Job Bank
job orders was analyzed to identify changing tasks and certification requirements.
Other primary occupational research methods were available as needed to clarify issues of
content for the occupational unit groups and titles. These methods were used in the original
development of the NOC and included interviews with employers, observation-interviews with
workers, subject matter expert group interviews, or surveys of employers or workers. Studies
could be contracted or conducted in-house. For reasons of economy for the 2006 revision,
contracted research was conducted in certain occupational areas and interviews were
generally used only where needed to clarify issues identified by stakeholders, users and
literature reviews.
Analysts prepared draft revisions, which were then reviewed with their supporting evidence
by occupational classification experts within HRSDC. Proposals were then sent to Statistics
Canada for review and consideration of their impact, operational feasibility and codability.
Finally the revisions were discussed and accepted, modified or rejected by a committee of
classification experts from the two departments.
Future revisions of the NOC are expected to revisit the issue of structural changes, as well as
the ongoing need to accurately represent the evolving characteristics of the world of work.
1
Structural changes involve modifying the conceptual boundaries of occupational groups,
moving occupations to different groups or changing the hierarchical classification structure.
Learn More
Preface - Introduction
The NOC is revised according to census cycles. Following the significant revision with
structural changes for the 2001 edition, the NOC was subjected to a minor update in 2006.
For a better understanding of the extent of the changes made to the NOC 2006 edition,
please view the Preface in .pdf format.
The NOC organizes the world of work in a standardized and structured format. It provides
descriptive information about occupations in the Canadian labour market. To learn more
about the organizational structure of the NOC and its classification principles and criteria,
please view the Introduction in .pdf format.
The NOC-S to NOC concordance is a two-part coding system Statistics Canada has
implemented in its publication to link the statistical aggregation to the NOC coding structure.
This expended coding system allows users to relate data produced by Statistics Canada to the
minor and unit groups of the NOC.
View the NOC-S to NOC concordance in .pdf format. The expanded eight-digit code reflects
the NOC-S alphanumerical code followed by a decimal point and the 4-digit NOC code.
This easy-to-use reference is designed to help small and medium-sized organizations with
their human resources management activities.
Based on National Occupational Classification (NOC) content, this handbook can help users
develop job descriptions to hire employees, evaluate employee performance and identify
training needs.
View the Employers' Handbook in .pdf format or in HTML printer friendly format to learn
more.
http://www.cic.gc.ca