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The Federal Skilled Worker program has changed significantly in the past few years, and continues to change each year. Applications are now being processed under the criteria of the new Express Entry system. It is no longer enough, however, to meet the minimum 67 point requirement in order to submit an application. In its current form, you must be “Invited to Apply” under the Express Entry system before being considered under this category.

A foreign national that has experience in any skilled occupation and meets the 67 point minimum can enter a profile under the Express Entry and have his or her points assessed and ranked for selection. As in the past, the points are still assessed based on language ability, age, work experience, education, Canadian job offer and adaptability in Canada.

If your point assessment for Express Entry is considered too low for selection, then you may require a job offer from a Canadian company to give you the needed points. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) would then be necessary prior to application. This would also increase your points under the Skilled Worker criteria. The process for obtaining a positive LMIA is similar to that required prior to applying for a work permit. The prospective employer will apply to HRSDC for a positive LMIA determination which will confirm the need for this type of employment in Canada. An application is submitted along with the company’s necessary financial information. Once a positive LMIA is obtained, a profile can be entered into the job pool along with the applicant’s Credential Evaluation to increase the chances of selection.