Immigration Policies

Governments set criteria for selecting people who want to immigrate to their country for school or work. Several countries work with organizations to set up programs to help them integrate.

Immigrants who apply for a work permit are selected based on different criteria that vary from country to country. In Canada, immigrants must meet certain requirements. They must:

• have at least one year of experience working in one of the 347 eligible occupations;
• demonstrate intermediate level language skills in English or French, Canada’s two official languages;
• have enough money to move to and live in Canada;
• undergo and pass a medical examination;
• score enough points to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

The Canadian government’s Federal Skilled Worker Program consists of six selection factors. Each factor has a different score. For each factor, several points are awarded depending on the applicant’s qualifications. The passing score is 67 out of 100. The six selection factors are:

1. Education
2. Language skills
3. Work experience
4. Age
5. Arranged employment
6. Adaptability
    

More points are awarded for higher levels of education. For example, 5 points are awarded for a high school diploma and 25 points are awarded for a PhD. However, foreign degrees and certificates are first assessed for Canadian equivalency, and points are awarded based on this equivalency. For example, a person may have a PhD in their home country, but the Canadian equivalent may not meet the standard 25 points.

Immigration candidates must be proficient in English or French, Canada’s two official languages. The government tests applicants’ language skills. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are tested. For each skill, applicants must be at least at the advanced intermediate level in one of the two official languages. If they score 15 points or less (equivalent to beginner level), their application is rejected.

Work experience is always an asset. Applicants must have at least one year of experience in one of the following three broad occupational categories: management occupations, professional employment or technical jobs and skilled trades. If an applicant has more than six years of experience in any of these areas, they are awarded the maximum number of points: 15 points.

Most countries are looking for immigrants of working age. Canada is no different. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 35 get up to the maximum of 12 points. Between ages 36 to 47, one point per year of life is subtracted from 12. This means that a 36-year-old immigrant would get 11 points and a 47-year-old immigrant would get 0 points. Minors also get 0 points.

Applicants who can demonstrate that they have obtained employment verified by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) are awarded 10 points. If the applicant’s potential employer can show that employing a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive economic effect on the local labour market, the applicant gets the 10 points. If the applicant has no arranged employment, they receive no points.

The Canadian government has identified skills that can help immigrants adapt to their host society. If an applicant has at least one year of experience in a professional, technical, managerial or specialist job, they are automatically awarded 10 points. If an applicant has a guaranteed job, they receive five points. Other circumstances also grant the applicant five points. For example, if the applicant has a close adult relative living in Canada, if the applicant or their spouse has studied in Canada, if the applicant’s spouse has ever worked in Canada or if the applicant’s spouse knows one of Canada’s official languages.

In short, the Canadian government has identified six main criteria to select the immigrant workforce. Some criteria are more important than others for application approval, such as proficiency in one of the two official languages. Even if an immigrant passes the test, they may not be selected. The government may choose the highest-scoring applicants in order to meet its needs and ensure new immigrants integrate easily.

Most immigrants submit applications to countries on their own, but sometimes potential skilled employees are recruited. Some companies use agencies and organizations to recruit highly qualified candidates from foreign countries.

These agencies and organizations usually offer a turnkey service, meaning they handle the whole recruitment process, from the immigration application to helping the new employee join the workforce, including obtaining their visa and work permit. This makes it easier for companies to fill their positions with qualified employees. The government may also decide to speed up the immigration process to better serve the company’s situation and needs.

When immigrants arrive in a new country, it is essential that they integrate into their new society. A successful economic, social and cultural integration can translate into taking active roles at work, in community activities or in the education of their children. With this in mind, several measures are put in place to help immigrants integrate.  For example, language classes are offered to people who want to learn their host country’s language. Housing organizations can also help immigrants find a place to live. 

In Quebec, some organizations offer services to help new immigrants transition and  integrate the job market more efficiently. These include employability services, French language services and education and diploma equivalency services.