Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker


Find information on:

Amendments to the transitional regulations

The new passmark

Skilled workers have education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French and other abilities that will help them to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in Canada.
Applying to come to Canada as a Skilled Worker is not difficult. Consult this section to find all the information and forms you need to make your application.
Refer to this site often. The rules for applying as a Skilled Worker can change. Before you apply, make sure you are following the current rules. After you apply, check back for information about the steps that follow. You can also check the status of your application.
Canada welcomes skilled worker immigrants, and we hope that this Web site will provide you with helpful information about living and working in the various provinces and regions of Canada.


Will You Qualify as a Skilled Worker?
There are minimum application requirements and selection factors to come as a Skilled Worker.
 Find out if you can apply as a Skilled Worker;
 Read about the six selection factors;
 Learn how to assess your language skills;
Language Proficiency
The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important to you, as a skilled worker. Abilities in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.
Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers. You will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high abilities in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:
 listen;
 speak;
 read; and
 write.

Description of Each Level of Ability:
Use the following chart to assess your skill levels according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Follow the links for a description of each skill level.
Proficiency Level Ability
Speaking Listening Reading Writing
HIGH: You can communicate effectively in most social and work situations. Speaking: High
Listening: High
Reading: High
Writing: High

MODERATE: you can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work situations. Speaking: Moderate
Listening: Moderate
Reading: Moderate
Writing: Moderate

BASIC: You can communicate in predictable contexts and on familiar topics, but with some difficulty. Speaking: Basic
Listening: Basic
Reading: Basic
Writing: Basic

NO: You do not meet the above criteria for basic proficiency. Does not meet Basic Level. Does not meet Basic Level. Does not meet Basic Level. Does not meet Basic Level.
You can view and print the entire Canadian Language Benchmarks from your computer. It is a very long document and may take some time to view on your computer [Acrobat PDF format, 780 K].

Your First and Second Official Languages
If you have some abilities in both the English and French language, decide which language you are more comfortable using. This is your First Official Language. The other is your Second Official Language.

Calculate Your Language Points
Use the descriptions from the table above to score your language abilities.
First Official Language
Speaking Listening Reading Writing
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
Second Official Language
Speaking Listening Reading Writing
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

Language ability documentation
If you are claiming language skills on your application, you must provide conclusive proof of your language skills. You must choose one of two options to do this. You can:
1. take a language test by an approved organization; or
2. provide other written documentation that supports your claim.
We strongly recommend that you take a language test from an approved organization if you are claiming skills in a language that is not your native language.


 Use our on-line Self Assessment tool to see if you qualify as a skilled worker.

Will You Qualify as a Skilled Worker?
Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they are able to become economically established in Canada.
To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, applicants must:
 meet the minimum work experience requirements;
 prove that they have the funds required for settlement; and
 earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.
The following categories will help you determine if you can apply as Skilled Worker. You can assess your chances of being accepted. Consult each of the following areas for the current regulations regarding:


Minimum Work Experience Requirements:
Check to see if your experience qualifies you to immigrate as a Skilled Worker according to the Canadian National Occupation Classification Matrix.
Jobs on the list of restricted occupations cannot be used as work experience on your application.
Minimum Work Experience Requirements
Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they have the ability to become economically established in Canada.
You must meet the following minimum work experience requirements to allow you to apply as a skilled worker:
 You must have at least one year of full-time work experience. You must have been paid for this work.
 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.)
 You must have had this experience within the last 10 years.
National Occupation Classification (NOC)
The NOC is a classification system for jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties, skills, talents and work settings for occupations.
Determine Your NOC Category
Follow these steps to see if your work experience meets the requirements to apply as a skilled worker.
Note: After checking the external Web sites mentioned in each step below, press the back button on your Web browser to return to this Web page.

1 Find the title of any full-time jobs you had in the past 10 years using National Occupation Classification list. This is a list of all jobs that are in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B on the NOC. Write down the four-digit code located to the left of your job’s title.

2 Go to the NOC Web site and type your four-digit job-code in the “Quick Search” box. Make sure you press the “GO” button. A description of your occupation will appear. Make sure the description and “Main Duties” describe what you did at your last jobs.
Note: you do not have to meet the “Employment Requirements” listed in the description.
If the initial description and list of main duties matches what you did at your last jobs, you can count this experience when you apply as a skilled worker. You can also earn points in Factor 3 of the Selection Factors.
Selection Factors
Work Experience (maximum 21 points)
You will be awarded selection points for the number of years you spent in full-time, paid work. Your jobs must be listed in the Skill type 0 or Skill Levels A or B in the National Occupation Classification.
Instructions:
Follow the steps below to see how many points you can earn for your work experience.
Note: After checking the Web sites mentioned in the steps below, press the back button on your Web browser to return to this Web page.

1 Find the title of any full-time, paid jobs you had during the past 10 years, using Appendix E: National Occupation Classification list. This is a list of all jobs that are in Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or B on the NOC. Write down the four-digit code located to the left of your job’s title.

2 Go to the NOC Web site and type your four-digit job-code in the “Quick Search” box. Make sure you press the “GO” button. A description of your occupation will appear. Make sure the description and “Main Duties” describe what you did at your last jobs.
Note: you do not have to meet the “Employment Requirements” listed in the description.
Does Your Job Count for Work Experience?
 If the initial description and list of main duties matches what you did at your job, you can count this experience.
 If the description does not match your experience then you can not count this experience.

3 Check the list of restricted occupations. If your work experience is in a restricted occupation you cannot use it to earn points.

4 Add up how many total years of full-time, paid work experience you have in the past 10 years in the occupations listed in Appendix E of the NOC. Do not include work experience in a restricted occupation.

5 Using this total number of years, determine your points from this chart:
Years of experience 1 2 3 4+
Points 15 17 19 21


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 of the jobs you had in the past 10 years to see if you have at least one year of work experience in a job that will qualify you as a skilled worker.

3 Check the list of restricted occupations. If your work experience is in a restricted occupation then you cannot use it to qualify for the Skilled Worker category.

You do not meet the minimum requirements if:
 none of your work experience is listed in the NOC list;
 your experience did not occur in the 10 years before you applied; or
 your only work experience is in a restricted occupation.
If you do not meet the minimum work experience requirements, your application as a Skilled Worker will be refused.


Proof of Funds:
You must have enough money to support your family for six months after you arrive in Canada. Check to see if you meet the financial requirements.

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 your family.
You will need to provide proof of your funds when you submit your application for immigration.
The amount of money that you need to have to support your family is determined by the size of your family.
Number of
Family
Members Funds Required
(in Canadian dollars)
1 $10,168
2 $12,659
3 $15,563
4 $18,895
5 $21,431
6 $24,170
7 or more $26,910
You do not have to show that you have these funds if you have arranged employment in Canada.
How Much Money Should you Bring?
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 CDN $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, money orders.)


Language Skills:
Language skills are an important factor in the selection process. Points are given for your ability in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English and French. Learn about the:
 two options to document your language abilities;
 approved language tests; and
 Canadian Language Benchmarks.

Language Proficiency
The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important to you, as a skilled worker. Abilities in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.
Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers. You will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high abilities in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:
 listen;
 speak;
 read; and
 write.

Description of Each Level of Ability:
Use the following chart to assess your skill levels according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Follow the links for a description of each skill level.
Proficiency Level Ability
Speaking Listening Reading Writing
HIGH: You can communicate effectively in most social and work situations. Speaking: High
Listening: High
Reading: High
Writing: High

MODERATE: you can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work situations. Speaking: Moderate
Listening: Moderate
Reading: Moderate
Writing: Moderate

BASIC: You can communicate in predictable contexts and on familiar topics, but with some difficulty. Speaking: Basic
Listening: Basic
Reading: Basic
Writing: Basic

NO: You do not meet the above criteria for basic proficiency. Does not meet Basic Level. Does not meet Basic Level. Does not meet Basic Level. Does not meet Basic Level.
You can view and print the entire Canadian Language Benchmarks from your computer. It is a very long document and may take some time to view on your computer [Acrobat PDF format, 780 K].

Your First and Second Official Languages
If you have some abilities in both the English and French language, decide which language you are more comfortable using. This is your First Official Language. The other is your Second Official Language.

Calculate Your Language Points
Use the descriptions from the table above to score your language abilities.
First Official Language
Speaking Listening Reading Writing
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
Second Official Language
Speaking Listening Reading Writing
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

Language ability documentation
If you are claiming language skills on your application, you must provide conclusive proof of your language skills. You must choose one of two options to do this. You can:
1. take a language test by an approved organization; or
2. provide other written documentation that supports your claim.
We strongly recommend that you take a language test from an approved organization if you are claiming skills in a language that is not your native language.


Six Selection Factors and Pass Mark:
Applications are assessed on six selection factors and a points system.
 Read about the six selection factors for Skilled Workers
 Learn about how the points system works.
 Check the current pass mark for applications.

Six Selection Factors and Pass Mark
These charts show how points are awarded in the six selection factors.
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
Learn more about the specific requirements and definitions of terms.

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
Learn more about the specific requirements and the documents you need.

Factor Three: Experience Maximum 21
1 year 15
2 years 17
3 years 19
4 years 21
Learn more about specific requirements for earning work experience points.

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
View the full age chart to determine your points.

Factor Five: Arranged Employment In Canada Maximum 10
You have a permanent job offer that has been confirmed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). 10
You are applying from within Canada and have a temporary work permit that was:
issued after receipt of a confirmation of your job offer from HRSDC; or 10
you have a temporary work permit that was exempted from the requirement of a confirmed job offer from HRSDC on the basis of an international agreement (e.g., NAFTA), a significant benefit to Canada (e.g., intra-company transfer) or public policy on Canada’s academic or economic competitiveness (e.g., post-graduate work). 10
Learn more about specific requirements and conditions.

Factor Six: Adaptability Maximum 10
Spouse’s or common-law partner’s education 3 - 5
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
Learn more about specific requirements and conditions.

Total Maximum 100
Pass Mark 67

Will You Qualify?
1. If your score is the same or higher than the pass mark, then you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. After reading the information on our Web site, if you wish to apply for immigration, consult our application instructions.
2. If your score is less 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.

You may submit a formal application if you believe that there are factors that would show that you are able to become economically established in Canada. 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, you and your spouse or common-law partner must decide who will be the principal applicant. The other person will be considered the dependant in the applications.
Note: A common-law partner is the 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.
Use the self-assessment test to help you determine which person would earn the most points. The person who would earn the most points should apply as the principal applicant.
Try the on-line Self-Assessment to see how many points you would earn in the six selection factors explained above.


Self-Assessment tool:
Use this on-line tool to see how you may qualify as a Skilled Worker.

Skilled Worker Self-Assessment
This Self-Assessment tool will help you decide if you should apply to immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker. The questions here are like the questions on the application form. Your score on this test will show you how your skills and experience could be graded on your application.
This test is only to give you an idea of whether or not you will qualify as a skilled worker. A Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officer will decide on your application based on the evidence you provide.
The information from the test is 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 your results from your computer.
Pass Mark
The current pass mark is 67. The mark can change in the future so check the Skilled Worker information on the CIC Web site for the latest information.
Who should take the test?
You should take this test to help you decide if you want to apply as a Skilled Worker. If you are married or in a common-law relationship, you should both take the test to see who scores the most points. The person with the most selection points should apply as the principal applicant.




Working in Canada
Learn more about:
 regulated and non-regulated occupations;
 assessment of credentials;
 The labour market and “job banks”; and
 employment by province and territory.

Working in Canada
Before you immigrate, you should learn as much as possible about working in Canada. Your preparations should include updating your résumé and talking to friends, family, and potential employers about the job situation in the part of Canada in which you wish to settle.
Read this section to find answers to some of your questions about finding a job and working in Canada.
Note: There is no guarantee that you will find work in your preferred occupation. You should know that, in order to work:
 you may need to have your credentials (degrees and diplomas) assessed and recognized;
 you may have to be licensed;
 you may need to take additional courses;
 you may need to successfully complete examinations; and/or
 you may need to take a job specific language test.
The immigration selection process does not require you to have a credential assessment, recognition of your credentials and licensing. But, they are important steps to help you find work in Canada.


Will I be able to work in Canada?
This section provides information on regulated and non-regulated occupations.

Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada, which means that you must be licensed to work in these occupations.

The provinces and territories have delegated authority to independent regulatory bodies to set standards and requirements for licensing.

Will my degrees and diplomas be recognized in Canada?
We advise you to have your credentials (degrees and diplomas) compared to Canadian standards to see whether your skills will be transferable to work in Canada. This is called an assessment of credentials.

How can I find information on job openings in Canada?
You need to understand the Canadian labour market to know if, and where, there are jobs available and how to search for them.
“Job banks” (searchable databases) provide lists of available jobs throughout Canada.
This section will help you to:
 increase your knowledge of the Canadian labour market;
 consider career prospects;
 search for available jobs in Canada.

Where in Canada will I have the best chance of finding employment?
Conditions of employment are not the same throughout Canada. Each province or territory sets its own conditions and standards of employment.
This section will help you find:
 information on the labour market in individual provinces and territories;
 information on professions and trades in each province and territory.


Things to Consider Before Applying
 Application Fees
 Funds required to settle in Canada
 Medical Examinations
 Whether you should hire someone to represent you
 Choosing a destination in Canada

Things to Consider Before You Apply
Deciding to apply for permanent residence in Canada is a big decision. There are other factors to consider when you are thinking about coming to Canada.


Application Fees:
There are several fees you will have to pay when applying as a Skilled Worker:
 The Processing Fee required with your application.
 The Right of Permanent Residence fee required if your application is successful.
 Additional fees which may be required.

Application Fees
There are two application fees you will have to pay when you apply to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker:
1. Application Fee:
This fee must be paid for the principal applicant and any accompanying spouse, common-law partner, and dependant children.
 Pay this when you apply.
 This fee is not refundable.
Find out what the current fees are for Skilled Workers (“Other applicants.”)
2. Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
This fee must be paid for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
 Pay this any time while Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is processing your application. You must pay this before CIC can issue you your permanent residence visa.
 This fee is refundable if:
 you cancelled your application;
 CIC did not issue your visa to you; or
 you did not use your visa.
Find out what the current fees are.
Additional Fees:
You will have to pay the fees related to obtaining:
 your medical examination;
 police certificates; and
 language testing.
Fee Schedule for Citizenship and Immigration Services
A number of cost recovery and administrative fees are payable by applicants for processing applications of various types and for certain citizenship and immigration procedures. However, all fees are subject to change without notice. In general, fees are payable at the time of application. Please check with your nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada office or Canadian mission abroad for confirmation.
Note: All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
1. CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship Fees
Right to be a Citizen $100
Change of Citizenship
Grant of Citizenship $100
Retention of Citizenship $100
Resumption of Citizenship $100
Renunciation of Citizenship $100
Citizenship Status Documents
Proof of Citizenship $75
Search for Record of Citizenship $75
2. APPLICATIONS FOR
VISAS AND PERMITS
Permanent Resident Visas
Family Class applicants
Sponsorship application (per application) $75
Principal applicant $475
Principal applicant, if less than 22 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner (including a dependent child of the sponsor, a child to be adopted and an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild) $75
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner $150
Note: Fees assessed for principal applicants and family members under the Family Class are payable, along with the sponsorship fee, when the sponsor files the sponsorship application.
Investor, Entrepreneur or Self-employed Persons Class applicants
Principal applicant $1,050
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner $150
Other classes of applicants
Principal applicant $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner $150
Temporary Resident Visas
Single entry to Canada $75
Multiple entry $150
Note: The total will not exceed $400 per family, provided that the family members all apply at the same time and place.
Work Permits
Work permit $150
Note: This fee is per person, but the total amount will not exceed $450 in the case of a group of three or more performing artists and their staff who apply at the same time and place.
Study Permits
Study permit $125
3. FEES FOR APPLICATIONS
TO REMAIN IN CANADA AS A
PERMANENT RESIDENT
Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class
Sponsorship application (per application) $75
Principal applicant $475
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner $150
Note: Fees assessed under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class are payable, along with the sponsorship fee, when the sponsor files the sponsorship application. Refunds will be issued only if the sponsor withdraws the sponsorship application before processing of the application has begun. The $75 sponsorship fee will not normally be refunded.
Other applicants
Principal applicant $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner $150
Permit Holders Class
Applicant $325
Application under Section 25 of the Act*
Principal applicant $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner $550
A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner $150
*Under this section, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration may grant permanent resident status to an inadmissible foreign national based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations or public policy considerations.
4. RIGHT OF PERMANENT
RESIDENCE FEE (RPRF)
For the acquisition of permanent resident status $975
This fee is payable by principal applicants (with some exceptions) and accompanying spouses and common-law partners. It must be paid before the immigrant visa is issued overseas or before the applicant becomes a permanent resident in Canada.

The following applicants are not required to pay this fee:
 dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor, a child to be adopted, or an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild; and
 protected persons, including Convention refugees.
5. OTHER APPLICATIONS
AND SERVICES
Extension of Authorization to Remain in Canada as a Temporary Resident
Application processing fee $75
Restoration of Temporary Resident Status
Application processing fee $200
Permanent Resident Cards*
Application processing fee $50
Renewal or replacement of lost, damaged or stolen card $50
Certification and replacement of an immigration document
Application processing fee $30
Application for a travel document A31(3)*
Application processing fee $50
*Permanent residents outside Canada who do not have a Permanent Resident Card or, until December 31, 2003, an Immigration Record of Landing can apply for a travel document so that they may return to Canada.
After-hours examination
For entry into Canada, outside of normal service hours (payable at time of examination) $100*
*For the first four hours of the examination; $30 for each additional hour or part thereof.
Alternative means of examination
Application processing fee $30
Immigration statistical data
Application processing fee $100*
*For the first 10 minutes or less of access to the Department’s database in order to respond to such a request; $30 for each additional minute or less of access.
Determination of rehabilitation
Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality $1,000
Application processing fee, if inadmissible on the grounds of criminality $200
Authorization to return to Canada
Application processing fee $400
Repayment of removal expenses
To the U.S.A. and St. Pierre and Miquelon $750
To any other country $1,500


Funds Required to Settle in Canada:
You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants for at least six months after you arrive in Canada.

Medical Examinations:
You will have to take a medical examination in order to come to Canada. Your dependent children must also take a medical examination, even if they are not coming to Canada with you. Learn more about:
 Health requirements for you and your dependants.
 Where to locate a Designated Medical Practitioner.
 Medical examination procedures.

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 with you.
Applications for permanent residence will not be accepted if that person’s health:
 is a danger to public health or safety; or
 would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.
Medical Examination Instructions
Instructions on how to take the medical examination will normally be sent to you after you submit your application to the Visa Office.
Validity
You can only use your examination results in your application for 12 months from when you had the examination. If you are not admitted to Canada as a permanent resident within this time, you will be required to undergo another examination.
Authorized Doctors
Your own doctor cannot do the medical examination. You must see a physician on Canada’s list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Medical Report Procedures
Medical reports and x-rays for the medical examination become the property of the Canadian Immigration Medical Authorities and cannot be returned to you.
The doctor will not tell you the results of the medical examination. The doctor will let you know if you have a health-related problem.
The DMP does not make the final decision. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will make the final decision on whether or not your medical examination has been passed for immigration purposes.
The Visa Office will tell you in writing if there is a problem with your medical examination.


Whether you need to hire someone to represent you:
It is not necessary to hire a consultant to assist you with your immigration application. The process is simple and easy to follow. All the forms and information you need are available here. Learn more about:
 Specific conditions that apply only if you do decide to hire an agent or consultant.

Immigration Representatives
Who May Represent You?
Are you:
 Applying for a visa or making any other application under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act?
 Undergoing a proceeding or hearing for an immigration or refugee matter?
In some cases, individuals who wish to come to, or stay in, Canada have a representative provide them with additional support or advice.
Remember you are not obliged to hire a representative for immigration and refugee matters. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not.
There are two types of representatives: paid and unpaid.
Consult these pages to find more information about paid and unpaid representatives.


New Regulations for Paid Representatives
Find information about the new regulations for paid representatives that came into effect on April 13, 2004.

Regulations on Immigration Representatives
Consult the Regulations and see the Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement (RIAS).
[Canada Gazette, Extra Vol. 138, No. 4, April 14, 2004]

Unpaid Representatives
Find out who may act as an unpaid representative.

General Information about Representatives
Read about your responsibilities when dealing with a representative; how to work with CIC through a representative and what to do if things go wrong.

Verify a Representative
Find out if a representative is a member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), of a Canadian law society or of the Chambres des notaires du Québec.


Choosing a destination in Canada:
Canada is a large country with differences among the cities, provinces and regions. You should think about the differences in living conditions and work opportunities in each area.


How to Apply
Once you have decided that you want to bring your skills to Canada, make sure that you follow the right steps to apply.
How to Apply
Applying to immigrate as a skilled worker is not difficult. Follow the steps described below.
Before you start your application, print out all the forms you need. Read the instructions carefully. The guide will help you fill out your application.
Make sure you send your fees receipt and all of your documents with your application. If your application is not complete, the Visa Office will return it to you without processing it.


Printing the Guide and Forms:
Make sure you get all the forms you need. Use the guide to help you fill out your application. If you cannot print the forms from your computer, you may obtain them by contacting a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate near you.

Calculating the Fees:
You will have to pay the:
 Application Fee for you and your dependents; and
 Right of Permanent Residence Fee for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner.

Double-check your Application:
There is a checklist in your Visa Office forms. Use this checklist to 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.

Send in your Application:
Mail your application with supporting documents and your user fee receipt to the Visa Office. The address is in the Visa Office documents.
Warning: It is an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to knowingly make a false or misleading statement in support of an application for permanent residence in Canada. Doing so can result in a two-year ban from entering Canada.


What Happens After Applying
Learn more about what will happen after you submit your application:
 How your application is assessed.
 Checking the status of your application.
 What happens when you arrive in Canada.


What Happens After You Apply
You can follow the progress of your application after you have submitted it. Find out what happens with your application after you give it to your local visa office. While you are waiting for a decision about your application, you may want to find out more about what it means to be a permanent resident of Canada. Start here to learn about:


The Assessment Process:
Procedures for submitting and processing applications differ from visa office to visa office. However, there are some steps in the process that are common to all applications.

Checking the Status of Your Application:
Once you have received notice from our office that your application has been received, you can check the status of your application online.

What Happens Next:
If your application is successful, you will need to submit your passport to the Canadian visa office where you applied in order to receive your visa. Learn more about:
 what will happen when you enter Canada;
 settlement Services in Canada;
 rights and Obligations of Permanent Residents of Canada; and
 becoming a Canadian citizen.