Canada’s Point System Canada’s Point System was changed in July 2002 to better evaluate the skills and personality characteristics a person would need to successfully adapt to life in Canada. Each Skilled Worker applicant is judged according to six criteria. They had to score at least 75 out of 100 points in order to be accepted. In September 2003, the score was lowered to 67. The six criteria are:

1) Education (25 points maximum) The more education a person has, the more points they receive High School diploma equals 5 points, a Bachelor’s degree is 20 points

2) Language Ability (24 points maximum) The proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) a person has in both official languages is evaluated. Knowledge of the 1 st language is worth up to 16 points, while knowledge of the 2 nd language is worth up to 8.

3) Work Experience (21 points maximum) The number of years of paid work experience a person has in a recognized profession is evaluated. 1 year of experience is worth 15 points, while more than 4 years equals 21 points.

4) Age (10 points maximum) Anyone between 21 and 49 receives 10 points. Two points are deducted for every year over or under that bracket.

5) Arranged Employment (10 points maximum) If a person has a job offer from a Canadian firm, or has a position waiting for them here, they receive 10 points.

6) Adaptability (10 points maximum) Points are given for how well an applicant would be able to meet the changing demands of Canada’s workforce. Points are awarded for education, Canadian work experience, or relatives already living in Canada.

THE POINT SYSTEM DOESN’T APPLY TO EVERYONE

Business Class Immigrants Business Class – People who are evaluated according to how much they will invest in Canada. They must have a net worth of more than $ , and be willing to invest $

Family Class Immigrants People attempting to gain entry to Canada on the basis of their relationship to someone already living here permanently. Their sponsor must agree to financially support them for at least three years. These people are generally: a)Spouses b)Parents/Grandparents/Immediate Family c)Adoptees

Refugees People attempting to gain entry to Canada on the basis of their need for protection from a situation in their home country (i.e. war, persecution, abuse, racism, etc.) The merits of their case is judged by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). If successful, these people are entitled to assistance in adjusting to life in Canada (job training, housing assistance, etc.)

2015 Changes to the Point System

New Policy What are the changes? immigration-rules-come-into-effect-in-new- year http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/new- immigration-rules-come-into-effect-in-new- year Details of the new system