Canada's immigration program reflects the country's interest in skilled and professionally trained people. Skilled workers are assessed on the basis of specific selection criteria. The specific criteria used as well as their weighting are based on Canada's demographic and labor market needs. Persons with special occupational skills and experience may qualify for entry to Canada as a skilled worker. Your application as a "skilled worker" is assessed on the basis of the qualifications, skill, experience you possess in your field as well as your knowledge of English.

In general terms Canada is currently recruiting immigrants who have

• a good education
• employment skills that are portable to the Canadian labor market
• communication skills (in English or French) to enable easy integration into the Canadian community ;
• good character and good health
   

You must have at least one year of working experience before you can apply. Please be aware that what counts as experience in your country, however, may not necessarily correspond to Canadian immigration requirements, since all occupations are assessed under Canadian standards. Your skills must be readily transferable to the Canadian labour market, and some occupations require obtaining a license before working in Canada.

In addition, Canadian immigration officials also take the following relevant factors into consideration when evaluating an application: age, education, work experience, Canadian relatives, personal suitability and ability to communicate in either of Canada's official languages.

We encourage applications in the skilled worker category to be submitted as soon as possible as the immigration selection criteria are under review and forthcoming changes will likely place greater emphasis on English and French language ability as well as education. Applications submitted before any change in selection criteria will be assessed according to the existing criteria.

We can verify if you or your spouse (if married) meet these requirements. For an evaluation of your profile, please fill out the skilled worker's evaluation form. We will promptly evaluate your profile, and should you choose so, help you begin the application process. An application will require the following steps:

• Complete an immigration application for everyone in your family over 18 years of age.
• Provide documents to confirm :

1. Your identity and family situation
2. Your education
3. Your experience
4. Proof of sufficient funds
5. Obtain a police certificate for you and your dependants aged 18 years or over.

Upon reception of the above documents, we will complete your file on your behalf and submit your application to the most appropriate Canadian High Commission for visa processing.