Simple application process for skilled workers
Applicants for permanent residency to Canada as federal skilled workers have enjoyed a simplified application process since September 2006.
After submitting only one form and fee an applicant is guaranteed a place in the processing queue, meaning that regulations in effect on that date will apply to the application. Supporting documentation is not required until you are notified by the visa office that they are ready to assess your application.
Do I qualify to use the simplified application process?
It is best to start by assuming that you will qualify to use the simplified application process.
In fact, you must use the simplified process, unless you are a provincial nominee, have been selected by Québec, are eligible for points for arranged employment, or have legal temporary resident status in Canada or the United States as a worker or student and are submitting your application through the Buffalo visa office.
Am I a skilled worker?
Skilled workers are eligible for permanent residency on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada. All skilled worker applicants must meet the minimum work experience requirements, earn enough points in the six factors (education, language ability, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability), and meet minimum financial requirements. Additionally, all applicants for Canadian residency must be of good character and good health.
What’s the next step?
At some stage after your initial application has been lodged, you will be contacted by Canadian Immigration to supply further documentation for your application. Be prepared to send:
Immigration forms
- A current IM0008 Schedule 1 for yourself, your spouse and any children over the age of 18
- An IM0008 Schedule 3 for yourself as the principal applicant
- The IMM5406 Additional Family Information form
Civil documents (as applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce certificate
- Child custody order
- Adoption decree
- Death certificate
Proof of education and work history (as applicable)
- Credentials and/or certificates for all secondary and post-secondary courses completed by yourself, your spouse and any children over the age of 18
- Official transcripts for secondary and post-secondary courses completed by yourself, your spouse and any children over the age of 18
- Documentation of work history for the ten years leading up to the date of application, including employment letters, contracts, pay-slips, and job descriptions endorsed by your current and/or previous employers
Proof of adherence to minimum financial requirements
- Bank statements
- Fixed deposit receipts
- Securities, such as shares and bonds
- Evidence or property ownership / mortgage statement
Additional documentation (as applicable)
- Authorised English and/or French language test results (IELTS, TEF, etc)
- Photocopies of your passport, and those of your spouse and any children included in your application
- Proof of your relationship to a relative in Canada (this must include a copy of their Canadian passport, citizenship or permanent resident card)
- Recent original police certificate clearances for you, your spouse and any children over the age of 18 for any country in which you or your dependents have lives for six months or more since turning 18
- Photographs as specified
- Height and eye colour information for yourself, your spouse and all children included in your application
