Points-based skilled immigration is the most direct pathway for you to pursue permanent residency in several countries. If you have a valuable skillset and an entrepreneurial mindset, consider the points-based skilled immigration programs offered by Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. These programs provide a variety of transparent and meritocratic pathways for talented individuals to contribute to those countries’ thriving economies.
The Big Picture: How do Immigration Points Work in Skilled Immigration?
Imagine a system where your education, experience, language skills, and even age translate into points towards your dream of living and working overseas. That’s the gist of a points-based system.
You can also think of points-based immigration as a competition. Though each country has its setup, generally, the higher your score, the stronger your application and your chances of successfully integrating as a future resident.
To make matters simple, let’s give the essential immigration factors an acronym: APPEAL. APPEAL typically includes:
- Age: Younger applicants generally score higher due to their adaptability and longer potential career contribution.
- Personal connections/network: Relatives and close friends already in the country of the intended destination could provide additional points.
- Potentials: The same relatives in your overseas network could help you settle faster in the community.
- Experience: Experience in your occupation or trade in your home country or elsewhere adds valuable points and opens doors to potential employers. Moreover, extensive work experience in an in-demand field is highly valued.
- Academic Qualifications: While two-year programs such as associate degrees earn points, a bachelor’s degree usually gets high scores. Also, a formal education in your target country, a master’s degree, or relevant professional certifications can significantly boost your points potential.
- Language Proficiency: Communication at work and school is imperative. Fluency in English is the usual standard, with countries asking applicants to show competency in English language tests such as IELTS. In Canada, proficiency in French is desirable, and you may earn migration points if you display this competency.
Though each country has specific immigration programs, the basic premise remains the same: you must reach the threshold of immigration points to be included in each country’s selection pool.
Navigating the Systems for Skilled Immigration.
Each country implements a skills-based immigration points system that is in keeping with what it considers crucial for the success of its new permanent residents. Here are some critical details per country:
- Canada (Express Entry): The Express Entry online system manages applications for the following federal immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades.
- Australia (SkillSelect): SkillSelect, another online system, is used by the Australian government for skilled workers to express their wish to apply for immigration under any of the following immigration programs:
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa
- Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa
- UK (Points-Based System): is a method for selecting skilled workers outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to come and work in the UK. This system offers various visa pathways, such as the Skilled Worker route. Each of these programs has its own set of requirements and point thresholds.
- New Zealand (Skilled Migrant Category): Point allocation in the Skilled Migrant Category prioritizes experience, work experience, and income. Moreover, applicants up to 55 may apply, unlike Canada and Australia, who prefer younger applicants.
Embrace the Opportunity to Immigrate
Though this post is a simplified overview of the skills-based immigration points system of several countries, you may use it as the starting point as you explore your skilled immigration options. As global mobility experts, we at IVC recommend the following:
- Research Extensively: Countries’ immigration policies evolve, so you should check official sources for comprehensive information and resources.
- Skills Assessment: Get to know what your immigration points are! Undergo a skills assessment to determine if your qualifications align with their in-demand occupations. If you’ve honed your profession or trade over the years, your skills and experience would have value on a global scale.
- Points Calculator Tools: Utilize online tools to estimate your potential point score. While estimates are not guarantees, they provide valuable direction.
Do you need help determining how many immigration points you might receive upon assessment? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by immigration jargon? Look no further! Call or Send IVC a message to discuss your options with a Migration Associate.
Message Us About Your Skilled Immigration InquiryPlus, if you’re interested in learning which country is a popular desti-NATION for immigrants, check out the following sites:
- For New Zealand – https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/statistics/statistics-arrivals-by-month.pdf
- For Australia – https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/live/overseas-arrivals-and-departures
- For the UK – not as specific as NZ and OZ – https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-statistics
- For Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/reports-statistics/statistics-open-data.html
- For US – https://www.dhs.gov/ohss/topics/immigration/yearbook
