Major Change to Canadian Independent Immigrant Category

December 2001

On December 15 2001 major changes were made to the Independent Immigrant Category. These represent the most significant changes made to the points system for over twenty years. The General Occupation list was discontinued and now anyone in a management, professional or highly skilled occupation may be in a position to qualify for entry.

The overall passmark has been increased to eighty points for all applications submitted on 17 December 2001 or after this date. If you applied before 17 December and you have not received a waiver to the interview requirement before this date you will have to now reach a points score of 75 points. Because of the nature of the changes this does not necessarily mean it is going to be more difficult for everyone. If you were previously not on the general occupation list you may very well benefit from the new scheme. You will also find it easier than before to gain points for a job offer, and will now gain points if you have a wife or common law partner with a high level of education.

Under the new points system increased emphasis is being given to people who have a strong connection to Canada. You will now gain more points for work experience in Canada, for having studied in Canada for two years, and find it easier to gain points for an offer of employment in Canada. The Canadian Government feels that by putting emphasis on these factors and those mentioned above, they are are more likely to attract people who can successfully establish themselves in Canada. This is the most popular category for immigration to Canada. If you gain at least eighty points, and can show that you can successfully establish yourself in Canada, it is usually possible to gain entry to Canada under this Scheme.

If you would like to see the full report on this, or would like the opportunity to calculate your points score please go to our up to date guide to the points system.