Recently, Canada changed its system for skilled worker migration.  The Minister of Immigration restricted the number of occupations in the National Classification List (NOC) for applicants who qualify under the Skilled Worker category.

Below is the list of the 38 NOC codes/occupations.  Skilled Worker Applicants who applied after February 27, 2008 must have at least 1 year of experience in one or more of these occupations. For applicants who applied before February 27, 2008, all applications will still be processed; however, applicants who fall under one or more of these occupations are put on a priority list.

National Occupation Classification List

0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0631: Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3111: Specialist Physicians
3112: General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3142: Physiotherapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
3152: Registered Nurses
3215: Medical Radiation Technologists
3233: Licensed Practical Nurses
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
6241: Chefs
6242: Cooks
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7215: Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7241: Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
7242: Industrial Electricians
7251: Plumbers
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators
7312: Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371: Crane Operators
7372: Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
8222: Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

Even if you do not qualify under the National Occupation Classification List, there are still various options for you to immigrate to Canada.

One option is obtaining an Arranged Employment Opinion.

Assessment under the Skilled Worker category is based on 6 selection factors.  Each selection factor is allotted with a maximum number of points.  The minimum number of points you need to qualify is 67 points. The factors are Education, Language Skills, Experience, Age, Arranged Employment, and Adaptability.

Arranged Employment Opinion

Arranged Employment Opinion is an approved job offer from a Canadian employer (also known as AEO).  When you obtain a positive Arranged Employment Opinion from Service Canada, you will be qualified to apply for permanent residence.

The initial step to obtain an Arranged Employment Opinion is to search for a Canadian company that wants to hire you. After obtaining a permanent job offer we can help the employer to obtain the approval from Service Canada and apply on their behalf for you.

If you already have an employer who is willing to hire you, we can work with the employer to obtain the necessary validation from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

The employer must meet certain criteria, which are as follows:

• The employer must have been in business for at least one year.
• The employer must have had at least one employee in the past year.
• The employer must have paid this employee a salary, and must have submitted source deductions (EI, CPP, and federal income tax) to the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).
• The employer must be hiring for a position which is:
  - full-time
  - permanent
  - skilled (usually requiring at least two years of post-secondary education or training)
  - compensated at a rate which would be sufficient to attract and retain a Canadian