What's a Skilled Worker to Do?

It used to be that if you had a post-secondary degree, skilled work experience, and a reasonable knowledge of English or French, that you could qualify to immigrate to Canada. In the past few years, however, the Federal government has dramatically shrunk the skilled-worker category. Einstein himself wouldn't qualify for permanent residence today.

So what's a skilled-worker to do? Well, here are some avenues to consider:

1. If you have the necessary work experience to fit into the 29 occupations that are still accepted for the skilled worker class, you could qualify if you apply fast. There's a quota of only 500 applications for each occupation this year and many of these are filling up rapidly.

2. Try to obtain a permanent high-skilled job offer in Canada. Even if you can't get a work permit for this job right away, if the business would offer you the job once you become a permanent resident, you may still qualify for arranged employment which would allow you to qualify.

3. If you have owned your own business and have over $300k in net worth, you may be able to qualify for one of the entrepreneur programs in some of the provinces in Canada under the PNP programs. If you have a net worth of $1.6 Million or more, you could qualify under the Investor program.

4. If you don't have that amount of net worth but you work in the arts or are a champion athlete, you could qualify under the self-employed category for artists and athletes.

5. If you are willing to work in a low-skilled job and have a job offer, you may qualify for permanent residence in certain provinces in certain sectors.

6. If none of the above applies to you or if you would like to come to Canada immediately, you should consider going back to school in Canada. Students who complete 1-2 year programs in Canada will in most cases have a clear path to obtaining permanent residence under a number of economic categories.

Canada no longer welcomes skilled workers with open doors but there are still windows of opportunity open to those who know where to find them. Just make sure you have a good blueprint before you begin.