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On December 15 2001 major changes were made to the Independent ImmigrantCategory. These represent the most significant changes made to the points systemfor over twenty years. The General Occupation list was discontinued and nowanyone in a management, professional or highly skilled occupation may be in aposition to qualify for entry.
The overall passmark has been increased to eighty points for all applicationssubmitted on 17 December 2001 or after this date. If you applied before 17December and you have not received a waiver to the interview requirement beforethis date you will have to now reach a points score of 75 points. Because of thenature of the changes this does not necessarily mean it is going to be moredifficult for everyone. If you were previously not on the general occupationlist you may very well benefit from the new scheme. You will also find it easierthan before to gain points for a job offer, and will now gain points if you havea wife or common law partner with a high level of education.
Under the new points system increased emphasis is being given to people whohave a strong connection to Canada. You will now gain more points for workexperience in Canada, for having studied in Canada for two years, and find iteasier to gain points for an offer of employment in Canada. The CanadianGovernment feels that by putting emphasis on these factors and those mentionedabove, they are are more likely to attract people who can successfully establishthemselves in Canada. This is the most popular category for immigration toCanada. If you gain at least eighty points, and can show that you cansuccessfully establish yourself in Canada, it is usually possible to gain entryto 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.
