Immigration Corner | Do I need to get my credentials assessed?

Dear Ms Powell:

I have been reading your articles for some time, but I still have many questions about the Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP) to Canada, and I need answers based on my personal situation. I am 28 years old and I have a BSc and an MBA. I want to apply for the FSWP but I'm not sure I qualify, and I don't want to make any mistakes with my application and get penalised.

Here are my questions:

1. Do I still need to do an English exam even though I am from an English-speaking country and have a master's degree?

2. My bachelor's degree is from UWI and my master's is from Nova University in Florida. Do I still need to get my credentials assessed?

3. I worked all through my studies on a part-time basis and even volunteered. Does this count?

4. I have a USA green card, will that give me extra points?

5. I have cousins in Canada, can this give me extra points?

Keep up the good work and thank you in advance for answering these questions.

- H.W.

Dear H.W.,

Based on the information you have provided, you could be a strong candidate under the express entry system. The express entry system is Canada's system used to manage applications for permanent residence for the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Federal Skilled Trades Programme, and the Canadian Experience Class Programme. Some provinces also recruit individuals who are in the pool for their provincial nominee programme, based on their labour market demands at the particular time.

To be admitted into the pool of candidates for selection, individuals will be given a comprehensive ranking score, which is based on your language ability, education, work experience and skills. Additional points are given if you have a brother or sister who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, and if you receive a valid job offer or if you have been selected by a province under the provincial nominee programme (PNP).

The government of Canada requires all applicants to demonstrate their level of competence in the two main languages - English and French. To prove their level, each individual is required to provide the results of either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), General Training Exam, or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), General, and for French, the Test d'evaluation de francais (TEF).

You will not be admitted into the pool without at least one of these results. These language tests will be evidence that your language skills meet the minimum standard in each of these four abilities: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The IELTS and TEF are offered in Jamaica. However, you would need to go to Canada or the USA to sit the CELPIP exam.

Since your education was from a non-Canadian school, you will be required to get your education assessed to show that your credentials are the same as a bachelor's and master's degree in Canada.

To qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, you need a minimum of one year full-time work experience in the same field in one of the occupations listed as managerial, professional occupations, or technical and trade occupations. Full-time work experience means working at least 30 paid hours per week. You will be given points for part-time employment after you were granted a degree. Volunteer work does not count.

Having a USA green card will not give you extra points, but you will be required to declare this and provide proof, once you have been granted an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

It is good to have relatives in a province as it shows that you have a strong connection to a province and could receive a provincial nomination, However, when you submit your application, you will only be asked about close relatives such as siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Additional points are not given for cousins.

I hope that helps. You can also find out if you qualify by completing our free eligibility assessment at www.deidrepowell.com or at Facebook.com/jamaicanlawyer.

- Deidre Powell is an authorised Canadian immigration lawyer and a member of the General Legal Council of Jamaica. Send your questions and comments to info@deidrepowell.com or call 613-695-8777 or 876-922-4092.