Differences between points-based systems of Canada and the UK’s for immigration

When the United Kingdom (UK) announced a points-based immigration system in early 2020, it automatically drew comparisons with other countries that also had in place points-based immigration systems. With Canada also being one of the countries that have been using points-based immigration systems effectively for years to grant visas to migrants, let's see how the immigration systems of these two countries differ.

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The UK's points-based system

The new system requires people who want to immigrate to Britain to fulfil various eligibility criteria.

Immigration applicants will be judged on many factors, including their educational qualifications, particular skills, the salary they will earn, and occupation, among others. Individuals must get a minimum of 70 points to be eligible to apply. Those who do not get the requisite points will not qualify for immigration.

The points are awarded as per various aspects. For instance, aspiring immigrants will be awarded up to 50 points depending on proficiency in the English language and for a job offer from the UK that needs to be relevant to their educational qualifications. It also should be received from a sponsor who is approved.

To obtain the rest of the 20 points, they should fulfil other qualifications such as minimum income limit or a job offer in a sector where there is a shortage of skilled workers or a doctorate in a subject associated with their field of research.

To know how the requisite 70 points can be broken down, check the following:

• Up to 20 points are awarded for a job offer from an authorized sponsor in the UK.
• Up to 20 points are awarded to individuals who land jobs with skills related to their educational qualifications.
• Proficiency in the English language can earn them up to 10 points.
• If they have got a job that pays an annual income ranging from €20,480 to €25,599, they can earn up to 10 points.
• They can get up to 20 points if their yearly income is more than €25, 600.
• If individuals have secured jobs that are included in the shortage occupation list, they can gain up to 20 points.
• Holders of doctorate degrees are entitled to get up to 10 points.
• Applicants with doctorate degrees in disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are eligible for up to 20 points.

Although there are similarities in the points-based systems of Canada and the UK, there are significant differences between them.

The immigration system of Canada

On the other hand, the immigration system of Canada grants points for particular skills, professions, educational qualifications, etc. It also considers other factors like age, work experience, and adaptability of talented immigrants who apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada.

Immigration candidates who apply through the Express Entry system can submit their profiles in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) category. To gain eligibility to apply, individuals need to get a minimum of 67 points as per the following conditions.

As per the Canadian immigration system, points are allotted for professions, exclusive skills, and jobs with offers from Canada-based employers. It also considers other qualifications like the age of applicants, their work experience, and adaptability profiles of talented workers who apply for this North American country's permanent resident (PR) status.

• Language proficiency in English or French can earn them up to 28 points.
• Work experience could get them up to 15 points.
• Educational qualifications make them eligible to gain up to 25 points.
• All applicants must be aged below 45. Those who are below 35 can gain even up to 12 points.
• If they have got a job offer from a Canadian employer, they will get up to 10 points.
• The factor of adaptability can earn applicants up to 10 points.

But candidates who apply under the economic class to migrate to Canada need not secure a job offer with a minimum salary limit. Candidates having work experience in any skilled profession can apply for Canada's permanent residency (PR) through the Express Entry program. Furthermore, Canada also has two economic immigration pathways. One is federal, and the other is provincial, with each having its own set of eligibility criteria. Provincial ones are known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which have immigrants applying from different occupations that fulfil the workforce requirements of each of the provinces.

Moreover, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) decides where candidates stand in the pool of Express Entry in which full-time and part-time work experience of candidates in skilled professions is considered.

*Check your eligibility to Canada through Y-Axis Canada immigration Points Calculator.

Canada has another problem to contend with. Although it is the second-largest country in the world by area, its population is sparse and, therefore, it does not have enough workers in its aging labor force. Because of these problems, Canada has loosened its laws to invite immigrants to its shores by making them much easier and accessible jobs and PR status. It is looking at immigrants to boost its economic development. That is the reason Canada provides more immigration pathways to make it seamless for immigrants to settle on its soil. It is also a way for Canada to allow immigrants with diverse skills who would, with their unique skills, allow its progress in different verticals.

The points-based system of the UK also strives to invite highly talented migrants to the country who will improve its economy further. Its new program aims to ensure that all skilled migrants get visas and enter the country to make it more prosperous.

With this policy, the UK intends to stop depending on the low–skilled workforce from overseas and extend support to British employers to train the native population so that they can be employed in such jobs.

If you want to migrate to Canada, reach out to Y-Axis, the World's No. 1 Overseas Consultant.

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