Point system.
The first criteria is Language.
To be eligible for express entry you have to take a language test.
The test will evaluate your ability in the following areas:
Reading, writing, listening and speaking.
There are two accepted language skills test but only one is available in Kenya.
IELTS- This is the best for someone located outside Canada. This test is offered in Kenya at the British council in Nairobi and costs around 22,650 Ksh. The test location also sells sample material packs to help you prepare for the test for about 3,800Ksh although the same can be found online at the main IELTS website for free (I think)
Since we are discussing the Skilled program: the maximum test points you earn for your language test are 24 points.
Important to remember that when you are registering for the test, you must select the General training option and not the academic option.
The minimum acceptable number of points you can score for your language test is 16 points. And you have to score at least 6 in each of the four categories. You earn extra points if you can speak French.
The next category is Experience.
Most Kenyans immigrate as Skilled level A which include professionals like Nurses or doctors or other professionals. There is a list of all the occupations that qualify but the the purpose of the skilled immigrants that we are discussing, to earn points for your Job skill that applies to you:
- Your work experience must be skill type 0, A, B or C
- You must have a minimum of a bachelor degree
- You have to have at minimum one year continues work experience in the field you are applying for.
- Voluntary work does not count.
- You must show that your Job description and duties you did at your job matches the Job description provided on the skills list provided by the government.
The Next Criteria is Education:
Since most likely you got your degree in Kenya/outside Canada you must have your academic papers evaluated by an Educational Credential Assessment Agency that determines if your degree is equivalent to a Canadian Degree. The results from this assessment will then determine how many points you will earn for this category. The list of approved ECA agencies is available on the immigration website to Canada.
When you meet the minimum requirements, then your application will be assessed based on:
Your age :
Experience:
Valid Job Offer
English/French Language skills
Adaptability
You also must show that you have enough money to support yourself when you first arrive in Canada.
So to summarize all of this information, If you are interested in setting up a profile in order to be considered for the skilled Federal Program, You have to do your Language test first and get your degree translated before you can even consider doing a profile. Your application profile is only valid for one year. You must have very high points in order to be invited to apply for permanent residency. The minimum points is 67 out of 100.
This is only one of the ways/route to legally immigrate. There are also other categories for people who have a trade/skill like: construction, electrical,maintenance, mining, agriculture, chefs, cooks, butchers etc who do not necessarily need a degree. They can have a diploma or certificate.
What we have covered here is just one category. I do not post links on my posts but if any one has a question or need more information, I can email the links privately.
Also remember if you ever feel that you are qualified but you need professional guidance to get through the application process, there are qualified and licensed consultants that can help you through the process for a fee.
