Skilled migration — points-tested permanent residence routes
Skilled migration routes select applicants directly for permanent residence based on a points system weighing age, education, language, work experience, and occupation demand. Examples include Canada's Express Entry, Australia's subclass 189, and the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category.
Typical characteristics
- Application is for permanent residence (not a temporary work visa).
- Points test governs invitation to apply — there is no guaranteed queue.
- Occupation usually must be on a demand-occupation list.
- English or French (Canada) language proficiency is a near-universal requirement.
Canada(4 routes)
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
Commonwealth of Australia(3 routes)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
State-nominated permanent residence visa providing a 5-point SkillSelect boost.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Provisional 5-year regional visa leading to permanent residence via subclass 191.
United States of America(3 routes)
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)
Employment-based first-preference green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — self-petitionable.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Second-preference green card with a waiver of the job offer and PERM labor certification, where the beneficiary’s work is in the US national interest.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.