Final answer:
Eligibility for Skilled Worker status generally requires a specialized degree, specific work experience, language and cultural proficiency, and meeting minimum income thresholds. U.S. law also includes age and residency requirements, as well as the ability to speak English. Immigration reforms show a preference for migrants with higher skills, education, and language abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be eligible for Skilled Worker status for work permit or visa applications (WPH), there are various criteria that one must meet:
- Completion of a specialized university degree
- Fulfillment of specific work experience criteria
- Proficiency in the local language and culture
- Meeting the minimum income threshold set by the immigration authorities
In addition, U.S. immigration law requires that individuals:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- Have resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years
- Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months
- Be a person of good moral character
- Be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language
Moreover, historical and contemporary proposals for immigration reform in the U.S. reflect a preference for migrants who can contribute higher skill levels to the labor market. Countries like Canada and Australia also prioritize high-skilled employees with higher education or advanced job skills in their immigration policies. The H1B visa program is an example of such policies that cater to these preferences by enabling high tech companies in the U.S. to recruit highly skilled workers from abroad. Countries like the Philippines can contribute to the labor demands due to the widespread proficiency in the English language cultivated by the historical influence of the United States.