The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada’s most prominent immigration program for skilled workers. The FSWP allows the country to invite thousands of skilled foreign nationals every year to permanently establish themselves in Canada’s economy.
Skilled workers are selected on merit from amongst a pool of candidates with similar skills. The selected ones are then given the opportunity to prove their abilities before being invited to settle in Canada.
Who can apply to move to Canada permanently as a Federal Skilled Worker?
Skilled workers with a minimum work experience of 1 year in specific categories who want to immigrate to Canada permanently can apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Candidates who are foreign nationals can apply through this program whether they are already inside Canada or outside Canada.
Skilled foreign nationals who meet the minimum requirements of the program must submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Simply submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that a foreign national will receive a Canadian permanent residence. Once you submit a profile you will be awarded a Comprehensive Ranking System - CRS score. Selected candidates who qualify will be send an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence for Canada.
What is the process of applying as a Federal Skilled Worker for permanent residence?
Step 1: Meet the FSWP's eligibility criteria based on the 6 selection factors mentioned above.
Step 2: Once you meet the eligibility criteria, collect all the documents necessary:
Language test results - English and/or French language test report as designated by the Canadian government.
Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment for all the points that you are claiming in your express entry profile. This includes the ECA credentials for the primary applicant as well as your partner/spouse.
Gather all documents related to your work experience - Offer letter, Employment Letter, Pay stubs, Roles & responsibilities etc.
Identification - Your photographs, passport, birth Certificate, marriage certificate, divorce/separation documents etc.
Step 3: Submit your Express Entry profile to the IRCC - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and enter the pool of candidates.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. IRCC holds Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks.
Step 5: Once you receive an ITA, you go ahead and submit your completed permanent residence application to IRCC within 60 days from receiving the invitation to apply (ITA).
Step 6: Complete a medical exam, provide security background checks, and submit an e-application
Step 7: Application review - an immigration officer will review your application and pronounce a final decision.
Step 8: Receive confirmation of permanent resident status and land in Canada to begin your next journey.
What are the 6 selection factors for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?
Federal Skilled Worker applicants must attain at least 67 points out of 100 based on Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) immigration selection factors. If you do not have 67 points, you are may not be eligible to apply.
There are other things to remember while applying under the FSW program. To read about the complete process, click here.
Get your FREE ASSESSMENT for CRS SCORE and eligibility to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program through the Express Entry Canada system.