How to Apply for the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program

As the world’s most welcoming immigration hub, Canada continues to create accessible pathways for foreign nationals to contribute to its economy and culture. The Express Entry Program, introduced in 2015, presented a merit-based selection process that invites suitable aspirants to apply for permanent residence under three categories or ‘streams’, the most popular of which is the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

The FSWP allows skilled workers – who only have work experience outside Canada – to permanently live and work in the country.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

•  Score at least 67 points based on age, education, French or English language skills, availability of a valid Canadian job offer (not mandatory), work experience and adaptability factors.
• Have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in an occupation listed under National Occupational Classification Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B – within the preceding 10 years.
• Have sufficient funds to settle in Canada with accompanying dependents (if any). People who have a job offer from a Canadian employer, or are currently working in Canada on a valid status, may not need to showcase settlement funds. Eligible family members can simply be added to the application, making it unnecessary to apply for a Canada Family Visa.
•  Score Canadian Language Benchmark 7 or higher in all four test components of an approved English or French language proficiency examination.
• Have a degree, diploma, or certificate from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution, or an equivalent credential completed outside Canada. The Canadian equivalency of foreign credentials must be evaluated through an Educational Credential Assessment.
• Be admissible to Canada and intend to live outside the province of Quebec.

Documents Required

Some of the essential documents that may be required to submit an Express Entry profile include:

•  Passport or valid travel document
• Educational Credential Assessment
•  Language test results
•  Provincial nomination (if applicable)
• Written job offer from a Canadian employer (if applicable)

Application Process

Step 1: Eligible registrants can file an online Expression of Interest (EOI) for the FSWP. The EOI is valid for one year.

Step 2: Candidates are allocated points out of 1200, and ranked based on the selection factors of the Comprehensive Ranking System. Highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence (PR).

Step 3: Within 60 days of receiving the invitation, candidates must submit a completed Canada PR application, relevant fees ($CAD 1,040 for the primary applicant), and supporting documents to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Applications are typically processed within 6 months. If approved, the applicant receives a PR Visa and Confirmation of PR, allowing them to enter Canada.

Since this stream receives a large volume of applications, it is essential to stand out amidst the crowd by exploring every opportunity to enhance eligibility, preferably under the guidance of seasoned experts. Take a swift and streamlined route to permanent residence – apply for the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program, and facilitate a seamless transition to the land of boundless opportunities!