The Federal Skilled Worker Visa is part of the Express Entry immigration system that fast-tracks the immigration process. As part of the Express Entry system, you can live as a permanent resident in Canada if your profile is selected from the pool of candidates. The Express Entry admission target is set at 108,500 new residents in 2021.
Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants must prove that they meet minimum visa requirements. They must have work experience in managerial, professional, trade/technical, and meet the points-based assessment pass mark. Canadian permanent residence will be granted to successful applicants, allowing them to live and/or work in Canada.
Permanent Residency for Skilled Workers
Professionals and skilled workers can become permanent residents of Canada more quickly because they have the education and experience to help them find work. Canada sees a large number of retirees every year. This means that the demand for skilled workers is increasing tremendously. Marco Mendicino (Canada’s immigration minister) believes skilled immigrants can invent, start businesses, and create jobs for Canadians.
Canada is a land of great opportunities. It shines as a beacon for political, economic, and social stability. Investors and international companies consider Canada the best place to do business, expand or relocate. Canada is home to one of the fastest-growing economies and a thriving employment sector. This makes Canada the most desired destination for professionals and skilled workers.
Canada is looking for self-motivated, young professionals and workers to help it grow its economy. Canada’s knowledge-based economy is looking for job-ready professionals who can adapt to the changing job market and meet its demands. Canada skilled worker visa can be a life-changing opportunity for skilled workers and professionals who are hard-working and want to make a living here.
Employment Prospects
The economy is recovering after the pandemic, and the recovery is expected to continue as jobs are coming back as companies reopen. Canada relies on immigration to boost the economy post-Covid and plans to welcome over 1.2 million newcomers by 2023.
Biggest Industries in Canada for Skilled Workers
- Technology & IT
- Engineering & Architecture
- News & Publishing
- Healthcare
- Commercial Banking & Finance
- Marketing & Sales
- Energy
A job offer in Canada can increase your chances of success in the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Skilled workers with specific work experience and skills can earn 200 additional CRS points for having a job offer, and other skilled workers with job offers can earn 50 additional CRS points.
Professionals in High Demand
Many occupations are in high demand in Canada, including engineers, technicians, teachers, professors, nurses, healthcare practitioners, salespeople, marketers, bankers, insurance providers, accountants, and tradespeople if you’re interested in immigrating to Canada.
How to Qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- have one year of uninterrupted full-time (or equivalent) work experience in the past ten years under a NOC skill type (O, A, B); or
- have at least secondary education (high school); and
- get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities in one of Canada’s two official languages – English and French
To become eligible for a Canadian Skilled Worker Visa, under Express Entry, you will be assessed on the following factors which can increase your CRS points:
- your level of English and/or French language proficiency;
- your level of education;
- your years of work experience;
- your age;
- whether you have a valid job offer;
- provincial nomination achieved, and
- your adaptability (how well you are likely to settle in Canada)
How to Apply for the FSWP
1. Create an Express Entry Profile
You must create an Express Entry profile if you meet the Federal Skilled Worker Program eligibility criteria. Your age, work experience, and language skills will all be required. After Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirm your qualifications, you will be placed in a pool and ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System.
2. Improve Your Ranking Under the Comprehensive Ranking System
Candidates ranked highest receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. It is a good idea to increase your score to be ranked higher so you can receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
3. Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Candidates who IRCC has selected to apply for immigration to Canada through Express Entry are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
You have 60 days from the date you receive the invitation to complete an accurate and complete application form. Acceptance of the invitation is made by IRCC only if you submit a complete application. After you have completed all sections of the document checklist and uploaded them, you will be issued an Acknowledgment Of Receipt by IRCC. This will allow you to review your application further and determine your eligibility for this program.
4. Medical Examination and Security Check
All applicants must undergo a medical exam. This includes a physical exam, blood tests, and urine tests. They are used to verify that applicants do not have any medical conditions that could pose a danger to Canadian citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
FAQ 1: What is the processing time for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Over 80 percent of complete FSWP applications are processed within six months or even less. This is a relatively short time compared to many other Canadian immigration programs.
FAQ 2: Can I count student work experience toward the Express Entry requirement?
Student work experience gained while you were studying in Canada or abroad counts towards the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program if the work:
- was paid by wages or commissions;
- was continuous (no gaps in employment), and;
- meets all the other requirements of the program.
Please note that the above does include co-ops terms and apprenticeships.
FAQ 3: What factors are considered under the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Six factors are considered under the Federal Skilled Worker Program points grid. They are:
- Language ability: up to 28 points
- Education: up to 25 points
- Work experience: up to 15 FSW points
- Age: up to 12 FSW points
- Arranged employment: up to FSW 10 points
- Adaptability: up to 10 points
FAQ 4: Does the FSWP have an eligible occupations list?
To be eligible, you must have at least one year of work experience in the past ten years. The occupation must fall under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) as skill level A or B or skill type 0.
