Canada Work Permit: All About Federal Skilled Worker Visa
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is tailored for foreign workers possessing relevant work experience, education, language proficiency, and other attributes contributing to their success in Canada. A points-based system evaluates eligibility based on six selection factors.
The FSWP operates within the Express Entry system, one of three immigration programs managed by Canada. Express Entry is an online platform enabling Canada to select and invite highly qualified candidates to apply for permanent residence swiftly, streamlining application processing for a smoother transition to life in Canada.
Whether you’re an experienced professional or just embarking on your career, comprehending the intricacies of this process can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Understanding the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Integrated into the Express Entry system, the FSWP is a points-based online framework designed for skilled workers aspiring to settle in Canada permanently. This program places value on applicants’ skills, experience, and potential contributions to the Canadian economy. To qualify, candidates must meet specific criteria in areas such as skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education, pivotal for eligibility and a successful application.
Federal Skilled Worker Program Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Visa, applicants must fulfill the following key requirements:
- Skilled Work Experience: Experience falling within National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, comprising at least one year (or 1,560 hours) of continuous, paid work within the past ten years.
- Language Ability: Mandatory proficiency in English or French, assessed through approved language tests such as CELPIP and IELTS for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French.
- Education: Possession of a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian institution, or its equivalent from a foreign institution, along with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes.
Creating an Express Entry profile and entering the candidate pool is possible if these minimum requirements are met. However, meeting them doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply. Candidates must also score sufficiently high on the six selection factors to qualify for the FSWP.
Six Selection Factors for the FSWP
The six selection factors include:
- Language skills
- Education
- Work experience
- Age
- Arranged employment in Canada
- Adaptability
Each factor has a maximum number of points you can earn, for 100 points. You need to score at least 67 points to qualify for the FSWP.
The points awarded for each factor in the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) depend on individual circumstances, including education level, age, work experience, and more. An online tool can calculate your points based on your information.
A higher score increases the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. ITAs are issued to the highest-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score differs from the FSWP score as it considers factors like a spouse or partner’s skills, provincial nomination, and Canadian education or work experience.
Improving your FSWP and CRS scores involves actions such as:
- Enhancing language skills
- Obtaining additional degrees, diplomas, or certificates
- Accumulating more work experience
- Securing a job offer from a Canadian employer
- Applying for a provincial nomination program (PNP)
Application Process for the FSWP
The FSWP application process entails the following steps:
- Providing information about skills, education, work experience, language proficiency, etc., resulting in a CRS score and placement in the candidate pool.
- Meeting FSWP minimum requirements and achieving a high CRS score may lead to receiving an ITA from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You then have 60 days to submit your online application for permanent residence.
- Filling out the online application form, uploading required documents (passport, language test results, ECA report, police certificates, proof of funds), and paying application and biometrics fees.
- Providing fingerprints and photo at a designated biometrics collection service point within 30 days of application submission.
- IRCC reviewing your application for eligibility and admissibility, potentially requesting additional information or documents. Processing time is typically six months or less.
- Upon approval, receiving a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if necessary, a visa to travel to Canada. Completing the landing process at the port of entry makes you a permanent resident.
Benefits of Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada
Becoming a permanent resident of Canada via the FSWP offers numerous benefits:
- Ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada
- Access to social benefits such as healthcare, education, and pensions
- Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Sponsorship of eligible family members to join in Canada
- Enjoyment of the rights and freedoms of a democratic society
Canada, being diverse, multicultural, and welcoming, presents abundant opportunities for skilled workers. Those interested in immigrating through the FSWP should begin preparing their Express Entry profile and gathering documents promptly. Seeking guidance from licensed immigration consultants or lawyers can also aid in the application process.
