Federal Skilled Worker Program
Watch this quick video to find out more
Do you qualify?
In order to qualify to apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you need to meet all of the following criteria
1
You have at least one year of continuous full-time (or an equal amount in part-time), paid work experience within the last ten years in an 0, A or B occupation.
2
You can achieve a minimum score of a CLB or NCLC 7 in all sections of an approved language test.
3
You have completed a High School Diploma equivalent or higher.
4
You can earn a minimum of 67 points based on the Federal Skilled Worker Points System. (see breakdown below)
5
You have the required amount of settlement funds for your family size. (see breakdown below)
6
You are not inadmissible to Canada.
More about the Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of Canada’s most popular immigration streams. This program allows individuals from around the world to apply for Canadian permanent residency based on a variety of factors which include age, educational, work experience, English or French language skills. The Federal Skilled Worker Program does not require a job offer in order to be eligible, nor does it require any Canadian work experience, making it the easiest Canadian immigration option for prospective immigrants from around the world.
Any application under the Federal Skilled Worker Program now goes through the Express Entry system. There is no longer a Skills Shortage List as there was prior to 2015. Now you only need to prove that you have at least one year of full-time paid work experience in what they call a skilled occupation. This includes all occupations which are management positions, occupations usually requiring university education and occupations that usually require college education, specialized training or apprenticeship training. This now includes over 8,000 different occupations. Applications for permanent residency submitted for this program are typically processed within six months as they are submitted through the Express Entry system.
Settlement Funds
You will be required to prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada unless you are already working in Canada on a valid work permit. This money cannot be borrowed and must be available at the time of application. This money cannot be used for the immigration process and must remain available up until the day you arrive in Canada.
Proof of funds
How do you show proof of funds for those applying as a Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Tradespeople through the Express Entry system.
Federal Skilled Worker Points System
This tool lets you estimate your Federal Skilled Worker score to see if you would be eligible to apply to immigrate to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker via the Express Entry System. You need a minimum of 67 points to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Select your age
- Calculated Points for Age
- 0
Select your education level
- Calculated points for Education
- 0
First official language proficiency (French or English))
- Calculated points for first official language proficiency
- 0
- Ineligible to apply
Second official language proficiency (French or English)
- Calculated points for second official language proficiency
- 0
Full Time Paid Years of Experience
- Calculated Points for Work Experience
- 0
- Ineligible to apply
- Your work permit is valid both when you apply and when the permanent resident visa is issued (or you’re allowed to work in Canada without a work permit when your visa is issued).
- Your work permit was issued based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada in an occupation listed under skill type 0 or skill level A or B of the NOC.
- You’re working for an employer named on your work permit.
- That employer has made a valid job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker.
- an international agreement (such as, the North American Free Trade Agreement) or significant benefit to Canadian interests or a federal-provincial agreement
- You must also meet all of the following conditions:
- Your work permit is valid both when you apply and when the permanent resident visa is issued (or you’re allowed to work in Canada without a permit when your permanent resident visa is issued).
- Your current employer has made a valid job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker.
- You are currently working for the employer specified on your work permit.
- You have been working for that employer for at least 1 year, continuous full-time or part-time equivalent.
- You currently don’t have a work permit, or don’t plan to work in Canada before you get a permanent resident visa.
- An employer has a LMIA. That employer has made you a valid job offer based on that LMIA and on you being accepted as a skilled worker.
- You have a valid work permit or are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit.
- You’re currently working in Canada in a job that is exempt from a LMIA, but it is not under an international, federal-provincial agreement or because of significant benefit to Canadian interests.
- An employer other than the one you are currently working for:
- has a LMIA
- has made you a valid job offer based on that LMIA and on you being accepted as a skilled worker.
- Calculated Points for Employment Offer
- 0
- Calculated Points for adaptability
- 0
Step-by-step instructions on how to apply
The simplified process of applying to immigrate to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker is outlined below. If your application is approved you are then granted Permanent Resident status in Canada. After living in Canada for three years within a five year period as a Permanent Resident, you may qualify to apply for Canadian Citizenship.
1
Step One
Find out if you qualify.
2
Step Two
Write an approved language test.
3
Step Three
Have your education assessed by a designated organization.
4
Step Four
Create your Express Entry profile.
5
Step Five
Wait to receive an “Invitation to Apply”.
6
Step Six
Increase your Comprehensive Ranking System score, if required.
7
Step Seven
Receive an “Invitation to Apply”.
8
Step Eight
Submit your application for permanent residency within 60 days.
9
Step Nine
Wait for your application to be assessed and approved within an average of six months.
10
Step Ten
Obtain your immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residency document (COPR) and immigrate to Canada!
Available Programs
Click on one of the available Canadian immigration programs below to find out the full requirements.
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee
Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker
Business Programs
What's Next?
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