How can I immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker?

 Launched back in 1967, the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program is the key immigration pathway for skilled immigrants seeking to work and settle in Canada.

The Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the world’s first program to evaluate immigration candidates objectively. The FSWP is among the three economic immigration programs, collectively managed under the Express Entry system. Prior to the FSWP, Canada’s intake approach was subjective – based on the discretion of the candidate’s immigration officers. 

This approach was not successful and gave an introduction to the world’s first point-based system to select immigrants. The Canadian government decided to use objective eligibility criteria to evaluate all candidates the same way – based on human capital, skills transferability, and other additional factors. 



How does the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program work?

The Canadian government uses the Express Entry application management system for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). 

For candidates who have not lived in Canada before and are not skilled tradespersons – the Canadian Skilled Worker Program would be their best bet to immigrate to Canada. 

Eligibility criteria for Canada FSWP

Firstly, they would be required to check their eligibility for the FSWP. Generally, to apply under this economic immigration program, candidates must:

  • Have one year of full-time continuous work experience in a skilled occupation in the last 10 years. The skilled occupation should be classified under NOC 0, A, or B. 

  • Provide the minimum CELPIP/IELTS score for Canada PR to demonstrate language proficiency. 

  • Submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report stating their academic experience meets that of the Canadian standards. 

  • Score at least 67 points out of 100 in the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program. 

  • Provide proof of sufficient funds. 

Once eligible, candidates must create and submit an Express Entry profile. Based on the information provided in the Express Entry profile, candidates are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Scores are assigned based on certain factors such –

Canadian FSWP points grid

  • Age - Up to 12 points

  • Education - Up to 25 points

  • Language Skills - Up to 28 points

  • Work Experience - Up to 15 points

  • Arranged Employment - Up to 10 points

  • Adaptability - Up to 10 points

To qualify under the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program, candidates are required to achieve at least 67 points out of the total 100. 

About every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts an Express Entry draw – issuing invitations to candidates with the highest CRS scores in the FSWP pool, to apply for Canadian permanent residency. 

Upon successfully submitting their Canada PR application, candidates can expect to receive their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) within 6 and 8 months. 

How to increase your chances to receive ITA for Canada PR?

Candidates failing to meet the qualifying CRS score have numerous options to boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. 

For starters, candidates who haven’t already achieved the maximum CELPIP/IELTS score for Canada PR – can reappear and try achieving the same. Completing another degree or gaining additional work experience are also some of the most sought-after ways to boost CRS scores. 

Some of the other preferred ways include immigrating with a spouse or landing a job in Canada. 

Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program: Benefits

Managed under the globally-renowned Express Entry system, the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program is a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency. Under Canada’s new and enhanced “Immigration Level Plans” – the Great White North aims on welcoming over 1.8 million new immigrants by 2025 – a majority of them immigrating under the FSWP. 

With a low CELPIP/IELTS score for Canada PR, a quick processing time of 6 months, and minimal documentation – the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program is a go-to pathway for skilled immigrants looking to work and settle in Canada. 

Learn More About Canada Immigration

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