How To Apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you are a skilled worker, you may be eligible for Canadian permanent residence. Fill out our immigration assessment form for Express Entry and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
As of January 1, 2015, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is also known as “FSWP” was replaced and became part of Express Entry. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one out of three pathways within Express Entry that allow one to work in Canada!
Express Entry is an online application system that manages candidates eligible for permanent residency looking for employment. The FSWP category specifically is for those without prior Canadian work experience or those that haven’t been invited by a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Federal Skilled Worker Requirements
When creating your Express Entry profile, your rank within the Express Entry pool will be determined by your CRS Score. There are 3 minimum requirements to be considered for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Those include:
Work Experience –
You are required to have skilled work experience within the managerial, professional, or technical and trades occupation categories.
These categories are also known as 0, A, and B NOC Code job groups.
Language Proficiency –
Proving your language proficiency consists of taking an approved language test assessing your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills in English and/or French.
Approved Language Tests:
Related Article: What Canadian Language Test Do I Need To Take?
Education –
Which you can show proof of education through a certificate, diploma, or degree
What Is A CRS Score?
In addition to the minimum requirements, applicants are assessed on a number of different “factors” about their personal circumstances and are awarded “points” for each factor. Applicants are then evaluated on the six selection factors which determine their ability to adjust to the Canadian economy. Those factors include:
- Education
- Age
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency
- Job Offer
- Adaptability
Related Article:
An applicant must score 67 points out of a possible 100 to be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. Individuals must also show that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents after they arrive in Canada.
If the immigration officer is satisfied that you in fact meet the requirement, you will be asked to attend the local immigration office to pick up your card. You will have 180 days from the notice of the letter to pick up your new card. It is no longer required that you submit your old PR card with the application. Instead, CIC now requires that you bring your old card to the local immigration office at the time you are ready to pick up your new card. This is a welcomed change as it allows permanent residents to travel abroad and to return to Canada as long as they have a valid PR card, while their application for renewal is in process in Canada.
Why Legal Help for the Skilled Worker Program is Vital
Canada accepts thousands of Skilled Worker Applications each year. However, the process is not easy and is very time consuming. Applying for Canadian Permanent residence requires knowledge of the requirements, procedures, Canadian embassies, as well as how to respond to inquires from Canada immigration during the application process.
Like all immigration applications, getting it right the first time is essential. Our firm makes sure that:
- Your Skilled Worker application is prepared properly which means all the documentation and necessary information is assembled and organized for review by the visa officer
- We prepare a detailed legal submission letter explaining why you are a qualified candidate for Canadian immigration
- Your application is submitted to the correct Visa office. Once your application is submitted we also monitor it as its being processed. We are there for you every step of the way!
Beware, however, that the Immigration Regulations also gives an immigration officer the power to exercise negative discretion in cases where the applicant scores 67 points or above if the officer forms the opinion that the applicant will unlikely economically establish himself/herself in Canada.
Why Hire Us to Help ?
Our lawyers have over 17 years of experience in handling Permanent Resident cases from virtually every country. Applying for Canadian immigration will be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. Make sure your case is in good hands! The documentation and processes involved in successfully obtaining an Immigration visa are complex and usually require legal expertise. We have helped thousands of individuals to successfully get Canadian permanent residence and we can help you too!
Call Us Today
The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at +1.647.792.3035 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.