Federal Skilled Worker Program: A Pathway to Skilled Immigration in Canada
The Federal Skilled Worker program (FSW) is a Canadian immigration program that is designed to attract highly skilled workers from around the world to come and work in Canada. The Federal Skilled Worker program is a part of Canada’s Express Entry system which is an online system used to manage the applications of skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
You need to score at least 67 points to be eligible for Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). The 67 point system is a way to evaluate the eligibility of applicants based on factors such as education, language proficiency, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. Each factor is assigned a certain number of points and an applicant must score at least 67 points out of a possible 100 to be eligible for the program.
The reason for the 67 point threshold is that it ensures that applicants have the necessary skills, education, and language proficiency to succeed in the Canadian labor market and integrate into Canadian society. It’s also a way to ensure that Canada is able to attract the most qualified and skilled workers from around the world who will contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Meeting the 67 point threshold does not guarantee that you will be selected for the FSWP. The program also has a yearly quota and is subject to change based on the labor market needs in Canada. However, scoring at least 67 points is a good starting point to determine your eligibility for the FSWP.
To be successful in a Federal Skilled Worker Program these are the hurdles you need to jump
- Have an occupation on the NOC List
- Score 67 Points to be able to lodge an Express Entry Aplication
- Score high enough on the CRS score to receive an Invitation to Apply
The breakdown of the 67 points for Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is as follows:
Education: Maximum 25 points
- PhD: 25 points
- Master’s degree: 23 points
- Two or more post-secondary credentials: 22 points
- Three-year or longer post-secondary credential: 21 points
- Two-year post-secondary credential: 19 points
- One-year post-secondary credential: 15 points
Language proficiency: Maximum 28 points
First official language (maximum of 24 points)
- Speaking: Up to 6 points
- Listening: Up to 6 points
- Reading: Up to 6 points
- Writing: Up to 6 points
Second official language (maximum of 4 points)
- CLB 4 or lower: 0 points
- CLB 5 or 6: 1 point
- CLB 7 or 8: 2 points
- CLB 9 or higher: 4 points
Work experience: Maximum 15 points
- 1 year: 9 points
- 2-3 years: 11 points
- 4-5 years: 13 points
- 6 or more years: 15 points
Age: Maximum 12 points
- 18-35 years: 12 points
- 36 years: 11 points
- 37 years: 10 points
- 38 years: 9 points
- 39 years: 8 points
- 40 years: 7 points
- 41 years: 6 points
- 42 years: 5 points
- 43 years: 4 points
- 44 years: 3 points
- 45 years: 2 points
- 46 years: 1 point
- 47 years or older: 0 points
Arranged employment: Maximum 10 points
- If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer you may be eligible for 10 points.
Adaptability: Maximum 10 points
- Spouse or common-law partner’s language proficiency: Maximum 5 points
- Spouse or common-law partner’s education: Maximum 5 points
- Previous work or study in Canada: Maximum 5 points
- Relatives in Canada: Maximum 5 points
- Job offer in Canada: Maximum 5 points
- Regional immigration: Maximum 5 points
To calculate your points you will need to assess yourself based on the above criteria and assign yourself points accordingly. The higher the score the better your chances of being eligible for the FSWP.
Application Process for the Federal Skilled Worker program
The application process for the Federal Skilled Worker program consists of these steps:
Determine Eligibility
The first step is to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for the program. You can take a Free Visa Assessment to find out whether you are wanted in Canada.
Create an Express Entry Profile
If you are eligible, the next step is to create an Express Entry profile. This involves providing information about your education, work experience, qualifications and language ability. Once your profile is complete then you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score which is used to rank you against other applicants in the Express Entry pool.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is high enough, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.
Submit Application
To submit your application, you will need to provide all the required documents, including language examination results, educational credentials, and work experience documents.
Medical and Security Checks
Once your application is received you will be required to undergo a medical exam and a security check.
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. This document will allow you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
