Canada Skilled Worker Visa & Immigration
What is the Skilled Worker Immigration Program?
Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) offers a pathway for skilled professionals to immigrate to Canada. This program aims to attract talented individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy.
Understanding the eligibility requirements, selection factors, and application process is essential for those aspiring to move to Canada through this program.
It is one of the pathways that the Canadian government has availed for skilled worker immigration Canada. It is a point-based evaluation conducted to scrutinize the best of the best skilful individuals to allow them to enter on a skilled worker visa Canada. Candidates willing to migrate to Canada through this program are expected to be skilled professionals working in corporate, medical, mechanical, software engineering and so on.
How Federal Skilled Worker Program Work ?
The Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) board uses the Canadian Express Entry system to intake suitable and eligible workers on a Skilled work visa Canada for diversified industries purely on a point basis. The candidates with the highest score will be shortlisted for skilled migration in Canada. They will be sent an Invitation To Apply (ITA) letter to carry on with the process of getting into their suitable Canadian province under any one of the following skilled worker categories.
Types Of Skilled Worker Immigration Program for Canada
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Canada Experience Class
- Provincial Express Entry Categories
- Bilingual and favourite language training nation
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This Canada skilled immigration program follows a specific procedure to categorize the top-ranking applicants to enter Canada. It can include individual evaluation of both the applicant and the dependent (if included) for various parameters.
The process for this Canada skilled immigration program is exhaustive, and any error can lead to rejection. Partnering with a trustworthy immigration agency can help in myriad ways to streamline the application process.
Like the skilled worker program, every province of Canada, including Quebec, will follow unique selection criteria. The process for skilled work visas in Canada helps pick the right candidate that could be a valuable addition to the province and actively contribute to the nation’s economic development.
Skilled Visa Canada – Business People
Canada FSW also welcomes business people to acquire skilled work visas in Canada and settle in its provinces by doing business or venturing to any firms. The immigration board specifically looks out the prospect of the applicant, the scope of their business model. Also, it evaluates their strategy in adapting to Canadian conditions of political and economic laws and undertaking any firms that are currently not doing well.
The Canadian government created the Startup Visa Program in April 2013 to intake energetic and innovative entrepreneurs who could highly contribute to Canada’s development and business transformation. It was a five-year pilot program, made permanent in March 2018 that provides permanent residence and skilled visa Canada to eligible entrepreneurs who have an innovative thought process.
Under the Self-Employed Class, immigrants can establish themselves as renowned self-employed professionals by pitching their business idea and venturing their organization into the selected province. But, eligibility criteria require the candidates to possess the relevant prior experience to apply under this category and get a skilled visa in Canada and PR.
Quebec Investor Immigration is the only program that allows financially sound and well-experienced business people to make passive investments in its province on any running enterprise. To become an eligible investor, one must meet the following essential criteria:
- Must have legally acquired net worth equivalent to CAD 2 million.
- Must hold relevant experience in running a business or managing it by holding a top management position.
- Must be ready to invest CAD 1.2 million in the organization or firm that they acquire.
Federal Skilled Trades
This skilled worker visa in Canada is for tradespersons possessing a magnificent track record in their industry and job profile. They should have job prospects lined up in the country as part of the process under the skilled worker visa in Canada.
In addition, the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points will be crucial in identifying the suitable candidates who participate under this program for skilled worker immigration to Canada.
Canada Experience Class
Canada Experience Class is a faster immigration category for foreign workers who have worked for at least one year in Canada. This program helps skilled workers immigrate to Canada with a valid Canada skilled worker visa. It enables the professionals to settle in Canada permanently, along with prospects to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Provincial Express Entry Categories
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces to nominate foreign nationals for Canadian permanent residence under agreements with the federal government as part of Canada’s Express Entry system.
PNPs enable Canadian provinces to nominate skilled workers in certain occupations on a priority basis, depending on their economic and labour requirements. Some prominent PNPs in Canada are:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program, and more.
Applicants can acquire Canada skilled worker visas with the help of various pathways. But, choosing the ideal one and preparing the application for it can be a daunting task. Croyez Immigration possesses years of experience, making skilled worker immigration to Canada a seamless process.
Get in touch with our consultants to learn more about ideal pathways for you to move as skilled worker immigration to Canada and improve your chances of success. We also provide assistance in improving your CRS rankings or score, which plays an important role in immigration to Canada.
Why FSW program for Skilled Worker Immigration to Canada?
The FSW program is a key opportunity for foreign people with skilled work experience in their field of interest/domain to avail a permanent resident visa to Canada.
The Canadian federal government would provide a five-year skilled worker visa Canada for the individual and allows them to utilize all the privileges provided for Canadian citizens.
The candidates would receive a higher pay of 50$ – 150/hr.
The individuals migrating through this skilled work visa Canada can work in any province & company of their choice.
How to Apply for Canada Skilled Worker Visa?
- Check if you meet the 67 points out of 100 eligibility to enter the express entry pool.
- Create your profile in the express entry pool and make sure you lead with a high CRS score.
- Wait till you receive an invite.
- Upon receiving your invite, upload all the required proof documents to substantiate the information provided in your profile within the provided deadline.
- Then all your documents will undergo a thorough background check.
- Once the verification is successful, you will be eligible to migrate to Canada and stay there for 5 years on a Permanent Resident visa.
How Croyez can help you in getting a Skilled Work Visa Canada?
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the FSWP, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Skilled Work Experience: You need experience in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories (0, 1, 2, or 3).
- Language Ability: Approved language tests in English or French, covering writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
- Education: Canadian educational credential or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education.
Meeting these criteria qualifies you to be assessed further.
Eligibility
- Applicants are evaluated based on skilled work experience, which must be paid work and performed within the last 10 years.
- The work should align with the NOC category of the primary occupation.
- Language proficiency is assessed through approved tests, and educational qualifications must be either Canadian or assessed as equivalent.
Selection Factors
Eligibility for the FSWP is based on six selection factors:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Valid Job Offer
- English or French Language Skills
- Adaptability
Each factor contributes to a score out of 100, with a pass mark of 67 points. This score differs from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in the Express Entry pool.
Processing Time
Processing times vary but generally take about six months from the date of submission of a complete application.
| Processing Stage | Estimated Time | Details |
| Application Submission | Varies | Time taken to gather and submit all necessary documents. |
| Initial Review | 1-2 months | Initial assessment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). |
| Medical and Security Checks | 3-6 months | Includes background checks and medical examinations. |
| Decision Making | 6-12 months | Final review and decision on the application by IRCC. |
| Total Estimated Processing Time | 6-12 months | Overall time from submission to final decision. |
Costs Associated
Costs include language tests, ECA fees, application fees, and proof of funds. These costs can add up, so planning is crucial.
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
| Language Tests | $300 – $400 | Fees for language proficiency tests such as IELTS or CELPIP. |
| Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | $200 – $300 | Fees for assessing foreign educational qualifications through designated organizations. |
| Application Fees | ||
| – Principal Applicant | $1,365 | Includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee. |
| – Spouse/Partner | $1,365 | Includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee. |
| – Dependent Child | $230 | Processing fee per child. |
| Proof of Funds | ||
| – Single Applicant | $13,757 | Minimum required settlement funds. |
| – Family of Two | $17,127 | Minimum required settlement funds. |
| – Family of Three | $21,055 | Minimum required settlement funds. |
| – Family of Four | $25,564 | Minimum required settlement funds. |
| Medical Examination | $200 – $300 | Cost for medical exams required by IRCC. |
| Police Clearance Certificates | Varies | Costs vary by country and issuing authority. |
| Biometrics | $85 | Fee for collecting biometrics (fingerprints and photos). |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Varies | Includes costs for document translations, notarizations, and postage. |
The Benefits of the FSWP
The FSWP under Express Entry offers faster permanent residence, with many immigrants finding successful careers in Canada. Canada aims to welcome over 110,000 immigrants by 2024.
Applicants can acquire a Canada skilled worker visa with the help of various pathways. Connect with our Canada work visa consultant to learn more about ideal pathways for you to move on skilled worker immigration Canada and improve your chances of success. We also assist in improving your CRS rankings or score, which plays an important role in immigration to Canada.
The process for this skilled worker immigration Canada program can be exhaustive, and any error can lead to rejection. Partnering with a trustworthy immigration agency can help in myriad ways to streamline the application process. Contact Croyez Immigration, a legally registered Canadian Immigration consultant.
We have branches in Kerala, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Tirunelveli, Trichy, and our headquarters in Chennai. Please feel free to walk-in into any of our offices to get the best migration assistance from our expert work visa consultants for a smooth visa process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does federal skilled worker program take?
It usually takes a processing time of 6 months from submission of your electronic application for permanent residence (EAPR) upon receiving the ITA (Invitation to apply) under the federal skilled worker program.
What is the minimum score for federal skilled worker?
The minimum score to qualify for the federal skilled worker category is fixed as 67 for a total of 100 points; the points are awarded for the six selection factors such as age, education, skilled work experience, job offer, language skills and adaptability.
Is federal skilled worker same as Express Entry?
No, Express entry is an online portal developed by the Canadian Government where you can submit your application for any immigration program whereas Federal skilled worker is one of the category of immigration program meant for skilled workers.
Can an individual apply directly for permanent residence under the FSWP?
Yes, you can directly apply for permanent residence under the FSWP category through the express entry portal if you score a minimum of 67 on meeting the basic eligibility requirements
The selection under the skilled worker category runs around the six factors such as
- Age
- Education
- Skilled work experience
- a valid job offer
- English and/or French language skills
- Adaptability
The above mentioned factors carry a sum total of 100 points to assess the eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
How can I improve my Express Entry CRS score for the FSWP?
You can increase the CRS score in any of the following ways;
- Successful Provincial Nomination from a Canadian province
- Additional qualification involving a diploma or a degree.
- Good IELTS score of the primary applicant or the spouse
- Taking up a study in Canada
- Canadian work experience
- Proficiency in French
- A qualified LMIA approved job offer
- Spouse who has completed his/her education or having work experience previously in Canada.
- Siblings holding Permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship.
How many immigrants does Canada welcome under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) each year?
Canada has raised its target to invite 4, 32,000 immigrants in 2022, and in the next three years it is all set to welcome 1.3 million immigrants i.e. around 13,00,000 people.
How do I get a skill visa for Canada?
Apply through the Express Entry system, meet the eligibility criteria, and receive an ITA.
What qualifies as a skilled worker in Canada?
Experience in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3, with relevant skills and qualifications.
Can I get a skilled worker visa in Canada without IELTS?
No, an approved language test like IELTS is mandatory.
What are the minimum eligibility requirements for a Canada Immigration Visa under the FSWP?
Skilled work experience, language ability, and educational credentials.
Can an individual apply directly for permanent residence under the FSWP?
Yes, through the Express Entry system.
Is there an eligible occupations list?
Yes, based on the NOC TEER categories.
What documents must be included in support of an application under the FSWP?
Proof of work experience, language test results, educational credentials, and proof of funds.
Under the FSWP, who may be included in an application?
Spouse or common-law partner and dependent children.
Is a Canadian offer of employment required to qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker?
No, but it can increase your CRS score.
Talk to our Experts
Croyez Immigration is providing efficacious immigration services to fulfill the dreams of aspiring clients who wish to immigrate to a new country, we sincerely work to give you the best life you deserve. We are experts in processing almost all the categories of Canadian Immigration programs like Express Entry, General Skilled Migration, and other temporary visas. Canada, being the land of opportunities always heads up to welcome the potential immigrants and so we help you explore all the possibilities to change your life, Contact the expert consultants of Croyez Immigration for prompt assistance.
