Most applicants often find the Canadian visa application process rigorous despite its simplicity. There are several Canadian immigration pathways and one of the most popular immigration is moving to Canada as a skilled foreigner.
Foreign skilled workers to Canada bear great economic importance, as their expertise and skills contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy and workforce. There are several immigration options for foreign skilled workers who wish to settle in Canada permanently.
Candidates who have expressed the desire to settle in a particular Canadian territory or province are required to submit their expression of interest by applying through the unique Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Foreign skilled workers with the intent of settling in the province of Quebec must submit their application through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
For foreign skilled workers who wish to settle in Canada permanently, the following are immigration streams designed for permanent settlement.
Federal Skilled Worker Program: Skilled foreigners with relatable work experience and skills with the intention to reside in Canada outside the province of Quebec are encouraged to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Provincial Nominee Program: This immigration stream is a fast track immigration application process for skilled immigrants who have expressed the desire to settle in a particular Canadian province. Candidates who qualify for the PNP are issued a Provincial Nomination Certificate, which expedites their immigration application.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program: This immigration stream is for skilled foreigners who have expressed the intention to settle in the province of Quebec. The Invitation to Apply (ITA) are issued to qualified skilled foreigners with relatable work experience and skills.
Note: Applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker are required to submit their application through the federal Express Entry System.
Qualifying for The Federal Skilled Worker Program
In order to qualify, applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker Program must:
- Be qualified to work in Canada
- Obtain a valid Canadian offer of employment
- Present proof of financial security that can cater for yourself or your dependents upon when you arrive in Canada
- Have requisite work experience
- Have a post-secondary certificate, or diploma
- Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
What Kind of Work Experience is Required
In order to eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants work experience must fall under the one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Skill Type 0
- Skill Type A
- Skill Type B
The work experience must be paid and full-time (30 hours per week) or part-time equivalent, and must be during the last 10 years/
However, these limits do not affect you if you have a valid offer of employment.
The Federal Skilled Worker Point System
Applicants are required to garner a minimum of 67 points to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). The FSW points are allotted based on the following factors:
- Language proficiency (French or English)
- Education
- Work experience
- job
- Adaptability
- A valid offer of employment
Note: The Express Entry points differ from the Federal Skilled Worker points.
How to Apply for the FSW Program
Before applying for the FSW, applicants are advised to undergo an online assessment to determine their eligibility.
If you are qualified to apply after the assessment, you should proceed to create an Express Entry profile where your application will be pooled with thousands of other applicants.
