Immigration to Canada has many streams in which applicants are welcomed. Under the Express Entry system, the federal skilled worker program is one such immigration stream that grants permanent residency to selected newcomers. An applicant’s capability to immigrate to Canada and economically settle down is the primary criterion in assessing federal skilled worker program applications.
In the federal skilled worker program, Canada welcomes new skilled workers who will settle in, add value to Canada’s economy, and be part of its diverse workforce.
Eligibility requirements for Federal Skilled Worker Program
Applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker stream are managed under the Express Entry immigration system. The process involves two separate and consecutive steps.
As per the Federal Skilled Worker Category (FSWC) points system, an applicant needs to successfully pass the minimum threshold of 67 points out of 100. Then the applicant creates an Express Entry profile and enters the pool of potential candidates, where points are assigned based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The selection factors under Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) include:
- Work Experience – Minimum of one year continuous full-time or similar paid work experience in a skilled occupation in the last 10 years (NOC- 0/A/B)
- Arranged Employment – Receive a full time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Language Ability – Successfully clear the minimum language ability in either one, of the two official languages of Canada- French or English
- Education – Points are assigned to the applicant’s profile based on the education level completed and if the education was completed in Canada or abroad
- Age – an applicant receives a score for their age on the date of receipt of the application
- Adaptability – any ties to Canada earns points on adaptability-having blood relatives, scoring high on the language test, or completed education from Canada all count
- Secure a minimum of at least 67 points in the points system as defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC)
Once the applicant has met the above-stated eligibility requirements, proper documentation that they possess the settlement funds is required to be shown.
Medical Examinations is another clearance which has to be successfully passed by the applicant and their family.
On successfully clearing security and criminal checks are the final steps in the Canadian immigration process under Federal Skilled Worker category.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts periodic draws from the pool, and highest ranked candidates are sent an invitation to apply (ITA). The Permanent Residence Application has to be completed within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of invitation.
Provinces in Canada also have their own Express Entry programs wherein candidates have been selected from the same pool by provinces based on provincial criteria.
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