Attracting Skilled Workers: Economic Immigration to Canada"
The primary goal of this economic immigration program is to attract skilled foreign workers to immigrate and settle in Canada as permanent residents. The program is designed with specific selection factors to determine eligibility.
This program is one of three managed under the Express Entry system, alongside the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Eligibility Requirements For Federal Skilled Worker Program
Work Experience
You need at least one year of continuous full-time work experience, or its equivalent in part-time work, in a skilled occupation within the past 10 years. This experience must fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as Skill Type (TEER) 0 (Managerial occupations), TEER 1 (Professional occupations), or TEER 2 (Technical occupations and skilled trades).
Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a designated language test, such as IELTS GT or CELPIP for English, and achieving the required minimum scores.
Education
You must have completed an educational credential from outside Canada that is equivalent to a Canadian diploma, degree, or certificate. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an approved organization is needed to verify this equivalency.
Proof of Funds
You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members (if applicable) upon arrival in Canada. The required amount varies depending on your family size.
Admissibility
You must meet the health and character requirements established by the Canadian government. This includes undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
Express Entry Process
The Federal Skilled Worker Program operates within the Express Entry system, an online application management platform. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
Create an Express Entry Profile: Register an online profile on the official Canadian government website. Provide details about your skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant information.
Obtain a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Your profile will receive a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and additional points for elements like Canadian education or work experience, and your spouse’s credentials.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): The Canadian government periodically conducts draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residency. If you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete application within a specified timeframe.
Submit Permanent Residency Application: Prepare and submit your full application for permanent residency, including all required supporting documents such as police certificates, medical examination results, educational credentials, language test results, and proof of funds.
Wait for Application Processing: After submission, your application will be reviewed by Canadian immigration authorities. While processing times can vary, the goal is generally to process applications within six months.
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR): Upon approval, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR), completing your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
Application Process Time
IRCC aims to complete the entire Federal Skilled Worker Program process within six months or less. However, processing times may vary based on the need for additional information from the applicant and the time it takes for the applicant to provide the required details.
Visa Fees
| APPLICANTS | FEE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant – $850 application processing fee + $515 Right of Permanent Residence fee | $1365 |
| Accompanying Spouse or Common-law Partner – $850 application processing fee + $515 Right of Permanent Residence fee | $1365 |
| A dependent child of the principal applicant who is under 22 and is not a spouse or common-law partner, or is 22 or older who has been unable to be financially self-supporting since before the age of 22, due to a physical or mental condition | $230 Per Kid |
| Biometric Fee for Individual | $170 |
| Biometric Fee for Family or 2 or More | $85 |
