One of the three systems found in Canada’s Express Entry system for handling permanent residency applications is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) programme. All Express Entry systems are highly competitive and use the Rigorous Ranking System (CRS) to rate applicants.
According to different variables, the Federal Skilled Worker programme uses its own points system. It is intended to illustrate whether the applicant and dependents can successfully settle in Canada. Ideal candidates will possess compatible skills and experience with in-demand careers. The selection rules favor candidates with work offers accepted by the government.
Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration?
The Government of Canada launched the Economic Class Express Entry Immigration Scheme, including the Federal Skilled Worker Initiative, on January 1, 2015.
Under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Workers apply to the Express Entry Pool an expression of interest profile for 347 qualifying occupations that meet the minimum entry requirements. A Detailed Ranking System ranks the profiles of candidates in the pool. For an invitation to apply for permanent residency, the top-rated applicants would be considered. Applicants requesting an invitation must request a complete application within a 90-day period.
Federal Skilled Workers are individuals with adequate qualifications, work experience, age, and language skills in one of the official languages of Canada who are chosen to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry Immigration system.
To qualify for admission as a Federal Professional Worker to the Express Entry Pool, applicants must meet the following conditions.
- Six factors are weighed against eligible applicants in order to decide their eligibility for immigration to Canada. In order to qualify, applicants must receive a total of 67 points out of a possible 100. Factors for selection are:
- Education;
- Language;
- Experience in employment;
- Age;
- Job arranged;
- Adaptability;
The new initiative aims to choose candidates with the greatest likelihood of success in economic settlement and contribution to Canada.
FSW Application Procedure
Skilled applicants must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada an Express Entry profile (IRCC). Submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that Canadian permanent residence will be granted to a candidate. An applicant will be given a CRS score only after submitting an Express Entry profile and will be considered for permanent residence in future Express Entry drawings for Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
An FSW candidate will need to provide the following documents when submitting your Express Entry profile.
Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
An FSW applicant must have a credible ECA report attesting to the importance of international education by Canadian standards in order to receive points for education. In Canada, there are five organizations approved to issue ECA reports. For educational qualifications earned from a Canadian educational institution, this is not necessary.
Test results for Language Proficiency
All Express Entry applicants must include the results of an accepted language test taken within the previous two years. Accepted English exams include the IELTS assessment and the CELPIP exam (only available in Canada). The Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) and the Test de Connaissance du français pour le Canada contain approved French exams (TCF Canada).
Documents for Recognition
Documents for Identification
Candidates will be needed to provide identity documents with details. Ideally, passports valid for travel should be carried by a candidate and all accompanying family members.
If an applicant is successful in securing a permanent residence Invitation to Apply (ITA), they may pass to the second stage of the application process. The applicant will have 60 days to plan and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence in this second process (eAPR). Further documentation is needed in this application.
The lowest ranking FSW nominee to earn an ITA has had a CRS score of 413 points since the Express Entry system was introduced in 2015. If the CRS score of an applicant is below this score, they should actively seek options to increase their score.