Federal Skilled Worker Program: What it is all about, How to be Eligible and How to Apply
Canada is calling out to all skilled workers out there!
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the 3 Express Entries to Canada. This program is Targeted at skilled workers around the world who wish to work and live permanently in Canada.
In this guide, you’ll know what are the Eligibility requirements for the FSWP and how to apply for the FSWP.
How to be Eligible for the FSWP
You must meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program to apply for the program. These requirements include:
● Skilled work experience
● Language ability
● Education
Skilled work experience refers to the type of work you have done in your home country that is in sync with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories.
You’ll be required to prove that you’ve engaged in paid work by showing that while working in your main occupation, you performed duties similar to the ones in the NOC’s job description.
Your claim must prove the following:
● The role you played in your previous employment should be similar to the one in National Occupational Classification (NOC).
● The time frame of your previous job should be within the last 10 years.
● It should be paid work, which means you received wages or earned commission. Internships or volunteer won’t be regarded.
● It should consist of at least 1 year of continuous work or a total of 1,560 hours (30 hours per week)
For you to meet these requirements, do the following:
● Work full-time at one job: working 30 hours per week for 12 months equals 1 year full-time (1,560 hours).
● Have an equal amount of part-time work: for example, working 15 hours per week for 24 months equals 1 year full-time (1,560 hours).
● You can have multiple part-time jobs to meet this requirement.
● Work full-time at more than one job: working 30 hours per week for 12 months at multiple jobs equals 1 year full-time (1,560 hours).
Keep in mind that there are other selection factors you’ll be tested with. That’s if you met the above requirements.
Your language proficiency will be tested to qualify for immigration to Canada through the FSWP. And below are what is expected of you:
You will need to take approved language tests in either English or French, which include tests for writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills.
You must achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities.
These test results should be entered in your Express Entry profile. It’s important to note that your language test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. They must still be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.
If you have attended school in Canada, you must possess a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution. As a foreigner with education obtained outside of Canada, you must meet two criteria:
● You must have a completed credential from your foreign education.
● You must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
This assessment makes your certificate equal to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution. The ECA is specifically for immigration purposes.
To be eligible to settle in Canada with your family, you need to demonstrate that you have enough money, unless:
● You are currently authorized to work legally in Canada.
● You possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
You must meet the requirements for admission to Canada. This entails you being tested for tuberculosis and other health threats to Canada. Also, you’ll be asked to submit a criminal statement from your local police station.
You can live in any Province in Canada but Quebec. Quebec independently selects its skilled workers. If you plan to reside in Quebec, I suggest the Quebec-selected skilled workers for further details.
When completing your profile, IRRC will ask you about your intended place of residence in Canada.
Note: If you are a Provincial Nominee, you must establish your residence in the province or territory that nominated you.
Required Documents for Express Entry Program
Since the Federal Skilled Worker Program is in the Express Entry, you need to provide some requirements for Express Entry.
When applying for Express Entry, there are certain documents you will need at various stages of the application process.
To submit your profile, you do not have to upload any documents. However, you may require information from the following documents:
● Passport or travel document
● Language test results
● Proof of Canadian education or any equivalent from a school outside Canada for immigration.
● Provincial nomination
● Written job offer from a Canadian employer, proof of work experience, or a certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory
● Proof of funds
Documents for Your Residence Application
If you receive an invitation to apply, you will need to upload copies of the documents you used for your profile.
On some occasions, you will be required to provide the following documents:
● Police certificates
● Medical exams
● Proof of funds
● Birth certificate
● Use of a representative form (PDF, 137 KB) – required if you have hired a representative
● Marriage certificate – if you’re married
● If you’re divorced, provide a certificate and legal separation agreement.
Keep in mind, the IRRC has the right to require further documents or information if the need arises.
When you have gathered all the requirements, the next step is for you to apply and submit your profile to IRRC if you’re eligible, IRRC will permit you to proceed with the online application.
You might be asked some questions to determine your Eligibility. The question will last for 15 minutes. Here are the steps. this process will take.
If you’re eligible, a machine will send you to your online account to fill out an Express Entry profile. From here:
● Follow the instructions to create an account (if you don’t already have one).
● Enter your reference code when it prompts you (only if you have one).
● Enter your details.
● Create or sign in to your account
When you complete your profile, to make it possible for your work experience to count as Canadian work experience, do not check the “Self-employed work” checkbox under Work experience in Canada.
To complete your profile you’ll need information from some documents like language test results,
your NOC job title and code.
During the upload, you may log in and out of your profile. Your information will be saved in your account.
Once you’ve filled out your profile, you can submit it online.
You’ll be assigned a program that matches the details that you provided.
What this means is that you can’t choose which program you prefer when you create your profile.
You have 60 days to complete and submit your Express Entry profile. Otherwise, you’ll have to start again.
Selection Factors for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Let me clear the air, you should break a sweat to provide all the requirements above because it’s crucial for you to be selected for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
The program assesses applicants based on various selection factors to determine their suitability for permanent residence in Canada.
Here’s an overview of the selection factors used in the FSWP and how they contribute to the overall assessment of applicants.
Younger applicants tend to receive higher scores in this category, as they are considered more adaptable and likely to contribute to the Canadian workforce for a longer period.
The maximum score is typically awarded to applicants between the ages of 18 and 35, with points gradually decreasing for older individuals.
Education is another crucial selection factor. Points are assigned based on the highest level of education achieved by the applicant.
Generally, higher education levels, such as a master’s degree or a Ph.D., receive more points.
This factor aims to evaluate the applicant’s academic qualifications and their potential to contribute to the Canadian labor market.
Work experience is assessed to determine the applicant’s ability to succeed in the Canadian job market.
Points are awarded based on the number of years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled occupation.
Experience in high-demand occupations often receives more points, reflecting the Canadian government’s focus on attracting skilled professionals in specific fields.
Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of being selected for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
A valid job offer demonstrates that the applicant has already secured employment in Canada, which indicates their ability to contribute to the country’s economy.
Points are awarded based on the nature of the job offer and its relevance to the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
Proficiency in either English or French is an essential factor for successful integration into Canadian society and the job market.
Language skills are evaluated through standardized tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Higher scores in language tests correspond to more points. Good language skills indicate the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively and succeed in a Canadian work environment.
Adaptability measures an applicant’s ability to settle well in Canada. Factors such as previous education in Canada, employment experience in Canada, or having a relative living in Canada can contribute to the applicant’s adaptability score.
This factor acknowledges the importance of existing ties to Canada and the potential for a smoother transition for the applicant and their family.
Each selection factor mentioned above is assigned a certain number of points. The cumulative points determine an applicant’s overall score, with the current pass mark set at 67 points.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection; it only indicates eligibility for consideration in the FSWP.
Once an applicant meets the eligibility criteria and enters the Express Entry pool, their profile is ranked based on a separate system, with the highest-ranking candidates receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence.
What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the three Express Entry programs to Canada. It is designed for skilled workers worldwide who want to live and work permanently in Canada.
What are the eligibility requirements for the FSWP?
To be eligible for the FSWP, you need to meet certain requirements, including skilled work experience, language ability, and education. Additionally, you must meet the requirements for admissibility to Canada.
How can I meet the skilled work experience requirement?
To meet the skilled work experience requirement, you must have at least one year of continuous full-time work (1,560 hours) or an equal amount of part-time work in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years. Volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count.
What language proficiency is required for the FSWP?
To qualify for the FSWP, you need to take approved language tests in either English or French. You must achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four language abilities: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
Remember that when you create your Express Entry profile, you cannot choose a specific program. You will be assigned a program based on the details you provide in your profile.
Also, applicants in the FSWP are assessed based on age, education, work experience, language skills, adaptability, and having a valid job offer.
Each factor is assigned a certain number of points, and the cumulative points determine an applicant’s overall score.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection in the FSWP. It indicates eligibility for consideration, but the final selection is based on your overall score and ranking in the Express Entry pool.
The highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
Do your best to provide only legit information. Always refer to the IRRC website for the latest updates. Good luck.
