Canada’s Skilled Worker Visa: What are its Requirements?

Canada began its Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) in 1967 to choose immigrants from across the world. Before the launch of the FSWP, Canada selected skilled workers in its selection process at the individual discretion of immigration officials, who had to decide whether a person was able to integrate into the Canadian market for jobs.

The Canadian Government recognized that this outdated method was ineffective, and it created the world's first point system for selecting immigrants. The governments of Canada utilize the subjective criteria for skilled worker visa in Canada. Instead, it chose to apply objective criteria to judge every candidate the same way by evaluating each candidate's age, education level, abilities to communicate, experience in the workplace and occupation, and other things.

The Benefits of FSWP

Presently, the FSWP is managed by The Express Entry application management system. With Express Entry, Canada will accept more than 110,000 immigrants in 2024. The majority of happy Express Entry candidates immigrate to Canada via the FSWP. The research conducted by the Canadian Government indicates that FSWP applicants go on to enjoy a rewarding and satisfying career in Canada.

Furthermore, pursuing immigration via the FSWP is advantageous as it allows permanent residence within six months, compared with the longest processing time for other skilled worker programs in Canada.

What is the Process for Obtaining FSWP?

Canada employs Canada to use the Express Entry application management system for three skilled worker programs, including the FSWP. If you've never lived in Canada previously and aren't a skilled tradesperson, FSWP is the best option for Express Entry. In the beginning, you must check if you're qualified under the FSWP's requirements. After that, you fill out your Express Application profile. Then, you will be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like your education level, age, language proficiency, and work experiences. Every two weeks, the Canadian Government conducts Express Entry draws, inviting applicants with the highest scores on CRS to apply for permanent residency. After submitting your application, you should expect to be granted permanent residence conditions within six weeks. After that, you can move to Canada.

Can I Apply for Permanent Resident Under FSWP?

The FSWP is administered through the Express Entry system, which issues invitations to applicants to apply for Canadian permanent residence by conducting regular draws of the pool of applicants. Only those applicants who have been given an invitation to Apply (ITA) can make an application for Canadian Permanent Residence.

Are There Any Occupations Requirements?

There isn't a qualified job list currently in place. Candidates must possess at least one year of working experience within the last 10 years in a job classified by the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) as being skill level A or B or the skill type or skill type.

What are the Minimum Selection Criteria Points?

The points are determined by several factors that include different points assigned to them by Canadian government officials. To find out what percentage you scored on the test, you need to assess your eligibility on the Government of Canada website. This test will test you on various questions to determine if you satisfy the minimum eligibility requirements, including questions regarding your nationality, age, job experience, language proficiency, and more. The test's total score is 100, and you have to get 67 or more points to be considered eligible. The following tables outline the criteria and points you need for each so that you can figure them out.

Is there Any Language Proficiency Requirement?

Skills in language in English or French are required as they are one of the official Canadian languages. Whether FSWP or a temporary resident visa for Canada, the points are awarded to writing, reading, listening, speaking, and reading abilities. You need to take an approved test in English (CELPIP or IELTS) or French (TEF Canada or TCF Canada), and based on these points. You score on what's called the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).