Federal Skilled Worker Program
The FSW program is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and operates under the Express Entry system. Express Entry is an online system that manages applications for several economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker program.
To be eligible for the FSW program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last ten years. The work experience must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations), Skill Level A (professional occupations), or Skill Level B (technical occupations and skilled trades).
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test. The test results must meet the minimum language threshold set by IRCC.
- Education: Applicants must have at least a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or a completed foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a recognized authority.
- Proof of Funds: Applicants must show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family members in Canada unless they have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Adaptability: Applicants may receive additional points if they have a valid job offer, Canadian work experience, a Canadian educational credential, a relative living in Canada, or a previous study or work experience in Canada.
Once an applicant meets the eligibility criteria and creates an Express Entry profile, they are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws held by IRCC.
It’s important to note that the FSW program has specific eligibility requirements and selection criteria that may change over time. It’s always recommended to refer to the official IRCC website or consult with a qualified immigration professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding immigration programs in Canada.