Skilled Worker – How to Apply

Skilled Worker – How to Apply

Foreign nationals immigrating to Canada permanently as skilled workers can benefit from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). They can even apply along with dependent children and spouses or co-partner. The Express Entry selection system manages the program to ensure that the eligible applicants can obtain permanent residency with no hassles. Expert immigration consultants can help you prepare the application and create an Express Entry profile to get the Invitation to Apply with no hassles.

Main attributes of the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Candidates have to fulfill minimum criteria to become eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker program. There is no requirement of living or working in Canada. One can meet all eligibility criteria of language skills and work experience even while staying outside Canada. According to some historical figures, the highest proportion (more than half) of candidates gets selected for permanent residence through FSWP.

Importance of applying through Express Entry

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the three main economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry Selection system. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) select the most eligible candidates through the Express Entry system by assigning them points based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The points are awarded by reviewing the information in the Express Entry profile submitted by the applicant as the primary application process for the FSWP.
Submission of Express Entry profile on the web portal of IRCC is nothing but an Expression of Interest by the candidate to settle permanently in Canada. All eligible candidates enter a pool of aspiring immigrants from all three main federal immigration programs.

Check your eligibility

One must check all eligibility criteria before submission of Express Entry profile

• Requirement of work experience– A minimum of 12 months of skilled work experience is necessary to become eligible under FSWP or complete an equivalent duration of a part-time job in a single occupation with no breaks.
• Educational criteria- The minimum level of education must be comparable to the high school level education in Canada. You must get an Educational Credentials Assessment from Canadian authorities to demonstrate that your education is equivalent to the relevant Canadian diploma.
• Language proficiency– CLB of Level score of minimum Level 7 is a must to qualify under the head. Meeting all these requirements makes you eligible to enter the Express Entry draw. However, it does not promise you an Invitation to Apply. The entire system of Express Entry operates by the results of periodic draws. Being a dynamic and competitive system, Express Entry will choose the top-ranking candidates in every draw.

Checking your eligibility using the FSW points-grid will help you understand the scope of entering the Express Entry pool.

You must score a minimum of 67 points out of a hundred as per the above table to become eligible to submit your profile for the Express Entry selection.

FSW settlement funds

Candidates who have no valid job offer or arranged employment should support themselves and their family members during their stay in Canada. The following table highlights the necessary settlement funds for several members of the family.

Applicants of the Federal Skilled Worker Program will have to demonstrate their ability to arrange these funds after receiving an Invitation to Apply.

Step-by-step application process

• Checking your eligibility is crucial before you proceed. Language skills, work experience, and education are vital criteria. Make sure to use the FSW points grid to determine your score to become eligible.
• Organize all necessary documents, like valid passport, Educational Credentials Assessment, and approved language test results.
• Create an express entry profile by accessing the portal of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will be submitting personal information along with the documents.
• Take necessary steps to boost your profile scores
• Receipt of the Invitation to Apply
• Submission of electronic Application along with confirmation of medical examination and police background check
• Reviewing of electronic application by Canadian immigration authorities
• Receipt of permanent resident status

Dev Immigration Services Inc has vast experience in helping prospective immigrants create a perfect Express Entry profile to achieve higher CRS scores. Contact us for a review of your profile and to know how to improve your CRS scores.