Federal Skilled Worker Class
Federal Skilled Worker Class
The Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) is for skilled workers and professionals from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada permanently and can potentially fill skilled worker shortages in Canada in certain occupation. Applications to the FSWC are processed under the Express Entry immigration selection system.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify for admission to the Express Entry Pool as a Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) you must:
Have a minimum of one year of uninterrupted full time (or equivalent) work experience in the past 10 years under a skilled occupation skill type (O,A, B) and
Take an approved English or French test and obtain a minimum score of CLB 7 in all four abilities (listening, reading, writing speaking) and
If you went to school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution. If you have foreign education, you must have a completed education credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes from a designated organization showing that your education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian and
Score a minimum of 67 points under the skilled worker point grid comprising of six selection factors.
Settlement Funds Requirement
Federal skilled trades candidates without an offer of arranged employment must declare sufficient settlement funds upon entering the Express Entry pool. This declaration must then be proven when an application for permanent residence is made. The requirement for settlement funds increases based on the size of an applicant’s family:
| Number of family members | Required funds (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (single applicant) | $12,960 |
| 2 | $16,135 |
| 3 | $19,836 |
| 4 | $24,083 |
| 5 | $27,315 |
| 6 | $30,806 |
| 7 | $34,299 |
| For each additional family member, add | $3,492 |
Federal Skilled Worker Process
Step 1. Determine Eligibility: Make sure you meet all the requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Class.
Step 2. Create an Express Entry profile: Eligible individuals must submit an Express Entry profile which acts as an Expression of Interest (EOI). Eligible candidates will automatically receive a score based on their profile and will be ranked against the other candidates in the pool.
The ranking score for Express Entry is based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and is out of 1,200 points. The higher a candidate’s CRS score, the higher the likelihood they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The CRS score is used as a cut-off point in Express Entry Draws. It is designed to project a candidate’s likelihood of being economically successful in Canada. It ranks different candidates based on their career and educational history, language skills, and whether they have already received a qualifying job offer or provincial nomination in Canada, among other factors. Candidates can receive additional points if they have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or if they’ve received a provincial nomination.
Step 3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): IRCC conducts Express Entry draws at regular intervals and invites candidates above a certain rank are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. If a candidate is not invited, their profile will expire after 12 months, at which point they may submit a new profile.
Step 4. Submit your application for permanent residence: If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will be given 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. In this application you will have to provide extensive personal information along with supporting documentation. The entire application is submitted electronically. Eighty percent of Express Entry applications are processed in six months or
less.
How can a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Help?
In addition to making sure the application is complete there are three main areas where an RCIC can help.
Immigration Strategy and Option: An RCIC can advise you on the different options that are available to you to obtain permanent residence in Canada and explain the pros and cons of each option. It is important you choose the best immigration program from the start as this will likely save you time and money in the long run.
Professional Representation: If you do not have a representative assisting you then you will probably only submit the required documentation listed on the IRCC document checklist. Submitting only these documents may be enough to result in a favorable decision. However, submitting only those documents sometimes is not enough to make your case and to satisfy the visa officer you meet the requirements of the visa. Generally, it is wise to submit as much evidence as you can above and beyond the minimum required by IRCC. Your representative can assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application to IRCC by identifying the weaknesses in your application and advising you how to strengthen your application.
Submission letter: An RCIC will prepare and submit a submission letter on behalf of the applicant along with the application. The submission letter is an important part of the application which summarizes and more importantly demonstrates why you meet the requirements of the visa.
Ready to Apply for the Skilled Worker Program?
We will:
Review your information and develop a strategy to apply
Submit your profile in the Express Entry system
Prepare and submit your permanent resident visa application to IRCC
Act as your authorized representative to IRCC
Update you regularly on the status of your application.
If you want to apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Class we are here to help! Please contact us and one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will revert to you within 48 hours
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