Professional and Skilled Worker Canada Immigration Program

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a fast-track path towards Canadian immigration under the Express Entry system. Candidates create profiles which are scored under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). A numb..

Canada recognizes the importance of foreign skilled workers for the continued growth of its economy. With a waning population, declining fertility rates not enough skilled workers to carry the load of a booming economy, Canada now has roughly 8 million immigrants living permanently in Canada. According to WES Report, almost 80% of skilled workers find jobs in Canada after immigrating to Canada, making it the ideal place for young professionals in search of opportunity and career development. In 2020, 341,00 immigrants arrived in Canada, 91,800 of which were admitted through Express Entry. New immigration targets indicate that these total will continue to increase annually, as 401,000 can expect to be invited to apply for permanent residency in 2021, 108,500 of which will be allocated under Federal high skilled programs managed by the Express Entry system.  Canada’s Express Entry system manages the 3 main skilled worker immigration programs, of which the Federal Skilled Worker Program is designated as an immigration pathway for highly skilled professionals. Those who are eligible for Canadian immigration under the Express Entry criteria can become part of the booming workforce and be offered the opportunity to settle as permanent residents in Canada. The following programs offer ways of immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program now falls under the Express Entry system as of 2015. The key aim of the Express Entry immigration system is to help speed up the process of approving qualified highly skilled foreign workers for a Permanent Resident (PR ) Visa to Canada so that they can help meet the labour needs of Canadian industries. If you would like to immigrate to Canada quickly, Express Entry is for you. Candidates must first create an online profile which is then scored through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on criteria that give points based on the factors listed below.

CRS Criteria:
English and French language skills
Education
Qualifications
Work experience
Age
Qualifying Canadian job offer
Adaptability

Once in this pool, you are able to update your profile continuously to improve your chances of having your application drawn. If you score high enough and your profile is drawn from the Express Entry pool, you’re issued with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This application can be processed in as little as six months.

Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) is designed to help skilled qualified tradespeople with sufficient work experience and a job offer find pathways to living and working in Canada permanently. Candidates will need an Express Entry Profile which will be scored according to the CRS based on the aforementioned factors.

Canada Experience Class (CEC)

The Canada Experience Class (CEC) is dedicated to helping qualified skilled immigrants who have at least one year of Canadian work experience and want to move to Canada permanently. This program is open to all applicants who meet the criteria of the Express Entry system mentioned above.

Quebec Skilled Worker Program

The Quebec Skilled Worker or Regular Skilled Worker Program is unique in that it caters for candidates who have the interest to live, settle and work in the Canadian province of Quebec. A job offer is not required to qualify for this program and there is not an official list of occupations that are in demand. Quebec province administers its own Canadian immigration programs with a selection criterion that is different than that set by other provinces. You will first need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before being invited to apply through what is known as the Arrima portal where your profile is assessed with a score out of 100. If successful, you’re issued with a Quebec Selection Certificate which acts as an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from the federal government. The government’s role from this point is mostly in assessing the medical and criminal aspects of the application.

Quebec Skilled Worker Criteria
Education
Language Proficiency (French highly regarded)
Work experience
Age
Adaptability

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

In 2021, approximately 80,800 skilled foreign workers will receive permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each of Canada’s provinces and territories has created their own skilled worker programs for those who want to live and settle in a particular Canadian province. You can either apply through these program streams directly or enter the Express Entry system from where you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to create a second PNP profile. Not all of the PNP streams work through Express Entry but a PN can always boost your Express Entry profile. When applying for a PNP, candidates are required to have the skills, education and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory. They should be ready to successfully establish themselves in the selected region. If you meet all the criteria and score the province’s required amount of points, you are then issued with a nomination and ITA for permanent residence with the federal government. If you applied for the nomination from the Express Entry pool, your nomination from the province will then boost your CRS score and if you are drawn from the pool, you are then issued with your ITA.

Participating PNP Provinces:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Northwest Territories
Yukon

FAQs

How can I ensure my CRS score is good enough to get an ITA?

While your chances of getting an ITA largely depend on the size and strength of your Express Entry pool, there are a many ways to add more points to your CRS score that could make all the difference in getting an ITA. You can find a breakdown of these ways here.

Do provinces prefer people who work in certain industries?

Yes, each province has a list of in-demand occupations. While working in that profession won’t guarantee you a Provincial Nomination or an ITA, it can significantly improve your chances. The map below will show you which provinces have which professions in demand.

Can you bring your family or partner with if you get a PNP?

Yes. Most Canadian immigration programs actually prefer if you are married or have a family as they prefer bringing families into Canada than single professionals. You can also sponsor family members to live with you once you gain your permanent residency in Canada. This page breaks down all of the different ways you can sponsor one of your loved ones.

Now, It’s Time To Take The First Step

Immigration to Canada through one of the skilled worker programs can be both complex and confusing.By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only optimize your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will receive expert advice on which program is best for your personal needs. Our RCICs are registered with the ICCRC and are legally permitted to assist you by evaluating your eligibility, reviewing all documentation and submitting it to the Canadian government on your behalf. Don’t risk your chances of living your Canadian dream. If you want to apply for one of Canada’s federal skilled worker programs, click the button below and let our Canadian visa professionals make sure that all forms are completed correctly and sent in on time.