Federal skilled worker Program (FSWP)

Overview

The Federal Skilled Worker Program was introduced by the Canadian government in 1967. (FSWP). This programme was developed to replace the prior methods of immigration based on the discretion of the immigration officer. The new strategy allows immigrants to enter Canada based on a variety of objective factors, including: education, age, work experience, language proficiency, and many others.

The benefits of the FSWP

The Express Entry system, which will oversee the FSWP once it has more than 110,000 immigrants by the end of 2024, is currently in place. The FSWP immigrants are succeeding in Canada in their various fields, according to research.

A further advantage of this programme is quicker permanent residency. In less than six months if you follow this programme, you can obtain your PR.

Eligibility Criteria

Every applicant must score at least 67 points out of 100, which applies to all factors including education, language proficiency, and work experience. They can apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program if they meet these criteria.

THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE:

  • A minimum of one year's worth of experience, or the equivalent, in the last ten years in a skilled occupation, and they must have achieved skill level A, B, or O.
  • Canadian official languages abilities with a benchmark of 7 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking for Canadian official languages.
  • A diploma, degree, or certificate from any university in Canada, or a foreign educational credential (ECA).
  • Score at least 67 on the FSWP exam using the age, work experience, education, language, and adaptability grading scales.
  • Evidence of their financial viability in Canada.
  • If you satisfy all of these criteria, you may be chosen for the Express Entry system and then nominated for further consideration using the CRS ranking system.

How FSWP processes the immigration process

The FSWP is one of three skilled worker programmes that the Express Entry system works with. If you are not a licenced professional or are currently residing in Canada, FSWP will be your best choice. You can submit your Express Entry application if you meet the FSWP requirement. After you have completed that, a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that grades you according to a number of criteria will be sent to you. Following that, candidates will be chosen through a draw based on their high CRS scores. You would only have to wait six months to receive your PR if you are invited to submit your application for permanent residence.

To put it more precisely, follow these steps to understand what to do while processing:

STEP 1

Check all the FSWP requirements and see if you meet them.

STEP 2

Using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), submit the Express entry profile that you have filled.

STEP 3

Wait for the IRCC to send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Note that the IRCC does a draw every two weeks, so keep checking your profile.

STEP 4

Submit the application form for your permanent residence if you got an ITA. If not, you may need to reapply.

Selection Factors

The major FSWP selection factors are listed in bullets below.

Education – You need up to 25 points to be eligible

Language Skills requires about 28 points

Work Experience would only need about 15 points to qualify

Age is generally not more than 12 points

Arranged Employment and Adaptability share 10 points each

FAQs

Some of the requirements you need to meet under this program are:

  • A validated language test that meets the benchmark of 7 for the two official Canadian languages (English and French)
  • Must have been a full-time worker for a year or be a worker under the National Occupation Classification skill in either type A, B or C.
  • Must have at least a degree, diploma or certificate from a Canadian institution or be in a foreign certificated backed up with an ECA report.
  • Must have enough funds to sustain Canada’s expenses.
  • Also, you must meet at least 67 points using the 100-grid using the selection factor listed above.

Another general requirement to meet is the security and criminality criteria. Whether you are the applicant or the dependent, you must meet all these before being granted a visa.

If you have submitted your profile to the Express Entry system, you need to wait for the IRCC to send an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If they don’t send it, you are not qualified to apply for permanent residence. But you can proceed to use it once you receive the invitation.

You don’t have to be in any particular occupation before being in the FSWP program. If you have a minimum of one year of work experience or have been in an occupation approved by the Canadian Occupational Classification, you can apply.

The following document should be attached when sending your application for permanent residency. Note that you should only send it when you have been invited to apply.

The documents are:

  • Canadian government processing fees according to the IRCC website;
  • Signed and completed application forms;
  • identity and civil status documents;
  • Proof of work experience;
  • travel documents and passports;
  • evidence of professional qualifications/educational training;
  • Canadian educational qualification assessment;
  • IELTS or CELPIP or TEF or TCF Canada results or;
  • Police certificates and clearances;
  • Proof of Arranged Employment (If this applies to you);
  • Evidence that shows financial stability.

You should also not forget to submit these documents provided you have received an invitation to apply:

  • Valid passport
  • Documents of work experience
  • Language test results
  • Police clearance certificate(s)
  • Medical report
  • Photographs of applicants, dependent children and other family members

Make sure you check if the Canadian immigration office has other specific documents that need to be submitted alongside so you can plan and be ready to apply without further delay.

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