Federal Skilled Workers

Federal Skilled Workers

Federal Skilled Workers are persons with suitable education, work experience, age and language abilities under one of Canada's official languages and who are selected under the Express Entry Immigration system to apply for permanent residence.

To qualify for admission to the Express Entry Pool as a Federal Skilled Worker, applicants must meet the following conditions:

 

Essential Conditions:

  • Possess one-year of continuous full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment within the previous 10 years in one of 347 eligible occupations listed under the applicable National Occupational Classification system; AND
  • The work experience must be classified within Skill Type 0 (Managerial Occupations), Skill Level A (Professional Occupations), or Skill Level B (Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades) within the meaning of the National Occupational Classification system; AND
  • Score sufficient points under the skilled worker point grid comprising of six selection factors. The current pass mark is 67 points;
  • Undergo language testing from a recognized third party and demonstrate intermediate level language skills in English or French corresponding to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7)
  • Possess suitable settlement funding (It is noteworthy mentioning that the applicant must have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents after arrival in Canada).
  • Undergo a successful security background and medical examination.

Find out whether you qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or other programs in Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation for Skilled Workers or other categories. We will provide you with your evaluation results within 2-3 business days.

The rules for applying as a federal skilled worker can change from time to time without notice, contact us in order to get answers to your questions.

The qualifying occupations are listed by NOC (National Occupational Classification) and are based on the main duties performed. Click on the occupation title below to see if your occupation is among the qualifying occupations for the Federal Skilled Worker Category.

 

Qualifying Occupations

1. Senior managers - financial, communications and other business services (0013)

2. Senior managers - trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c. (0015)

3. Financial managers (0111)

4. Human resources managers (0112)

5. Purchasing managers (0113)

6. Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers (0121)

7. Managers in health care (0311)

8. Construction managers (0711)

9. Home building and renovation managers (0712)

10. Managers in natural resources production and fishing (0811)

11. Manufacturing managers (0911)

12. Financial auditors and accountants (1111)

13. Financial and investment analysts (1112)

14. Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers (1113)

15. Other financial officers (1114)

16. Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (1123)

17. Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers (1212)

18. Property administrators (1224)

19. Geoscientists and oceanographers (2113)

20. Civil engineers (2131)

21. Mechanical engineers (2132)

22. Electrical and electronics engineers (2133)

23. Petroleum engineers (2145)

24. Information systems analysts and consultants (2171)

25. Database analysts and data administrators (2172)

26. Software engineers and designers (2173)

27. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)

28. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232)

29. Construction estimators (2234)

30. Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)

31. Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (2243)

32. Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety (2263)

33. Computer network technicians (2281)

34. Nursing Co-ordinators and Supervisors (NOC 3011)

35. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (3012)

36. Specialist physicians (3111)

37. General practitioners and family physicians (3112)

38. Dietitians and nutritionists (3132)

39. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (3141)

40. Physiotherapists (3142)

41. Occupational therapists (3143)

42. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (3214)

43. Medical radiation technologists (3215)

44. Medical sonographers (3216)

45. Licensed practical nurses (3233)

46. Paramedical occupations (3234)

47. University professors and lecturers (4011)

48. Psychologists (4151)

49. Early childhood educators and assistants (4214)

50. Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)

Or click here to check Complete List of Eligible Occupations Federal Skilled Worker

 

Point Base System:

The table below illustrates the selection factors and the corresponding points that are awarded pertaining to each criterion. For more information, please consult Canada skilled workers immigration point based system article.

 

Selection Factors Points Awarded
Education 25 – Maximum Points
Proficiency in English and / or French 28 – Maximum Points
Work Experience 15 – Maximum Points
Age 12 – Maximum Points
Arranged Employment 10 – Maximum Points
Adaptability 10 – Maximum Points
Total 100 – Maximum Points
Pass mark 67 points

 

How we help you?

Let’s provide a list of instances whereby our consultants can offer advice and guidance: IF

You are unsure which program/stream to apply under and need help deciding

If you think you are “borderline” against the eligibility criteria (such as the points score) and the decision could go either way

Concerned about being inadmissible on medical grounds or you or any of your family members have a medical condition that you think could be an obstacle

You (or any of your family members) have a past criminal conviction (or caution) or are concerned about being inadmissible on grounds of criminality or need to apply for rehabilitation

Have children from a previous marriage that you want to take to Canada and there are any custody issues or concerns

Sponsoring a “common-law” or conjugal partner and need to prepare evidence to establish your relationship is genuine

You want to apply under a Business immigration route and need help establishing that you have managed a “qualifying business” or help preparing plans and other evidence of your intention to establish a business in Canada

You have dependent children who are in common-law relationships or they are over 22 and you are concerned about whether they still meet the definition of “dependent” children

If you want to obtain a Work Permit without HRSDC confirmation or a Work Permit to be self-employed

If you are applying as a Skilled Worker but aspects of your education or work experience are unusual or undocumented; for example you were home-schooled or gained a qualification in an accelerated manner worked in an occupation that meets the criteria but it was part-time or you had a misleading job title etc

Of course there are many more situations, the above are just examples of areas that can become obstacles to immigration if they are not handled and dealt with correctly. Always refer to us for advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What are the minimum eligibility requirements for a Canada Immigration Visa under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

To be eligible for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa under the FSWP, candidates must:

  • have at least one year of continuous full-time, or equivalent, paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification skill type 0 or skill level A or B);
  • have validated language test results equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French across all abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking); and
  • have a Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) or foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
  • have enough settlement funds for settlement in Canada.

FSWP applicants must attain at least 67 points on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)'s six immigration selection factors.

Finally, all applicants and their accompanying and non-accompanying dependents, under all categories of Canadian Immigration, must satisfy Canadian health and security/criminality requirements.

 

2. Can an individual apply directly for permanent residence under the FSWP?

The FSWP is managed by the Express Entry system, which issues invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence through regular draws from its pool of candidates. Only those candidates who are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may then submit an application for Canadian permanent residence.

 

3. Is there an eligible occupations list?

There is no eligible occupations list in place. Applicants need to have at least one year of work experience in the past 10 years in an occupation classified under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) as skill level A or B or skill type 0.

 

4. What documents must be included in support of an application under the FSWP?

If you successfully receive an Express Entry invitation to apply for permanent residence, you will be asked to submit the following documents under the FSWP in support of your permanent residence application:

  • appropriate application forms, signed and completed;
  • appropriate Canadian government processing fees;
  • identity and civil status documents;
  • travel documents and passports;
  • evidence of education training/professional qualifications;
  • evidence of work experience;
  • IELTS or CELPIP and/or TEF or TCF Canada results or;
  • Canadian educational credential assessment;
  • evidence of Arranged Employment, if applicable;
  • evidence of points claimed, if any, under the adaptability factor;
  • police certificates and clearances;
  • proof of settlement funds.

All candidates who receive an invitation to apply are also required to submit the following supporting documents along with their e-application:

  • Valid passport
  • Language test results
  • Documentation attesting to work experience
  • Police clearance certificate(s)
  • Upfront medical information tracking sheet
  • Photographs of principal applicant and family members

It is important to note that many Canadian Immigration Visa Offices have their own specific document requirements that must be respected in order to avoid having an application returned, delayed or even refused.

 

5. Under the FSWP, who may be included in an application?

Under the FSWP, the following family members may be included in an application:

  • the principal applicant's spouse or common-law partner;
  • the principal applicant's dependent children and the dependent children of the accompanying spouse or common-law partner, up to 22 years of age;
  • the dependent children of the principal applicant's dependent children, and the dependent children of the dependent children of the accompanying spouse or common-law partner.

 

6.  Does a FSWP candidate's work experience have to be related to his or her education in order to be recognized?

Work experience does not have to be related to the candidate's education, as long as he or she is performing or has performed the duties of the occupation for which he or she is claiming points.

 

7. Is a Canadian offer of employment required in order for a candidate to qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker?

A valid offer of employment is not required in order to qualify under the FSWP, but one could get you up to 15 points and thereby improve your chances of being eligible. Furthermore, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you can earn between 50 and 200 points under Express Entry's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), depending on the type of job.

 

8. How can I improve my Express Entry CRS score for the FSWP?

Ways to improve your score include:

  • Obtain all the CRS points you are eligible for
  • If your spouse or partner (if applicable) has a higher CRS score than you, list them as the principal applicant
  • Study hard for your language test. Retake the test if necessary to get a score you are satisfied with
  • Try to secure an eligible job offer or try to secure a provincial nomination

Click here for more information on how you can increase your Express Entry CRS score.

 

9. Can points be awarded if a candidate has a close relative in Canada?

Yes, a candidate will be awarded points under the Adaptability Factor if he or she, or his or her accompanying spouse or common-law partner, has a close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and who is currently residing in Canada. To qualify as a close relative, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be a child, mother or father, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandchild or grandparent.

 

10. How many immigrants does Canada welcome under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) each year?

Express Entry is the main way Canada welcomes new skilled workers and the FSWP is among three skilled worker programs managed under Express Entry. Canada aims to welcome an average of 110,000 new immigrants through Express Entry each year. Most of these immigrants arrive under the FSWP and the Canadian Experience Class program.