Fast Facts about Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program

Is it your wish to work in Canada? If you’re a skilled worker, then you can stop dreaming and start working in the Land of the Maple leaf. Just read on and know more about their Federal Skilled Worker Program and find out how to avail yourself of the opportunity this program presents.

Greener Pastures

If you’re in search of greener pastures, then Canada may just be the perfect place for you. There are many reasons to move to Canada. If you’re eyeing to live in a place that has a cleaner environment, good housing and health benefits, and higher-than-average household health, then look no further.

In addition, the latest findings from the Legatum Prosperity Index showed Canada to be among the top ten most prosperous nations. This Index ranks 149 countries across the globe based on nine sub-pillars – Economy, Education, Entrepreneurship and Opportunity, Environment, Governance, Health, Safety and Security, Social Capital, and Personal Freedom – and provides a unique insight into the wealth and well being of its citizens. Canada ranks 8^th in the global rankings, scoring high on the Personal Freedom and Business Environment pillars, according to the latest results.

To get a move on your dream destination, here are some of the basic facts that you should know about the Federal Skilled Worker Program:

1. What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the three economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry. Express Entry is Canada’s online application system for skilled workers.

2. How does the program work?

There is a selection process that you will need to go through. After you meet all the minimum requirements, your application will be assessed based on the following factors:

• Adaptability (or how well you’re likely to settle in Canada)
• Age
• Education
• English and / or French language skills
• Work experience

There’s a 100-point grid used to assess your eligibility for the program. You earn points for how well you are in each selection factor. The current mark for passing is 67 points.

3. What are the minimum requirements?

You must meet all three requirements to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program:

• Education

If you studied in Canada, you must then present a certificate, diploma, or degree from a secondary or post-secondary school.

If you went to school outside of Canada, then you must have a degree, diploma, or apprenticeship or trade credential that has been issued by a recognized educational or training institution.

• Language Ability

You must take an approved language test and get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in all of the following abilities: listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English or French. You must then enter your score in your Express Entry profile.

The language test results are valid for two years. Make sure that your results are still valid when you apply for permanent residency.

• Skilled Worker Experience

You must have skilled experience by working in at least one of these National Occupational classifications (NOC) job groups:

–       Managerial jobs (Skill Type O)

–       Professional Jobs (Skill Level A)

–       Technical Jobs and Skilled Trades (Skill Level B)

You must then show that you have performed all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed on the lead statement in the NOC occupational description. Get a diploma in Engineering within a year.

Your skilled worker experience must amount to at least 1,560 hours (30 hours a week) of continuous work. It can be earned from working full time at one or more jobs for a year (30 hours a week for 12 months) or the equal amount of hours working part-time. Hours that you work for that are above 30 hours a week are not counted.

4. Will you need proof of funds?

You will need to prove that you can provide for yourself and your family when you settle in Canada. This means it should be enough for yourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children, and / or the dependent children of your spouse or partner. You must still include them even if they’re Canadian citizens or permanent residents already. At the same time, you also still need to include them even if they are not coming with you.

These funds must be readily available to you, must not be borrowed from someone else, and must have official letters of proof from the banks or financial institution where you keep your money.

5. Are you admissible?

You will find out if you are admissible to Canada when a Canadian Immigration Officer decides after you apply for a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or upon arrival at a port of entry.

You may be inadmissible when you have committed a crime, breached security, or for medical reasons that may endanger public health or safety. Other reasons that you may be refused entry to Canada are:

–       Human or international rights violations

–       Organized crime

–       Financial reasons

–       Misrepresentation

–       Inadmissible family member

6. Where can you live in Canada?

If you’re planning to enter Canada through this program, you must plan to live outside of Quebec since the province selects its own set of skilled workers.

7. What are the next steps?

After meeting all the above mentioned requirements, you must get all your documents ready. These include documents for your Express Entry profile such as a valid passport or travel document, language test results, and an educational credential assessment report, among others. If and when you’re invited to apply, you must also have documents such as police certificates, medical exam certificates, and proof of funds ready.

Once you have all your documents prepared and ready, then you must fill out and submit your Express Entry profile and go through the whole process.

Ready, Set, Go!

Planning to live in Canada requires you to go through a process but it will all be worth it once you step foot on Canadian soil. If you find it too confusing or need more help in understanding the process, it would be best if you can seek the expertise of a reputable and trustworthy immigration consultant. These immigration experts specialize in assisting people like you who wish to make their transition to Canada as seamless and worry-free as possible.