The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the most popular immigration programs in Canada, attracting tens of thousands of immigrants to the country every year. Find out more about the features of the skilled trades program in Canada, eligibility criteria and application rules

The Federal Skilled Worker Program provides workers in various professions with the opportunity to demonstrate their profiles and be invited to apply for a visa. It works similarly to a lottery, but the chances of being selected are quite high because Canada has a shortage of labor in various professions.

The largest number of applications for Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) come from citizens of India, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.

To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Canada for foreigners in 2024, please follow the link.

The peculiarity of the Canada Skilled Trades Program

Every year, the Canadian government publishes a list of skilled occupations that are in short supply in the country.  This is a work permit where you can submit your profile and wait to see if it is selected. Qualified occupations correspond to the list of the National Occupational Classification of Canada (NOC). 

The nicest bonus of the program is that if you become a permanent resident under the Federal Skilled Trades Program of Canada, you can work and live in Canada. In a few years, you will also have a chance to become a Canadian citizen. This program allows individuals and families to immigrate to Canada if you meet the FSWP requirements.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) provides an opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Canada if you meet the minimum requirements for work experience, language skills and education. The application is evaluated based on the following criteria: age, education, work experience, English or French language skills, adaptability, financial resources and a valid job offer. 

Candidates must score at least 67 points out of 100 to be accepted. This program is one of the three programs included in the Express Entry system and is intended for workers with foreign experience who seek to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis.

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Requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of three programs administered by the Express Entry system to bring skilled workers to Canada. This program is designed for individuals with foreign work experience who are seeking to immigrate to Canada permanently.

To participate in the FSWP, candidates must meet a number of minimum requirements:

1. Qualified work experience: the candidate must have work experience that corresponds to one of the groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC);

2. Language ability: the applicant must prove his/her proficiency in English or French by submitting the results of language tests when filling in the Express Entry profile;

3. Education: an applicant must provide an educational document (e.g., diploma) issued abroad or an equivalency assessment of this document (ECA) performed by an authorized organization approved by the Immigration and Refugees Canada (IRCC).

If an applicant meets these minimum requirements, his or her application is evaluated according to the following criteria:

1. Age;

2. Education;

3. Work experience;

4. Availability of a valid job offer;

5. Knowledge of English and/or French;

6. Adaptability, i.e. how well the candidate can integrate into Canadian society.

These factors are scored on a 100-point scale that is used to determine eligibility for the FSWP. Candidates who score the highest in the Express Entry system receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

All occupations in Canada are classified in the National Occupational Classification, they are assigned a code and a skill level. You should find the NOC code that best matches your work experience.

Your occupation must have a NOC skill level of A or B or a skill type of 0.

The work experience you claim in your application must have been gained within the last 10 years and paid (voluntary work or unpaid internships are not counted).

If you are employed full-time, you must have at least one year of continuous work experience (at least 30 hours per week for 12 months). If you have worked part-time, your experience must be at least 15 hours per week for 24 months.

Language proficiency

Applications for the federal skilled worker program are submitted through the Express Entry system. Before you can make an Express Entry profile, you must pass an approved test in English and/or French.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada accepts the results of two English language tests: IELTS (General English Language Testing) and CELPIP (General English Language Testing); and one French language test - TEF.

You must include the test results in your Express Entry profile. You must also be able to score at least CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 7 in all four main abilities: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

Education to get a job in Canada

For FSWP purposes, you can have a high school diploma, a diploma or a degree.

Before you create an Express Entry profile, you must have your educational credentials evaluated by an approved educational credential evaluation agency. Once your credentials have been evaluated, you can add this information to your Express Entry profile. You will be prompted to enter the results and reference number in your profile. 

How to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

To start the application process, you must submit your profile. However, before starting the profile, it is recommended that you collect supporting documents so that you can fill in the data faster. Here are the documents you will need:

1. A valid passport;

2. Language test results;

3. Report on the evaluation of educational diplomas to obtain additional points;

4. A written job offer from an employer in Canada (if any).

However, even after obtaining an ITA, the applicant must meet all the requirements of Canadian immigration law, including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Joining the Express Entry pool does not guarantee an ITA, but provides an opportunity to become a candidate for permanent residence if all requirements are met.

We remind you! Canada is looking for talented entrepreneurs to stimulate the country's economy and create new jobs for local residents. Every entrepreneur interested in starting their own business abroad can take advantage of the new Canadian visa program. Read more about the features and procedure for obtaining a Start Up visa in Canada in 2024.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Canada, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in the Canada.

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