Canada recognizes the importance of foreign skilled workers for the continued growth of its economy. Those who are eligible for 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 skilled foreign workers for a 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.
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)
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 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 |
Immigration to Canada 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. Let us make sure that all forms are completed correctly and sent in on time.