Canada Federal Skilled Workers Program

Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program or Express Entry is one of the most affordable and fastest immigration programs. The program is for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Candidates who apply for this visa program receive permanent resident status in Canada. In this post, we are answering some of the common queries related to the Canada Federal Skilled Workers Program.

How does the Canada Federal Skilled Workers Program Work?

The program works on a points-based system where you need to score at least a minimum selection points to be eligible to enter into the program. You also need to score the minimum cut-off score to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The program is based on three basic requirements: skilled work experience, language ability and education. Below we have summed up the express entry process stepwise.

Step #1 You have to score at least 67 points (out of 100) and meet all the minimum requirements.

Step #2 You need to calculate your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score and submit the express entry profile.

Step #3 If your CRS score lies above the minimum cut-off issued by IRCC every two weeks, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Step #4 You need to submit the required documents in 60 days once you receive the invite.

Step #5 The IRCC would assess your documents. It would ask you to give your biometrics.

Step #6 If everything goes well, you will receive a passport submission request.

Step #7 IRCC will issue your visa and will return your passport. You will also get a COPR (Certificate of Permanent Residence). This document will be your identity document until you receive a PR Card in Canada.

What are the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Workers Program?

The minimum requirements for 100 point-grid to assess your eligibility for the express entry program include:

• age (maximum 12 points)
• education (maximum 25 points)
• work experience (maximum 15 points)
• Arranged employment in Canada (maximum 10 points)
• English and/or French language skills (maximum 28 points)
• adaptability (maximum 10 points)

For details about the 100-point grid or six selection factors, consult V2I. Our immigration consultants will help you assess your eligibility for express entry.

What are the documents required to create an express entry profile?

To create your express entry profile, you will need the following documents. You might not be required to upload some documents but the information in those documents would be needed to complete your profile.

• Passport
• Language test results
• Proof of education (if you have earned a foreign degree you have to submit an ECA or Educational Credential Assessment Report)
• Provincial nomination (if you have)
• Employment offer letter from Canada (if you have)
• Proof of funds

What are the documents required for a permanent residence application?

To apply for permanent residence, you need to upload the following documents in your express entry profile:

• Passport
• Language test results
• Proof of education (if you have earned a foreign degree you have to submit an ECA or Educational Credential Assessment Report)
• Provincial nomination (if you have)
• Employment offer letter from Canada (if you have)
• Proof of funds
• Police certificates
• Medical exam results
• Birth certificate
• Use of a representative form (if any)
• Common-law union form (if any)
• Marriage certificate (if any)
• Divorce certificate and legal separation agreement (if any)
• Death certificate (if your status is widowed)
• Adoption certificate (if your dependent child is adopted)
• Proof of relationship to a relative in Canada (if any)
• Digital photos to confirm your identity
• Other documents if required

What is the NOC code?

NOC or National Occupational Classification is used by IRCC to classify occupations. Here are the different classifications:

#1 Skill Type 0 (zero): It includes management jobs, such as restaurant managers, mine managers, shore captains (fishing) etc.

#2 Skill Level A: It includes professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university, such as doctors, dentists, architects etc.

#3 Skill Level B: It includes technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice, such as chefs, plumbers, electricians etc.

#4 Skill Level C: It includes intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training, such as industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, food and beverage servers etc.

#5 Skill Level D: It includes labour jobs that usually give on-the-job training, such as fruit pickers, cleaning staff, oil field workers etc.

While creating your express entry profile, you have to choose and submit a NOC code that suits your job description. NOC type 0, A and B are considered ‘skilled’ jobs.

What are the fee requirements for the express entry program?

When you submit your application for permanent residence, you need to pay a list of fees as given below:

• Application processing fee of $825 per adult
• Right to permanent residence fee of $500 per person
• A fee of $225 (per child) for including a dependent child
• Biometrics fee
• Medical exam fees (third party fees)
• Fees for language tests (third party fees)
• Fees for police certificates (third party fees)
• Fees for ECA (third party fees)

What are the benefits of the express entry system?

#1 You can live, study or work anywhere in Canada. The express entry program gives you the freedom to reside in Canada. So you can move to wherever you find an opportunity.

#2 You will get access to universal healthcare and social services. Canadian permanent residents are also entitled to free healthcare facilities.

#3 Once you become a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor your children, spouse, parents or grandparents and bring them to Canada. If they are eligible, they can also apply for permanent residency.

#4 Once you suffice the eligibility criteria, you can apply for citizenship. Moreover, you would not have to give up the citizenship of your country as Canada offers dual citizenship.

Find out if you are eligible for Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program

V2I Canada immigration experts can help you find out whether you meet the 100-points selection criteria for express entry. We will also help you find out your CRS scores and create an express entry profile. Consult us today and immigrate to Canada as soon as possible.