In 1967, Canada started the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) pick immigrants from throughout the globe.
Between its inception in 1967 to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) was the primary route for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. In July, the Express Entry invitation rounds for FSWP applicants will restart following a temporary hiatus that has been in effect since December 2020. In addition, the typical processing time for new applications is anticipated to revert to six months.
The FSWP is a favorable immigration route since individuals can qualify without Canadian experience or a job offer.
As a program administered by the Express Entry system, FSWP candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score (CRS). Approximately every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts draws for Express Entry, inviting the applicants with the best scores to apply for Canadian immigration.
The steps involved in applying for Canadian immigration through the FSWP are outlined below:
Step 1: Meet FSWP’s eligibility requirements
To be eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must fulfill the minimum standards for job experience, language proficiency, and education. Additionally, you must earn at least 67 on the program’s 100-point grid.
These are the minimal requirements:
- One year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid job experience in a specialty area defined as National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B during the previous ten years;
- Validated language proficiency comparable to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or French in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)
- Canadian educational certification (certificate, diploma, or degree) or foreign credential with ECA report.
- FSWP candidates must score a minimum of 67 points on the six immigration selection factors utilized by IRCC.
Step 2: Submit your Express Entry profile to the IRCC website
Follow the procedures on the government website to establish a secure IRCC account. The online application will urge you to create an Express Entry profile, input your personal reference code in case you have one, and provide your personal information.
You have sixty days to complete and submit your Express Entry profile; if you do not, you will be required to begin the process again.
After completing your profile, you may submit it and IRCC will determine your Express Entry program eligibility.
If you qualify for the FSWP, IRCC will add you to the Express Entry pool along with other eligible applicants. You will receive a score based on job experience, education, age, and language proficiency.
