The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a central initiative in Canada's immigration policy, aimed at attracting individuals with the skills and experience needed to stimulate the Canadian economy. This program is part of the Express Entry system, which is an application management method for three main federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Eligibility criteria
The Federal Skilled Worker Program evaluates applicants according to six main selection criteria, allowing a maximum of 100 points to be awarded. The criteria include work experience, education, use of official languages, age, employment in Canada and adaptability. Each criterion has a maximum number of points that can be awarded, and candidates must achieve a minimum score to qualify.
- Education (maximum 25 points): Points are awarded on the basis of the level of education attained, with particular weight given to diplomas obtained from Canadian or foreign secondary or post-secondary institutions, accompanied by a diploma evaluation report .
- Work experience (maximum 15 points): Points are based on the number of years of work experience in specific jobs listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021. Experience acquired both in Canada and abroad is taken into account.
- Age (maximum of 12 points): Applicants receive points according to their age at the time of application, with a maximum allocation of points for those aged between 18 and 35.
- Language skills (maximum 28 points): Considerable emphasis is placed on proficiency in Canada's official languages, English and French, as assessed by standardized tests.
- Arranged employment in Canada (maximum of 10 points): Points are awarded to candidates with a job offer validated by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or already working in Canada under certain conditions.
- Adaptability (maximum 10 points): This criterion evaluates the ability of the applicant and his/her family to adapt to life in Canada, including the applicant's or spouse's study or work experience in Canada.
Express Entry process
Candidates must first submit an online profile to Express Entry, which will be evaluated and, if eligible, added to a pool of candidates. Candidates in the pool receive a score, based on the same criteria as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, as well as other factors. Periodically, candidates with the highest scores are invited to submit an application for permanent residence..
Benefits and Impact
This program is crucial to meeting the needs of the Canadian labor market, attracting skilled professionals in key sectors such as technology, engineering, health and finance. Canada aims to welcome a large number of permanent residents through this program, as part of its ambitious immigration plan to stimulate the post-pandemic economy and offset an aging population..
Skilled worker immigration plays a significant role in strengthening the Canadian economy, not only by filling gaps in the labor market but also by bringing innovation and diversity. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is the preferred route for immigrants wishing to settle in Canada, offering stable and rewarding prospects for those who meet its requirements.
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