Canada Skilled Worker
Immigration to Canada through occupational expertise
The Skilled Worker program in Canada includes immigration programs for individuals who intend to move to Canada and obtain permanent residency through their professional skills. These programs are designed so that Canada can select the workforce it needs from individuals with high levels of professional, educational, and language skills.
In the skilled worker immigration method, you earn points based on various factors such as age, education, language, work experience, and more. Canada then sends out invitations for permanent residency to applicants with the highest scores.
It’s worth mentioning that Canada’s federal skilled immigration programs are managed under the Express Entry system. Additionally, provinces in Canada also have their own immigration programs to attract the workforce they need.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a pathway for skilled workers who have at least one year of professional work experience and are proficient in English or French.
Applicants in this program receive points based on factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and age. Those with the highest scores will then receive an invitation for permanent residency in Canada.
Cost
$1,365 for the applicant
Processing Time
12 to 30 months (variable)
Residence Location
All provinces in Canada (except Quebec)
Visa Type
Permanent residency in Canada
Achieving a minimum of 67 points in this program is mandatory.
Work Experience
15 points
In this case, you can earn a maximum of 15 points for full-time work experience (30 hours a week) for which you have received a salary. This job must fall under the TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 groups in the Canadian Occupational Classification system to count for the Federal Skilled Worker program.
Language Proficiency
28 points
In this section, you can earn up to 28 points for your first and second languages. A first language certificate (English or French) at CLB 7 level or higher can score you up to 24 points. If it’s below this level, it won’t earn you any points.
Education
25 points
To score points for education, you must have a Canadian credential or have your non-Canadian credential assessed and equivalently recognized by an educational credential assessment organization. The maximum score in this section is 25 points.
Age
12 points
There is no age restriction for this program, but applicants can score a maximum of 12 points based on age. Applicants between 18 and 35 years old receive the most points, and as age increases, their points decrease.
Job Offer
10 points
The maximum score for this section is 10 points. However, having a job offer is not mandatory. A job offer in Canada must be full-time, non-seasonal, with a salary and for a minimum of one year. It should also fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 in the Canadian Occupational Classification system. Note that in most cases, the employer providing the job offer must obtain an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
Adaptability to the Canadian Environment
10 points
In this section, applicants can earn a maximum of 10 points based on various factors such as the education and language level of the spouse, education in Canada, having relatives in Canada, a job offer, and other criteria.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is a pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to the province of Quebec in Canada. Applicants in this program receive scores based on factors such as language proficiency, education, work experience, and age. Then, those with the highest scores receive a CSQ certificate, allowing them to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Cost
$1,365 for the applicant
Processing Time
18 to 20 months (variable)
Residence Location
Province of Quebec
Visa Type
Permanent residency in Canada
It is mandatory to score at least 50 points for single applicants and 59 points for married applicants in this program.
Work Experience
8 points
In this category, you can earn a maximum of 8 points for part-time and full-time work experience for which you have received payment. This job must fall under TEER groups 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the Canadian job classification system as part of the Quebec skilled worker program.
Language Proficiency
22 points
In this section, you can earn up to 16 points for French and 6 points for English. A basic proficiency in both English and French is required. However, more points are awarded for proficiency in French.
Education and Field of Expertise
26 points
To earn points for education, you must have a Canadian diploma or have your non-Canadian diploma assessed for equivalency by one of the credential assessment organizations. You can earn a maximum of 14 points for the education credential and up to 12 points for your field of expertise.
Age
16 points
There is no age limit for this program, but applicants can earn up to 16 points for age. Those between 18 and 35 years old receive the highest points, which decrease as age increases.
Job Offer
14 points
The maximum points for this section is 14. However, having a job offer is not mandatory. The job offer must be full-time, non-seasonal, paid, and for a minimum duration of one year. It must also fall under TEER groups 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the Canadian job classification system.
Residence or Family
8 points
In this section, applicants can earn up to 8 points based on various factors, such as study or work experience in Quebec or having close relatives in Quebec.
Spouse's Characteristics
17 points
In this section, applicants who are applying with their spouse can earn up to 17 points based on their spouse’s characteristics, such as education level, age, and language proficiency.
Child Accompaniment
8 points
If you have children, you can receive up to 8 points based on the age of each child.
Financial Capacity
1 point
In this section, if you can demonstrate that you have the financial means to cover your living expenses for the first three months in Quebec, you will receive 1 point.
Other Ways to Immigrate for Work
FST
Federal Skilled Trade
The Federal Skilled Trade Program is a pathway for skilled tradespeople to immigrate to Canada and gain permanent residency. Individuals in this program must have at least two years of work experience in qualified trade occupations.
Additionally, having a job offer or a certification in these trades is required.
CEC
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class provides a pathway for permanent residency for individuals who have at least one year of work experience in Canada and are proficient in English or French.
Applicants for this program must intend to live in Canadian provinces other than Quebec.
AIP
Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program offers a pathway for skilled workers to migrate to one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
Applicants must meet the required conditions of each sub-program. A job offer is mandatory in this program.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Express Entry system?
Express Entry is an online system that manages the applications of candidates in federal skilled worker programs, federal skilled trades (technical workforce), Canadian experience, and some provincial programs. Individuals in the Express Entry candidate pool receive scores based on factors such as education level, language, work experience, age, and more. Then, Immigration Canada sends invitations for permanent residency to those with the highest scores.
What are the requirements for Skilled Workers in Canada?
The requirements for each of the skilled worker programs vary. However, generally, you need to score well in each of the factors like education level, work experience, language proficiency, age, and adaptability to the Canadian environment.
Is a job offer necessary to immigrate through Canada’s Skilled Worker program?
No, having a job offer is only mandatory for some skilled worker programs. For example, there’s no need for a job offer in the federal skilled worker and Canadian experience programs.
Do family members get included in my Skilled Worker application?
Yes, most of the time, your spouse and children will also be included in your skilled worker application. If your application is approved, all family members will receive permanent residency visas for Canada.