Professional and Skilled Worker Canada Immigration Program
Canada acknowledges the significance of foreign skilled laborers for the ongoing expansion of its economy. With a declining population and low birth rates, there is a shortage of skilled workers to support the thriving economy. Currently, approximately 8 million immigrants have established permanent residence in Canada. As per the WES Report, nearly 80% of skilled workers find employment opportunities in Canada after immigrating, making it an ideal destination for ambitious professionals seeking growth and career advancement.
In 2020, Canada welcomed 341,000 immigrants, out of which 91,800 were admitted through the Express Entry system. The new immigration targets indicate a continual increase in these figures each year. In 2021, approximately 401,000 individuals are expected to be invited to apply for permanent residency, with 108,500 allocated under the Federal high-skilled programs managed by the Express Entry system.
The Express Entry system in Canada oversees the three main skilled worker immigration programs. Among them, the Federal Skilled Worker Program serves as a pathway for highly skilled professionals to immigrate. Eligible candidates who meet the criteria outlined by Express Entry can become part of the thriving workforce and be offered the opportunity to settle as permanent residents in Canada. Various programs provide avenues for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and contribute to its workforce.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program has been integrated into the Express Entry system since 2015. The primary objective of the Express Entry immigration system is to expedite the approval process for qualified and highly skilled foreign workers seeking a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa in Canada. This allows them to address the labor requirements of various Canadian industries. If you desire a swift immigration process to Canada, Express Entry is the suitable choice.
To begin, applicants need to create an electronic profile, which is subsequently assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS assigns points based on specific criteria, as outlined below:
- English and French
- language skills
- Education
- Qualifications
- Work experience
- Age
- Qualifying Canadian job offer
- Adaptability
Once you enter the candidate pool, you have the opportunity to regularly enhance your profile to enhance the likelihood of being selected. If your profile achieves a sufficiently high score and is selected from the Express Entry pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The processing of this application can be completed in as little as six months.
Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) aims to assist skilled tradespersons who possess adequate work experience and a job offer in finding opportunities for permanent residency in Canada.
Applicants are required to create an Express Entry Profile, which will be evaluated based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) using the aforementioned criteria.
Canada Experience Class (CEC)
The Canada Experience Class (CEC) is specifically designed to support eligible skilled immigrants who possess a minimum of one year of work experience in Canada and have the intention to settle in the country permanently.
This program welcomes applications from individuals who meet the requirements outlined in the aforementioned Express Entry system criteria.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program
The Quebec Skilled Worker or Regular Skilled Worker Program provides an exclusive opportunity for individuals interested in residing, settling, and working in the province of Quebec in Canada. Unlike other provinces, this program does not require a job offer and does not have an official list of in-demand occupations.
The province of Quebec independently manages its own Canadian immigration programs and follows unique selection criteria. To begin the process, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If selected, you will be invited to apply through the Arrima portal, where your profile will be evaluated and assigned a score out of 100. Upon receiving a Quebec Selection Certificate, which acts as an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, the federal government will primarily assess the medical and criminal aspects of your application.
Quebec Skilled Worker Criteria
- Education
- Language Proficiency (French highly regarded)
- Work experience
- Age
- Adaptability
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In 2021, around 80,800 highly skilled foreign workers are expected to receive permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each province and territory in Canada has developed its own skilled worker programs for individuals seeking to settle in a specific region. Applicants have the option to apply directly through these program streams or enter the Express Entry system, where they can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to create an additional PNP profile. While not all PNP streams are linked to Express Entry, having a provincial nomination can significantly enhance your Express Entry profile.
When applying for a PNP, candidates must possess the necessary skills, education, and work experience to make an immediate economic contribution to the province or territory. They should be prepared to successfully establish themselves in the chosen region. If all the criteria are met and the candidate scores the required number of points set by the province, a nomination and Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence are issued by the federal government. In the case of applying for the nomination through the Express Entry pool, the provincial nomination will boost the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. If selected from the pool, an ITA will be issued.
Participating PNP Provinces:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and
- Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
