The Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for highly educated applicants with a significant amount of work experience behind them. If you believe that you can prove to be a strong asset in the Canadian labour market, then applying for Canadian Permanent Residence as a Federal Skilled Worker could be the best option for you. However, you will need to meet certain criteria should you wish to apply to the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

How Does It Work?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program uses a points system to assess and rank candidates. However, this system differs from the one used in Express Entry. Before you can create your candidate profile and be assigned a score using the comprehensive ranking system, you will first need to qualify for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class program.

Your ranking for the Federal Skilled Worker Program represents the minimum requirement when determining your eligibility to participate in Express Entry, and you will need to obtain at least 67 points to qualify for the Program. Your ability to earn points will depend on six factors:

Education (maximum 25 points) – The highest level of education attained and the total number of years of education by the Applicant.

Language Ability (maximum 24+4 points) – The Applicant’s ability to speak, listen, write, and read in either one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French. Please note that if the Applicant claims points under the language factor, proof of language proficiency must be provided. Proficiency in a second official language is worth an additional 4 points.

Work Experience (maximum 15 points) – The number of years the Applicant has worked in his/her profession.

Age (maximum 12 points) – The current age of the Applicant. The ideal age is between twenty-one and forty-nine (21-49) years.

Arranged Employment in Canada (maximum 10 points) – Either of a) a permanent job offer in Canada for which the Applicant is qualified, or b) the Applicant is currently employed in Canada and holds a work permit which is valid for at least twelve (12) months.

Adaptability (maximum 10 points) – The Applicant may be awarded points under this factor if they can show that they or their dependants will adapt easily to living in Canada. Examples are: spouse’s education, arranged employment, and family members who are Canadian Permanent Residents or Citizens.

For further information regarding the procedures for applying for Canadian Permanent Residence under the Federal Skilled Worker category, please contact our office.