Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Knowing the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Express Entry is one of the ways by which you may obtain a permanent residence status in Canada. However, Express Entry is a broad concept in the field of immigration, as there are many programs under it. There are three major programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Having to figure out the Express Entry or the programs can be a hassle for many foreign nationals. In order to prepare you for your application, it is important for you to recognize and understand the eligibility requirements prior to applying. In this blog, you will learn about the Federal Skilled Worker Program, as well as other important information one should know before applying under this economic immigration program.

Skilled work experience Requirement for the FSW

Individuals can be recruited for positions which qualify as Skill Type 0 (managerial jobs) or Skill Level A (professional jobs) or Skill Level B (technical jobs and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.

Arranged Employment for a Federal Skilled Worker Immigrating to Canada

Any Canadian employer that would like to hire a foreign skilled worker through the Express Entry selection system can support the applicant in their permanent residency application through either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Through both of these federal economic immigration programs, there are different eligibility requirements; however, when it comes to arranged employment, they are relatively the same. Therefore, in order to better understand what it required of you if you have arranged employment in Canada, in this article, I will explain the process of obtaining arranged employment in Canada.

What is Arranged Employment

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), arranged employment is defined as having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in either a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 0, A or B job for a continuous period of a year or more. Keep in mind, in some cases, the valid job offer must be reviewed and approved by Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada prior to the foreign national becoming employed.

As of January 1, 2015 there is no longer a list of qualifying occupations. There used to be a list of fifty qualifying occupations of which you must work full time continuously full time for one year, but with the new start of Express Entry that is no longer the case.

The Federal Skilled Worker program does still exist but now you must apply under the Express Entry. You will require to have worked continuously for a total of 1,560 hours (30 hours per week) full time or part time to the same total of 1,560 hours (either 2 jobs at 30 hours a week, or 15 hours a week over 2 years (24 months)) The job would have to be in the same skill level, and be at the skill level of 0, A, or B according to the National Occupational Classification.

One option you may have, in order to obtain a permanent residence status in Canada, is through the Federal Skilled Workers program. In addition to the basic requirements, there is a point system where you must receive a score of 67 out of a maximum of 100 in order to apply. There are six selection factors that you will be assessed upon.

The first is your English and/or French skills. This category tests your knowledge in one or both of Canada’s official languages. Points will be given for your ability to speak, read, write, and listen. This test will be done by an agency approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the results must be sent in with your application.