Federal Skilled Worker applications are assessed based on an applicant's ability to become economically established upon immigration to Canada.
The Federal Skilled Worker cap has been reached for this year. The 10,000 cap may be reopened on 1 July 2012. Applicants with an offer of arranged employment or who are pursuing or completed a Canadian PhD program may still apply.
In order to qualify for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa, Canadian Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) applicants must:
- Have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in one of the 29 qualifying occupations; or
- Qualify for Arranged Employment with a full-time permanent job offer from a Canadian employer; or
- Have completed a PhD in Canada, or have completed two years of study in Canada towards a PhD, in both cases at a recognized insitution
The selection factors are summarized as follows:
- Education: Applicants are awarded up to 25 points.
- Language Skills: Applicants are awarded up to 24 points.
- Work Experience: Applicants are awarded up to 21 points for paid skilled work experience acquired in the last 10 years. A minimum of 15 points is required.
- Age: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
- Arranged Employment: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
- Adaptability: Applicants are awarded up to 10 points.
In addition to meeting the above criteria, applicants must show that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependants after arrival in Canada. Applicants and their dependants must also undergo medical examinations and security clearances as part of the Canadian immigration application process.
Total Number of Applications processed to date
There is a cap applied to the number of Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) applications that will be processed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Processing Times
Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) Processing Times vary from one Canadian Immigration Visa office to another.
Processing Fees
Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) Government Processing Fees vary with exchange rates.
Federal Skilled Worker Application Process
Learn more about how the process works, from the very start to landing as a Permanent Resident.
Applicants intending to reside in Montreal or another city in the Province of Quebec are subject to the Quebec selection criteria.
For more information on the Federal Skilled Worker Program, see our Federal Skilled Workers FAQ.
Visit our Occupation Profiles for information about current employment prospects in Canada for these occupations.
Contact Us for more information about the Federal Skilled Worker Program or take a FREE Eligibility Assessment
