Federal Skilled Worker

Can I apply for a Federal Skilled Worker Visa?

To apply for this program, you should ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry.

Below is a detailed outline of who can apply based on the requirements:

Relevant skilled work experience

Skilled work experience refers to roles within one of the following job groups (as outlined under the National Occupational Classification):

• Managerial jobs (Skill Type 0)
• Professional jobs (Skill Level A)
• Technical jobs and skilled trades (Skill Level B)

Within these roles, you should have performed as a lead operator, carrying out all essential duties and most of the main duties.

In addition, your skilled work experience must be based on these criteria:

• Within the same job category you wish to undertake in Canada
• Took place within the last 10 years
• The work was paid
• You worked at least one year continuously (totalling 1,560 hours) or alternatively, an equal number of hours on a part-time basis spread over a longer time period

Language skills

To qualify for this visa, you are required to pass a French or English language test. You must pass your test in writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills.

You must obtain at least CLB 7 on the English test and NCLC7 on the French test in all four abilities.

When you have completed your test, you should enter your results to your Express Entry profile.

Educational background

If you attended school in Canada, you should be able to present proof of your attendance via a certificate, diploma, or degree from a secondary or post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, if you studied outside Canada, you should submit your certificate/ award as well as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes from a designated organization.

Minimum funds

The amount of money you need to settle in Canada depends on the number of family members you wish to bring with you:

• 1 person: $13,213
• 2 people: $16,449
• 3 people: $20,222
• 4 people: $24, 553
• 5 people: 427,847

You must provide proof of funds unless you already hold the right to work in Canada or you have a formal job offer from an eligible Canadian employer.

Place you choose to live

You cannot live in Quebec under the Federal Skilled Worker program. This is because Quebec has its own route and you must apply directly via their application program.

How long is the processing time?

Approximately 80% of applications will be processed within six months.

Applying online via Express Entry is likely to result in a six-month waiting time.

Please note that due to the impact of COVID-19, applications have been slowed considerably and this is likely to impact your wait time.

To check your Canadian Federal Skilled Worker visa application status, visit the application status page.

Note that if there are any errors or inaccuracies in your application, you are more likely to have delays, which may be costly.

How much is the Federal Skilled Worker application?

The cost to apply for the program comes in two parts: the processing fee is $825 and the cost of right of permanent residence is $500, totalling $1,325.

Without the cost of the right of permanent residence, you can expect to pay $825.

To include your spouse or partner costs $1,325, but without the right of permanent residence for them, the cost is also $825.

To include a dependent child, you can expect to pay $225 per child.