Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry) is a program designed for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including skills and experience, to work in the country. Candidates for this program are selected through the Express Entry System.

How does this program operate?

To determine eligibility for this program, you must meet the following requirements:

• • Proficiency in speaking French or English
• • Work experience
• • Adequate education
• • Minimum eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must:

• • Meet the required language proficiency levels
• • Possess a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years prior to applying (volunteer work is not accepted, and the job must be paid)
• • Fulfill the job requirements for the specific skilled trade as outlined in the National Occupational Classification
• • Hold a valid job offer for full-time employment lasting a total of 1 year
• • Possess a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority

Skilled Work Experience

The skilled trades recognized under the Federal Skilled Trades Program are categorized according to the National Occupation Classification (NOC) as follows:

• • Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
• • Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
• • Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
• • Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators
• • Minor Group 632: Chefs and cooks
• • Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers

Education

Officially, there is no specific education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. However, if you wish to improve your ranking in the Express Entry pool, there are several steps you can take. To learn more about these options, please reach out to us via email or through our social media platforms.

Language Ability

To be eligible for this program, you must:

• • Achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for speaking and listening
• • Achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 4 for reading and writing
• • Take approved language tests for writing, reading, listening, and speaking

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program was launched by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) in 2008 with the aim of providing skilled workers from various countries the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Over time, CEC has become one of the largest immigration pathways for skilled workers in the country, recognized by the government as a remarkable success that offers abundant opportunities for skilled immigrants.

How the Canadian Experience Class Works

The IRCC utilizes the Express Entry system to manage skilled worker applications for three programs, including the Canadian Experience Class.

To be eligible for CEC, you must meet the minimum requirements or eligibility criteria. Once deemed eligible, you are required to submit an official Express Entry profile on the IRCC's official website. Your profile will then be entered into a pool, where Express Entry extends invitations for permanent residency to candidates with the highest CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) scores.

If you receive an invitation, you can proceed to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class program.

Understanding Skilled Worker Experience

As per the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience refers to:

• • Managerial jobs (skill level 0)
• • Professional jobs (skill type A)
• • Technical jobs (skill type B)
• • Skilled trades (skill type B)

Please note that your work experience can be in one or more NOC 0, A, or B jobs.

Requirements for Canadian Experience Class

The minimum requirements for CEC include:

• • Meeting the required language levels for each language ability in your job, including writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
• • Possessing at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
• • Having a full-time job that accumulates at least one year of full-time work, equivalent to approximately 1,560 hours.

It is important to note that you are not eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if:

• • You are a refugee claimant.
• • You are working without proper authorization.
• • Your work experience was obtained while you did not have temporary resident status in Canada.

Language Requirements

Candidates are also required to meet the minimum language levels:

• • Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs.
• • Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for NOC B jobs.
• • You must take approved language tests for writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

What is the FSTP?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) under the Express Entry system is an immigration program administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is one of the three skilled worker programs that fall under the Express Entry system in Canada.

Minimum Requirements for FSTP

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• • Full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum duration of one year.
• • Certificate of qualification issued by a provincial, territorial, or federal governing body.
• • Language proficiency in English or French, assessed using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) scale.
• • Level 4 in writing and reading
• • Level 5 in listening and speaking
• • At least two years of full-time work experience in the past five years in a skilled trade.
• • Major Group 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation trades.
• • Major Group 82: Supervisors and Technicians in Natural Resources and Agriculture.
• • Major Group 92: Processing and Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators.
• • Minor Group 632: Chefs and Cooks.
• • Minor Group 633: Butchers and Bakers.

Express Entry for FSTP

Express Entry is a fast-track system that processes applications for permanent residency in just six months. However, in order to be invited to apply through Express Entry, you need to have a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The IRCC conducts Express Entry draws twice a month, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.

The CRS score is determined based on various factors such as age, level of education, work experience in Canada and abroad, adaptability to Canada, proficiency in English and French, relationships in Canada, language proficiency, and employment status.

Comprehensive Ranking System Score

In the context of Canadian immigration through the Express Entry system, the CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System Score) is a crucial factor. It determines the eligibility of skilled worker candidates to receive an invitation from the Canadian government for permanent residency. The CRS Score is calculated based on various factors, including age, education, language skills, work experience, and more. Each factor is assigned a specific number of points, and the total points accumulated determine the candidate's CRS Score. The maximum CRS Score a candidate can obtain is 1,200 points. Higher CRS Scores increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Alberta

Alberta, one of Canada's largest provinces, is renowned for its two major cities, Edmonton and Calgary, and holds the distinction of being the most populous among the three Prairie Provinces. Additionally, Alberta boasts breathtaking national parks that have gained global recognition.

One of the province's standout features is the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), which presents an opportunity for immigrants from around the world to obtain an Alberta Provincial Nomination Certificate (APNC).

The AINP comprises several streams, including:

Alberta Opportunity Stream:

This stream welcomes immigrants currently working in Alberta and international graduates who have completed their studies at a post-secondary institution within the province. Eligible candidates may apply for a provincial nomination under the Alberta Opportunity Stream. It's important to note that there is an application fee of $500 associated with this stream, and the processing time typically spans approximately 8 months.

Alberta Express Entry Stream:

The Alberta Express Entry Stream plays a significant role in attracting immigrants to the country. Notably, this stream allows Alberta to nominate individuals who already possess a profile in the Express Entry system. Applicants with ties to Alberta and the necessary skills to contribute to the economy and overall growth have the opportunity to receive an invitation to submit an application, thereby facilitating their path to permanent residency. The application fee for the Alberta Express Entry Stream is approximately CAD 500.

Self-Employed Farmer Stream:

Farmers, too, have an avenue for immigration to Alberta. The Self-Employed Farmer Stream targets candidates interested in relocating to the province with intentions to purchase or establish a farming business. For this stream, the application fee is around $500.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream:

Specifically designed for international graduates of post-secondary institutions in Alberta, the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream offers an opportunity for graduates interested in operating, purchasing, or starting a business within the province. The application fee associated with this stream is approximately $3500.

Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream:

Catering to foreign-educated international graduates who aspire to launch a start-up business in Alberta, the Foreign Graduate Start-Up Stream provides a pathway to permanent residency. The application fee for this stream amounts to $3500.

These various streams within the AINP provide diverse pathways for individuals seeking immigration opportunities in Alberta, accommodating professionals, entrepreneurs, farmers, and international graduates alike.

British Columbia

If you're seeking a place with a vibrant diversity, then British Columbia is the ideal destination for you.

British Columbia is home to Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada, and serves as a significant economic hub for the country. The province is renowned for its abundant natural resources, particularly in forestry and mining.

Moreover, British Columbia offers multiple immigration streams that welcome individuals from all over the world.

British Columbia Immigration Streams

For those aspiring to immigrate to British Columbia and obtain Permanent Residency, there are three options available:

• • Skills Immigration Stream:

This stream caters to skilled workers, healthcare professionals, international graduates, post-graduates, as well as entry-level and semi-skilled workers.

• • Express Entry British Columbia Stream:

Designed for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, post-graduates, and international graduates, this stream aligns with the federal Express Entry system.

• • Entrepreneur Immigration:

The Entrepreneur Immigration stream facilitates immigration for individuals interested in entrepreneurial ventures in British Columbia.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Tech

British Columbia is well-known for its Tech draws, which invite eligible skilled workers to apply for a provincial nomination.

The BC PNP Tech Program was initiated in 2017 to address the significant shortage of talent in the tech sector. As of June 2021, it has become a permanent program.

The Tech Program specifically targets skilled workers who have a job offer in British Columbia within one of the 29 occupations listed in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

• • Is the cost of living high in British Columbia?

The cost of living in British Columbia varies depending on your location within the province. Generally, housing costs increase the closer you are to the city, while more affordable options are available in more remote areas.



• • How long does the file processing take?

The processing time for applications can range from 3 to 6 months or longer in some cases. The duration depends on the current situation in Canada and the completeness of the submitted documents.



• • Is healthcare free in British Columbia?

Healthcare is free for Canadian citizens and permanent residents residing in British Columbia under the Medical Service Plan. However, it may not be accessible to everyone.

Manitoba

Manitoba, situated between Ontario and Saskatchewan, offers various programs that assist immigrants in safely and legally moving to Canada.

Before delving into the programs, let's explore some history.

Manitoba holds the distinction of being the first province to launch the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 1998. Despite its smaller size, the province presents incredible opportunities.

Here are the primary immigration streams in Manitoba:

• • Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream:

This pathway is for individuals currently residing in Manitoba and working with a valid temporary work permit.



• • Skilled Worker Overseas Stream:

Designed for individuals outside Canada, this stream targets skilled workers who possess the necessary qualifications and meet the provincial criteria.



• • Manitoba Business Investor Stream:

This stream caters to investors who wish to establish or expand their business ventures in Manitoba. It includes the Farm Investor Pathway and Entrepreneur Pathway.

• • International Education Stream:

The International Education Stream (IES) aims to expedite the permanent residency process for graduates of Manitoba. It offers three pathways: Career Employment Pathway, Graduate Internship Pathway, and Student Entrepreneur Pathway.

• Morden Community Driven Immigration Initiative:

Morden, a town located 112 kilometers southwest of Winnipeg, has launched the Community Driven Immigration Initiative. They seek new immigrants who can contribute to meeting the town's market needs.

Manitoba Express Entry Pathway and Human Capital Pathway are two additional streams available to individuals with an active Express Entry profile and extensive experience in occupations listed in Manitoba's In-Demand Occupation List.

It's important to note that interviews for the Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway are conducted outside Canada, and successful candidates are interviewed by a representative from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) and an employer from Manitoba.

In summary, Manitoba provides a range of programs that facilitate immigration for skilled workers, business investors, international graduates, and individuals willing to contribute to the specific needs of Morden's community.