All Economic Class programs are designed to bring immigrants to Canada who can establish themselves economically in the country.
The Federal Skilled Worker program is part of the Economic Class and this is managed by the Express Entry program. Approximate processing times are currently 6 months once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received.
To be eligible to apply, you must meet the program requirements.
Federal Skilled Worker program requirements:
- Have professional work experience of at least one continuous year of full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment listed in the National Occupational Classification (O, A or B) in the last 10 years. OR Qualify for Arranged Employment In Canada with a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer along with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or without an LMIA if you are exempt.
- A Canadian diploma, certificate, or credential AND/OR a foreign educational credential, and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) by an agency approved by IRCC to show it is equal to a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational credential.
- Meet the minimum language score of CLB 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark, or equivalent.
- Have settlement funds to support yourself and your family for six months after arrival in Canada.
You must also score a minimum of 67 points under the following IRCC selection factors in order to be eligible to apply:
Selection Factor Scoring and Criteria |
Factor |
Max Points |
Criteria determination |
Education |
25 points |
Years of study and diploma or degree obtained |
Language |
28 points |
Level of English or French ( IELTS or TEF ) |
Experience |
15 points |
Years of professional work experience |
Age |
12 points |
Age of the principal applicant |
Arranged Employment |
10 points |
Having a valid job offer |
Adaptability |
10 points |
Points for several factors that could help the applicant adapt to Canadian life |
Final Criteria before getting Permanent Residence:
Once selected from the Express entry Pool and awarded with an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates and their dependants must also undergo medical examinations and obtain security clearances as part of the Canadian immigration application process.