A federal skilled worker is an individual who is qualified to work in a skilled occupation in Canada. They are selected based on their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.
To be considered a federal skilled worker, an individual must meet certain criteria, including:
- Having at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation. Skilled occupations are those that require a certain level of education and training, and are listed on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.
- Meeting the minimum language requirements for the skilled occupation, as determined by a language test recognized by the Canadian government.
- Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or having received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory.
Individuals who meet these criteria may apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The application process includes submitting an online Express Entry profile, and those who are selected will be invited to submit a full application for permanent residence.
The government of Canada periodically updates the NOC list and the occupation in demand, depending on the job market. The selection process also takes into account the candidate’s education, work experience, age, adaptability, language proficiency, and other factors.
It is important to note that being a federal skilled worker does not guarantee permanent residence in Canada, as the government has a cap on the number of applications it will approve each year. But it does give a candidate a higher chance of getting selected than other immigration programs.
