Federal Skilled Worker

Skilled Worker Immigration 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversees skilled worker immigration through the Canada Express Entry system. The highest-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for one of the following programs: 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program 
• Canada Experience Class 
• Provincial Express Entry Categories 

Once an ITA is issued, candidates must submit a complete application for the relevant program. 

The Federal Skilled Worker Program employs its own points-based system to evaluate candidates based on factors that indicate their potential for successful settlement in Canada. The program prioritizes applicants with skills and experience that align with in-demand occupations and tends to favor those with government-approved job offers. For more information about the Federal Skilled Worker Program, refer to the section on Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration? 

In addition to the federal programs, Quebec and other Canadian provinces have their own economic immigration programs. Applicants under the Quebec Skilled Worker Class and the Provincial Nominee Class can gain permanent residence based on their demonstrated ability to become economically established in Canada, as determined by the specific immigration programs and selection criteria of Quebec or the respective provinces. 

Canada also offers business immigration programs, including: 

• Start-Up Visa Program: Introduced as a pilot project in April 2013 and made permanent on March 31, 2018, this program provides permanent residence to qualified immigrant entrepreneurs. It aims to attract innovative entrepreneurs and connect them with Canadian private sector businesses, such as angel investor groups, venture capital funds, or business incubators, to help establish their start-ups in Canada. 
• Self-Employed Class: Designed for individuals with relevant self-employment experience who intend to create their own employment or contribute significantly to Canada’s cultural, artistic, or athletic life, or manage a farm in Canada. 

Quebec also has its own business immigration program: 

• Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP): This program is specifically for high-net-worth individuals seeking permanent residence through passive investment. To qualify, applicants must: 

                    - Have a legally acquired personal net worth of $2 million. 

                    - Possess at least two years of suitable management or business experience within the five years prior to applying.

                    - Commit to investing $1.2 million in a passive, government-guaranteed investment for five years, without interest. 

                    - Intend to settle in Quebec. 

Who Qualifies as a Skilled Worker? 

The Federal Skilled Worker Program, part of the Express Entry system, enables qualified foreign nationals worldwide to immigrate to Canada. The program aims to select candidates with the highest likelihood of successfully settling in Canada. It is one of two main federal programs for skilled workers under Express Entry, alongside the Canadian Experience Class.

Under Express Entry, candidates in 370 eligible occupations who meet the minimum entry criteria can submit a profile to the Express Entry Pool. Candidates in the pool are ranked through the Comprehensive Ranking System, and the highest-ranked candidates receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Those who receive an invitation must submit a full application within 60 days.

Candidates eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program must meet requirements related to education, work experience, age, and language proficiency. To qualify, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Have one year of continuous full-time paid work experience, or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment, within the past 10 years in one of 370 eligible occupations listed under the applicable National Occupational Classification system; AND
2. The work experience must be classified within TEER categories 0 (management occupations), 1 (occupations usually requiring a university degree), 2 (occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or are supervisory), or 3 (occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training) of the National Occupational Classification; AND
3. Score sufficient points under the skilled worker point grid, which comprises six selection factors; 
4. Undergo language testing from a recognized third party and demonstrate intermediate language skills in English or French, corresponding to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7;
5. Have suitable settlement funds; 
6. Pass a successful security background and medical examination. 

Qualified applicants are assessed against six factors to determine their eligibility for immigration to Canada. Applicants must achieve a total of 67 points out of a possible 100 to qualify. The selection factors include:

• Education;
• Language;
• Employment experience;
• Age;
• Arranged employment;
• Adaptability.

Selection Factors

To be selected under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants with sufficient work experience and language proficiency must score a minimum of 67 points on the skilled worker selection grid. Points are allocated for education, language, employment experience, age, arranged Canadian employment, and adaptability. 

Education – Maximum of 25 points 

The maximum number of points awarded for education is 25, with the highest points given to applicants with doctoral degrees. Foreign credentials will be evaluated by a designated third party to determine their Canadian equivalent. 

Language – Minimum threshold of 16 points, Maximum of 28 points 

Only applicants who can demonstrate intermediate to high-level proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages, English or French, will be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum threshold must score at least 16 points under this selection factor. Higher language proficiency can result in a score of up to 24 points. An additional 4 points are available for proficiency in a second official language. 

Employment Experience – Minimum of 9 points, Maximum of 15 points 

The program requires a minimum of one year of work experience in an eligible occupation to qualify, with the maximum consideration being six years.

Age – Maximum of 12 points 

Candidates aged between 18 and 35 years can receive up to 12 points. Each year above the age of 35 reduces the allocation by one, with no points awarded from age 47 onwards. 

Arranged Employment – 0 or 10 points 

Points are awarded to individuals with a validated offer of employment in Canada. Candidates need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment for their job offer to qualify. The proposed employer must show that hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on the local labor market. Candidates with a validated employment offer will gain 10 points under this factor, and an additional 5 points under the Adaptability selection factor, for a total of 15 points.

Adaptability – Maximum of 10 points

Applicants with at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience in a managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trade occupation will be awarded maximum points. As mentioned earlier, a validated offer of employment will provide five adaptability points. Other factors that can award points under this selection factor include having a close adult relative living in Canada, previous Canadian study or work experience by the applicant or their spouse, and the spouse’s knowledge of one of Canada’s official languages.

Skilled Worker Selection Grid 

Candidates whose occupations are not among the 370 eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program should explore the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Those interested in applying for permanent residence are encouraged to complete our free assessment questionnaire, after which we will evaluate your available options. 

Federal Skilled Worker Program Eligible Occupations 

Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of three federal immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. Under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Workers in 370 eligible occupations who meet the minimum entry criteria submit an expression of interest profile to the Express Entry Pool. Within the pool, candidates' profiles are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System, and those with the highest rankings are considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Invited candidates must submit a complete application within 60 days. 

To qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker, a candidate must have the appropriate education, work experience, age, and language proficiency in either English or French. Eligible candidates are selected through the Express Entry Immigration system to apply for permanent residence. 

High-Demand Occupations 

• Family Physician
• Software Developer 

To be eligible for the Express Entry Pool as a Federal Skilled Worker, applicants must meet the following essential conditions: 

1. Have one year of continuous full-time paid work experience, or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment, within the last 10 years in one of the 370 eligible occupations listed under the applicable National Occupational Classification system; AND
2. The work experience must fall under TEER categories 0 (management occupations), 1 (occupations typically requiring a university degree), 2 (occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or are supervisory roles), or 3 (occupations requiring a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training) of the National Occupational Classification; AND
3. Achieve a sufficient score on the skilled worker point grid, which consists of six selection factors, with the current pass mark set at 67 points;
4. Undergo language testing from a recognized third party and demonstrate intermediate-level language skills in English or French, corresponding to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7;
5. Have adequate settlement funds;
6. Successfully pass a security background check and medical examination.

To determine whether you qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or other Canadian immigration programs, complete our free online evaluation for Skilled Workers or other categories. You will receive your evaluation results within 1-2 business days.

Express Entry: Eligible Federal Skilled Worker Occupations: