FSW is the easiest, most affordable and the fastest way to immigrate and settle in Canada. While the point based program has been there for a long time, it underwent numerous changes and then became Canada’s Express Entry system the way we know it now. The program is very popular among the skilled workers across the globe.

In order to qualify for Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program, here is what you need.

• Minimum experience of one year (1,560 hours total / 30 hours per week), continuous full-time or an equal amount in part-time work experience,
• Can only be paid work (volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count),
• Should be in the same job profile for at least one year,
• Within the last 10 years, and
• Should be skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Keep in mind the requirements are ever changing, what is acceptable today might not be tomorrow, so it is always better to keep yourself updated or work with a Registered Immigration Consultant who can take care of things for you in the most efficient manner.

The list of selection factors for FSW:

• Language Skills – English and/or French (Canada’s 2 official languages),
• your age,
• your education,
• your work experience,
• valid job offer (if you have one) and
• your adaptability (how well you are likely to settle here).

The Canadian government seeks to develop immigration programs that will address both the economic needs of the country and reduce stress on industries that are in need of workers. One such industry is for Skilled Trades People, and it is with this purpose that the government has identified workers from different trades categories to work in Canada. The trades that qualify are as follows:

Machinists & Machining & Tooling Inspectors.	Structural metal & plate work fabricators & fitters.
Welders and related machine operators.	Electricians (except industrial and power systems).
Electrical Power Line and Cable Workers.	Telecommunications line and cable workers.
Telecommunications installation & repair workers.	Steamfitters, pipe-fitters & sprinkler system installers.
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics.	Heavy-duty equipment Mechanics.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics.	Underground production and development miners.
Oil & Gas Well Drillers, servicers, testers & related workers.	Sheet Metal Workers.
Iron-workers.	Industrial Electricians.
Power System Electricians.	Plumbers.
Gas Fitters.	Railway Carmen/women.
Aircraft Mechanics & Inspectors.	Elevator constructors & mechanics.
Crane Operators.	Drillers and Blasters.
Water well Drillers.	Petroleum, gas and chemical process operators.

If you are part of one of these trades then you certainly have an excellent opportunity to not only immigrate to Canada permanently with your family, but also find an excellent job as well.

REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for the program are as follows:

• Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
• Meet the required English or French levels as determined through a recognized test.
• Have at least two (2) years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five (5) years before you apply.
• Meet all job requirements as set out in the National Occupational Classification; &
• Have an offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year OR a Certificate of Qualification in that skilled trade issued by a provincial or territorial body.

In addition to the above, the person and all sponsored individuals must be able to pass all applicable medical and security checks to be eligible for the program while proving that he/she has enough initial settlement funds to support themselves and any individuals that they are wishing to sponsor.

For those who are already in Canada, either on a student visa or on a work visa, Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the among the best options to apply through. Although the program is relatively new, the success it has received is remarkable. Being familiar with the system and Canadian way of living, the transition is fairly easy for people already in Canada, hence the CEC program gives extra points for Canadian Study and/or Work Experience to those applying under CEC.

 

To qualify under CEC you have to meet these terms:

• As a Temporary worker – minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience (or equal amount in part-time) in the last 3 years.
• As a Student – graduation from a Canadian Post-Secondary Institution and at least 1 year full-time work experience in Canada.
• The experience should be on proper work or study permits in Canada and under the allotted time limit to qualify under this program.
• The application has to be filed within 1 year of finishing your job in Canada.
• Under this program applicants should have worked at a Managerial position; in a Skilled; or a Technical job.
• Applicants should meet the language requirements/benchmarks in English or French.
• Applicants should not be planning to live in the province of Quebec.

With a population of more than 13.5 million, Ontario is the most multicultural province in Canada, where 40 % of the approximately 250,000 new immigrants each year choose to settle and call new homes. Toronto has been called the most multicultural city in the world, where more than 100 languages and dialects are spoken. If you are planning to move to Ontario, this section provides information on the immigration process and options. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is an immigration program through which Ontario nominates individuals and their families for permanent resident status based on its labour market and economic development priorities. Some streams under this program may target skilled workers, students or businesses.

Applying to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident under the provincial programs is a two-step process: applicants will receive a PNP nomination first, which can be used to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry.

Ontario offers an opportunity to live and work permanently in the province to:

• English-speaking skilled workers
• French-speaking skilled workers
• Master’s Degree graduates in ON
• PhD graduates in ON
• Foreign Workers with Job Offer
• Human Capital Stream