Most immigrants need clarification about the Canada permanent resident skilled worker program. As an immigrant who wishes to relocate to Canada or become a permanent resident in the near future, it is important that you explore your options. Among the list of options that you can explore are the Canadian permanent resident skilled worker programs. These programs are made available for skilled workers in the Express Entry System.
It is important to note that the Canadian permanent resident skilled programs are a list of programs under the Express Entry System.
What is the Canadian permanent resident skilled workers program? How do they work?
Well, here in this guide, you will find out all you need to know and more on the Canadian permanent resident skilled worker programs, including:
- The different types of Canadian permanent resident skilled worker programs and how to apply
- The benefits, eligibility, pros and cons of the Canadian permanent resident skilled worker programs.
Read on to learn more about the Canadian permanent resident skilled worker programs and how you can prepare for them.
Overview of the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Programs
The Canadian permanent resident skilled worker programs are a group of programs under the Express Entry system that enable skilled workers to migrate to Canada. These skilled workers are not just allowed to migrate but to live and work permanently in Canada. Thanks to the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program, you will be granted Canadian permanent residency as a selected skilled worker.
As a skilled worker, you will have to select one of the following Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Programs available. These programs are:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canadian Experience Class
Who is a Skilled Worker?
A skilled worker is, in general, an individual that is highly trained, educated in a specific experienced segment of the workforce and can carry out complex physical and mental tasks on the job.
To be a skilled worker, you have to specialize in a certain field through prolonged training and experience. Seeing how valuable a skilled worker is, the Canadian government allows various skilled workers to migrate to cities and provinces in Canada. This enables these skilled workers to fill the gaps in the various work sectors that need more experienced hands.
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program
To be eligible for the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program in the Express Entry system, you must meet the following criteria: education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is Canada’sCanada’s primary economic immigration pathway. Its requirements are under the following;
Education
For candidates outside Canada, your educational credential (certificate, degree or diploma) should be from a Canadian-recognized institution and must undergo the Educational Credential Assessment.
Work experience
You should have a minimum of one-year of working experience working full-time in the past ten years. The skilled occupation should be under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category 0,1,2 or 3.
Language proficiency
You should have a validated intermediate or better English and/or French language ability depending on the province you will be staying in. The language abilities include reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is mainly for candidates who intend to be Canadian permanent residents based on qualifying for a skilled trade.
Education
There need to be educational requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. However, candidates who attend schools in Canada or other foreign countries can still be awarded points.
Work experience
You must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade. The work experience must be within the 5 years of submitting your application. You must meet the job requirements of the skilled trade. You must have a full-time job in Canada for a period of one year.
Language proficiency
You should have a validated intermediate or a better language ability in English and/or French, depending on the province you will be staying in. the language abilities include reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) provides international students and foreign workers with Canadian experience with the opportunity to obtain a permanent residency.
Education
There need to be educational requirements for the Canadian Experience Class program. However, candidates who attend schools in Canada or other foreign countries can still be awarded points.
Work experience
You are required to have at least one year of skilled, technical or professional work experience. This work experience should be gathered within three years of the application date.
Language proficiency
You should have a validated intermediate or a better language ability in English and/or French, depending on the province you will be staying in. the language abilities include reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Benefits of the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program
The benefit of the Canada permanent resident skilled worker program is that you get to become a permanent resident and enjoy the benefits of being a Canadian permanent resident. These benefits include:
Immigration benefits
You can move in and out of Canada without out worry. You will be required to spend a minimum of two years in Canada to renew your PR card when it expires. You could also sponsor your close relatives to get their permanent residency in Canada.
Employment benefits
You get to work anywhere in Canada. Candidates offered employment before arriving in Canada will be given their work permit and PR card.
Financial benefits
The Canadian economy is a really strong one. With the nation’s steady economy, rise in GDP, and minimum wage, you will benefit from all that is due to you.
Job opportunities
Job opportunities in Canada are quite high. As the nation has a low unemployment rate getting a job is not too stressful. Also, being a Canadian permanent resident enables you to start your enterprise. Be it a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation business, all without being a Canadian citizen.
Education and training
A core benefit of permanent residency in Canada is the aspect of free education. As a Canadian permanent resident, your children have access to free education up to the 12th grade. The Canadian education system comprises of three levels, namely, primary, secondary and higher education. At the higher education/university level, permanent residents’ tuition fees are reduced.
Social benefits
As a permanent resident in Canada, you are protected by Canadian laws and rights. You are entitled to various privileges to help you be safe and thrive in the beautiful country. You are also entitled to the healthcare and transport benefits the nation offers its citizens.
Challenges of the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program
As a candidate for the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program, you can face several challenges. Some of these challenges include;
Limitation of the point
To be eligible for any Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Programs in the Express Entry system, you have to reach the minimum points for the Express Entry pool (67 points) and the CRS scores.
Language requirements
The language requirements are considered challenging, especially for immigrants who don’tdon’t come from English or French-speaking countries.
Adjustment issues
Canada is diverse and multicultural; however, the huge cultural shift from migrating to another country or continent is always a challenge.
Job market challenges
Job hunting might be challenging if you are in a province or city with low opportunities for skilled individuals in a field that isn’tisn’t in demand in the said city or province.
Processing times
Processing times can take up to twelve months or longer if your application needs to be correctly submitted or the number of applicants is high.
Limitation on family members
As this visa is only for skilled individuals, in some instances, the selected individuals would have to leave their families behind and move solely to Canada.
How to Apply for the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program
When it comes to applying for a Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program in the Express Entry system, it’s actually easy. Here’sHere’s a simple guide on how to go about it;
- Find out which Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program you are most eligible for in the Express Entry system. Check the criteria for each one and study them well.
- Select the one you are eligible for and submit your Express Entry profile to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Wait until you are sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The IRCC holds Express Entry draws every two weeks for selection.
- Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply, proceed to submit your completed permanent residence application to the IRCC website. Once your application is processed, you can move to Canada.
Final Thoughts on Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker
The Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program is an opportunity for skilled workers (eligible under the Express Entry system’ssystem’s criteria) to migrate to Canada. This program offers more opportunities for skilled workers to travel, work and explore. As educational qualifications aren’t a criterion for some of the listed programs, it increases the chances for more candidates to be eligible. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with credible information on the Canada Permanent Resident Skilled Worker Program.
