Federal Skilled Workers Program

Applicant under this program must meet requirements of each of the three assessment phases:

Phase One

1. have an offer of "arranged employment" (that is, offer approved by HRSDC), or
2. be a foreign national living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary foreign worker or an international student, or
3. be a skilled worker who has at least one year of experience in one or more of 29 designated occupations.  For ease, we have expanded the occupation list to show all occupations under each major heading and provide an alphabetical expanded list of all occupations included within the list of 29.

For detailed job descriptions and educational requirements for each of the occupations in demand, please refer to the National Occupational Classification.

Phase Two

If you meet one of the criteria in Phase One, your application will then be assessed according to the "points system". To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, you must score at least 67 points. Points are on the basis of the following factors:

• • Education (maximum 25 points)
  • Proficiency in English and/or French (maximum 24 points)
  • Work Experience (maximum 21 points)
  • Age (maximum 10 points)
  • Arranged Employment (maximum 10 points)
  • Adaptability (maximum 10 points)

Phase Three

In addition to meeting the criteria outlined in Phases One and Two, you must also meet the following minimum work experience requirements:

• • have at least one year of full-time paid work experience (within the last 10 years)
  • prove that you have the funds required for settlement ( please see Proof of Funds for more details) 

Processing time is estimated at between 9 to 14 months.

If you don't meet the criteria to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you may qualify under another category.