Federal Skilled Worker: step-by-step guide to apply

If you want to immigrate to Canada with permanent residence, you should be aware of Express Entry, an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades and the Canadian Experience Class. It is important to note that Express Entry does not apply to the province of Quebec, which has its own immigration program. 

In this Immiland article, we guide you to make your federal qualifying worker application successful from the start. Please read this step-by-step guide carefully below.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to the Federal Skilled Worker Program

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To apply for this skilled work experience program, remember that you must have worked in one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC)/TEER categories: 0, 1, 2 or 3.

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Step 1: Verify your eligibility

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Before you begin the application process, it is important that you check to see if you meet the minimum program requirements. For the Federal Skilled Worker, you need to:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in a qualifying occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). 
• Have a minimum level of education, preferably at least a university degree.
• Demonstrate language skills in English or French through recognized exams, such as IELTS, Celpip, TEF. 
• Obtain a minimum score in the FSW program's point system evaluation.
• Meet the financial solvency requirements established by the Canadian government. 

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Step 2: prepare to take the language exams

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Applicants must demonstrate their language skills in English or French. The tests recognized for this process are complex and must be prepared in advance. These tests are:

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English:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - General Option. Our immigration focused language school offers the IELTS course, 100% focused on helping you get the score you need. 

The classes include individual feedback from native and bilingual IELTS certified teachers, as well as individual interview sessions and constant test simulations, which are very important to become familiar with the format of the real test. See timetables, class types, number of participants per group and other details of the IELTS preparation course. Buy IELTS course.

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• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) - General. This course is a must for people who plan to apply for permanent residence, citizenship or work in Canada. The CELPIP-General LS program is for people who need to demonstrate their English skills to apply for Canadian citizenship. CELPIP results are valid for two years.

Planeta Immiland also offers the Celpip course and we have it designed to help you improve fluency in English as a Second Language (ESL) and ensure comprehensive test preparation in a maximum of three months. You will also receive official test simulations to ensure maximum confidence, and reading, writing and listening comprehension training based on the test questions. See schedules, number of students per group and other Celpip preparation course details. Buy Celpip course.

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• CAEL. This course is for people who want to study in Canada, as it offers specific strategies, practice with authentic materials and test simulations, which are fundamental to understand what the test format is like. It also gives the student personalized feedback and guidance from experienced instructors. Taking this preparation course not only improves your skills, but increases confidence and reduces anxiety for test day. See schedules, number of students per group and other CAEL course details.Buy CAEL course.

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• Duolingo. This preparation course lasts 15 hours, and is designed to offer students preparation in all 4 language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening, with the goal of taking the exam with confidence and achieving the required score. Planet Immiland offers this course with no registration fee! Buy Duolingo Prep.

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French:

• TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français). This is an international reference test that measures your level of knowledge and proficiency in French, ideal for those who wish to immigrate to Canada.
• TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français). This is a test for non-native speakers of French and can be used to demonstrate linguistic ability in job applications or for personal use, it is also used by Canada or Quebec for immigration procedures.
• French course from scratch for Express Entry. If you do not know any French but want to learn, we strongly recommend you to start with our 8-week course, which is 100% functional for education and migration purposes. Each course is based on levels ranging from Débutant to Intermédiaire. 

Remember that French is very necessary to get to Canada. Besides, it has become essential for the immigration process, since it is a plus to apply to programs as demanding as beneficial as Express Entry and Mobilité Francophone. Buy French course for Express Entry. Explore more services of Planeta Immiland.

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Step 3: apply for the Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA)

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Applicants must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an organization approved by the Canadian government. This assessment confirms that their degrees, diplomas or certificates obtained outside of Canada are equivalent to a Canadian certificate, diploma or degree. Organizations recognized to conduct the ECA include:

• World Education Services (WES)
• Comparative Education Service (CES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
• International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)

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Step 4: Create an Express Entry profile

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Once you have your ECA and language test results, you can create a profile in the Express Entry system. In this profile, you will provide detailed information about your education, work experience, language skills and other relevant factors.

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Step 5: Make sure you comply with the LICO requirements

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It is necessary to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada. The minimum income requirement (LICO - Low Income Cut-Off) varies depending on the size of your family. In this link you can check the amount of proof required: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html

Please note that this amount is not something you are required to pay to IRCC. It is the amount that IRCC requires you to have in your account to verify that you are able to support yourself in Canada for the first year upon arrival. 

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Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

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If your profile is selected in the Express Entry pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Please note that you will have 60 days to submit a complete application.

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Step 7: submit the completed application

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After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must submit a complete application for permanent residence, including all necessary supporting documents and pay the processing fees.

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Learning French is very important in Canada!

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We have presented a detailed guide for you and your family to take the right steps from the start and successfully arrive in Canada. To complete this guidance, we reiterate that knowledge of French can be a significant advantage in the Express Entry process. Applicants who are fluent in both of Canada's official languages (English and French) can earn additional points on their Express Entry profile, increasing their chances of being invited to apply. In addition, individuals with a B2 level of French may qualify for special draws , allowing them to obtain an ITA with a lower score than required in general draws .

At our language school, Planeta Immiland Education, we are committed to helping you reach the level required to apply for this category in both English and French. Visit https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/

Coming to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker program through the Express Entry system is possible, but it requires preparation and a clear understanding of the requirements and the process. Therefore, follow this step-by-step guide and you will see how it will increase your chances of coming to Canada and entering through the front door, with permanent residency and with tools to adapt to the Canadian culture. Learn about our immigrant services on our website immilandcanada.com.

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With love,

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Immiland