Canada offers various pathways for skilled workers to immigrate, and one of the most popular routes is through the Express Entry system. The application process for a Skilled Worker Visa can be intricate, requiring careful attention to detail.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you successfully complete the application form.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you start filling out the application form, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which include:
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
- Language Proficiency: Prove your language skills in English or French through standardized tests such as IELTS or TEF.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential.
- Proof of Funds: Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.
- Admissibility: You must be admissible to Canada.
- Plan to Live Outside Quebec: The FSWP is for candidates planning to live outside Quebec.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents before starting the application:
- Passport: A valid passport.
- Language Test Results: Results from recognized language tests.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): An assessment of your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements, investment statements, or other proof of funds.
- Job Offer (if applicable): A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Work Experience Documents: Letters from previous employers detailing your work experience.
Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile
- Register on the Government of Canada Website:
- Visit the IRCC website and create an account.
- Complete the Profile:
- Fill out your personal details, including name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Enter your language test results.
- Provide details about your work experience.
- Enter your educational qualifications.
- Provide information about any job offers.
- Submit proof of funds.
- Submit Your Profile:
- Review your profile for accuracy.
- Submit the profile. You will be entered into the Express Entry pool and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you have a competitive CRS score, you may receive an ITA during one of the regular draws from the Express Entry pool. Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Step 5: Fill Out the Permanent Residence Application Form
- Access the Application:
- Log in to your account on the IRCC website.
- Access the application form through your Express Entry profile.
- Personal Details:
- Provide your personal information, including name, contact details, and marital status.
- Enter your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) if you have one.
- Family Information:
- List all family members, including spouse and dependent children.
- Provide details such as names, dates of birth, and relationship to you.
- Work History:
- Provide detailed information about your work experience over the past 10 years.
- Include job titles, duties, employer details, and dates of employment.
- Education:
- Enter details about your educational background.
- Include the name of the institutions, study programs, and completion dates.
- Background Information:
- Answer questions about your criminal history, medical conditions, and previous immigration history.
- Provide truthful and accurate information.
Step 6: Upload Supporting Documents
You will need to upload all the supporting documents you gathered earlier, such as:
- Passport and Travel Documents: Scanned copies of your passport.
- Language Test Results: Copies of your language test results.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): ECA report.
- Proof of Funds: Financial documents showing you have sufficient funds.
- Work Experience Documents: Employment letters and reference letters.
- Police Certificates: Certificates from countries where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
- Medical Examination: Proof of medical examination from an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Step 7: Pay Application Fees
- Processing Fee: The primary applicant must pay the processing fee.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: This fee is paid if your application is approved.
- Biometrics Fee: Pay the biometrics fee if applicable.
Step 8: Submit Your Application
- Review and Submit: Double-check all information and documents.
- Submit: Click the submit button to send your application.
Step 9: Provide Biometrics
After submitting your application, you will receive a notification to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated location. Follow the instructions and provide biometrics within the specified time frame.
Step 10: Wait for a Decision
The processing time for your application can vary. You can check the status of your application through your IRCC account.
You may also be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
Step 11: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable).
Ensure all details on the COPR are correct.
Step 12: Prepare for Landing in Canada
- Travel to Canada: Make travel arrangements to land in Canada.
- Landing Process: At the port of entry, present your COPR and passport to the immigration officer.
- Settlement Services: Access settlement services to help you integrate into Canadian society.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully fill out the Canada Skilled Workers Visa application form and move closer to achieving your dream of immigrating to Canada.
Ensure you stay informed about any changes in the application process and seek professional advice if needed.