FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER VISA

The Federal Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals who have the qualifications, skills or experiences to fill Canada’s skill shortages and contribute to the Canadian economy. Up to 100,000 Skilled Worker Visas will be made available between 2009 and 2010. Applicants to the Federal Skilled Worker visa demonstrate that they meet the minimum visa requirements including having work experience in a designated occupation, a Canadian job offer, or be a foreign worker or student currently living in Canada. In addition, applicants must meet the pass mark on a points-based assessment. Successful applicants will obtain Canadian permanent residence, which will entitle them to live and work in Canada with few restrictions. Canadian permanent residents may also be eligible for Canadian citizenship.

FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has set specific basic requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a Federal Skilled Worker visa. To qualify for skilled migration, applicants must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to an applicant’s health and character. In addition, to qualify for a Federal Skilled Worker visa, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Possess an offer of arranged employment in Canada; OR
• Be living legally in Canada as a foreign worker or student; OR
• Have at least 1 year’s work experience in a designated high-demand occupation.

In addition to meeting the basic visa requirements, applicants must also pass a points-based assessment. Points can be claimed in areas related to an applicant’s age, English or French language ability, work experience, qualifications and ability to adapt to life in Canada. The current pass mark for the Federal Skilled Worker visa is 67 points.

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FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Successful applicants and holders of a Canadian Federal Skilled Worker visa become permanent residents of Canada. Permanent resident are entitled to live, work and study in Canada on a permanent basis.

Additional benefits of Canadian permanent residences includes access to government-subsidised education and healthcare (Medicare), as well as unrestricted access to Canada’s labour market and associated insurance and pension benefits. Permanent residents also have the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship and the opportunity to sponsor family members to join them in Canada.

GOVERNMENT FEES AND PROCESSING TIMES
Application Fee	C$1040
Partner Application Fee	C$1040
Dependents Application Fee	C$150 - C$1040
Processing Time	8 to 76 Months

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