Canada FSW Selection Criteria–Points Break Up

From January 1, 2015 the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal immigration body, introduced the Express Entry System under the various economic programmes, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Those who wish to immigrate to the country using the scheme will have to apply through Express Entry. It consists of an eligible occupational list of 347 professions. Once they meet the minimum eligibility criteria, they have to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) stating why they wish to live and work in the country.

The profile of the eligible applicants is placed in the Express Entry Pool, and will be assessed as per the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with high score will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and will get maximum 60 days to claim Permanent Residency (PR).

The selection criteria of the FSW programme is based on a point based system where applicants are considered on the basis of experience, education, adaptability, age, language, and arranged job.

To qualify, skilled workers must meet the following criteria:

• Possess at least one year of work experience in a related field as a full time or part time employee in the last 10 years in one of the 347 occupations mentioned on the National Occupational Classification system.
• The experience must be classified within the skill type 0 (managerial occupations), skill level A (Professional occupations) or skill level B (Technical Occupations and skilled traders) as per the National Occupational Classification System.
• Score not less than 67 points on the basis of the selection grid.
• Undergo language test in either English or French.
• Possess enough settlement funds.
• Hold a criminal background and should be medically fit.

The main aim of the programme is to select the most eligible applicants with the possibility to economically settle in the country.

Under the FSW selection criteria point system following is the points break up:

• Education: Each applicant may score up to 25 points. Maximum points are given to those with doctorate degree.
• Language: Minimum threshold is 16 points and the maximum is 28 points. Applicants with the proficiency in either of the two national languages are given preference, i.e., English and French.
• Experience: Minimum threshold is 9 points and maximum is 15 points. To qualify, the minimum experience of one year is required and the maximum consideration period is six years.
• Age: Applicant may score up to 12 points. Maximum points are awarded to those with in the age group of 18 and 35 years beyond that, one point will be deducted as the number grows. Points are not credited to those applicants who have crossed the age of 47.
• Prior job: Applicant may score up to 10 points for a prior job offer. Additionally, 5 points are awarded under the adaptability selection factor.
• Adaptability: Candidates, who have the Canadian work experience of at least one year, at the post of manager, technical expert or skilled trader, are awarded maximum points. Additionally, five extra points are provided as an adaptability factor.