There is always a huge demand for skilled and qualified IT professionals in Canada. Due to such huge demand, the federal government of Canada and other provincial governments have designed different immigration programs and pilot programs to invite international skilled professionals. Pathways like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program are specially designed to allow highly skilled and talented workers across the globe to come to Canada and help the nation cover its shortage of IT professionals in top occupations, like, Software Engineer and Developer, Computer Engineer and Programmer and IT Project Manager.
This article below will try to convey how you can move to Canada as an IT professional.
But, before we start with the detailed discussion, let’s take a look at the key PR benefits in Canada one can enjoy.
With a Canada PR status you can avail the following benefits:
- You can avail most of the social benefits that the citizens of Canada receive, which includes health care coverage and free education for children
- You can live, study or work anywhere in Canada indefinitely
- You can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements
- You get protection under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian law
- You can work anywhere and under any employer in Canada, except holding public sector jobs that require a high-level security clearance
- You can enjoy most of the citizenship rights except the right to vote and a right to run a political office
With so many benefits to offer, let’s find out how you can achieve your dream of immigrating to Canada and enjoy the above stated benefits.
We have explained about one of the key pathways through which you can move to Canada as an IT professional:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Designed as a flagship immigration program of Canada for skilled workers, the FSWP allows Canada to invite thousands of skilled immigrants annually on the basis of their ability to establish themselves into the dynamic workforce of Canada and contribute significantly to the economic development and growth in Canada.
The FSWP is a part of Canada’s Express Entry system and allows the IRCC to welcome highly skilled and talented international professionals along with their spouse or law partner and dependent children.
In order to apply under Federal Skilled Worker Class program, you don’t need to establish any connection to Canada and you can meet the minimum requirements like work experience, education and language proficiency outside of Canada as well. Such flexible rules and policies make the FSWP one of the excellent options for those who live outside of Canada.
The FSWP eligibility requirements
In order to apply under the FSWP, you have to submit your Express Entry profile under the FSWP and must meet the minimum eligibility requirements mentioned below:
- You must have a minimum 1 year of skilled, full-time work experience, or part-time experience of equivalent amount. This experience must be obtained in a single occupation or has to be in continuation. In order to be considered “skilled”, you must ensure that your occupation falls under the Canada skilled occupation list, i.e. National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- You must undergo a language test to prove your proficiency in any one of the official languages of Canada, i.e. English or French. The minimum score you must obtain under the FSWP is the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 7 or more.
- You must show minimum education level equivalent to a diploma obtained in a Canadian high school. In case you have completed your education outside of Canada, then you must submit an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) report to verify the authenticity of your education.
- You must score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the point grid of FSWP
- You must show proof of funds to prove that you can financially support you and your family in Canada
Process to apply for Canada PR under the FSWP
In order to apply for Canada PR through FSWP, you must follow a step-by-step process listed below:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility: As per the eligibility requirements listed above, you must ensure that you meet those before applying for Canada PR. Also, you must check your occupation on the Canada skilled occupation list and calculate your score on the FSW points grid.
Step 2: Gather the required documents: In order to create your Express Entry profile, you must gather the following documents:
- Your identity proof, like a valid passport
- You language proficiency report
- Your Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) report
- Your Employment Records
- Your proof of funds, like FD, Bank Statements, etc.
- Your Education Diplomas/Degrees
- Your Medical Examination Certificate
- Your Police clearance certificate
Step 3: Create your Express Entry profile: You can complete this step on the IRCC website and you must submit the required personal information, self-declaration along with required documents.
Step 4: Receive your ITA (invitation to apply): Once you have submitted your profile, the IRCC evaluates it and award you score on the basis of your core human factors. If you are among highest ranking candidates, then you will get an ITA to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Step 5: Submit your final application: Once you have obtained your ITA from the IRCC, then you must submit your complete and final application along with relevant documents within 60 days.
Step 6: Receive confirmation of your PR status: Around 80% of PR Visa applications that are submitted under the FSWP are processed within six months time. Once your application is approved, you will get a confirmation of PR (COPR) document via email.
To conclude, we would like to say that with such easy-to-follow process and eligibility criteria, the FSWP or Federal Skilled Worker Program is undoubtedly one of the most appropriate options for you to move to Canada as a permanent resident in 2020.
