Canada Skilled Immigration
Link Immigration
There are various ways to immigrate to Canada. Those with more substantial financial resources may choose the investment immigration route, while individuals who already have family members living in Canada can apply for family reunification immigration. But for those who do not fall into either category and still wish to immigrate, what other options are available?
The Canadian Skilled Immigration Program allows applicants to apply for immigration based on their personal skills, occupation, education level, and language proficiency. The Canadian government has designated a list of high-demand skilled occupations to determine the priority of applications. Therefore, different categories under the skilled immigration program come with their own requirements and restrictions.
Skilled worker immigration application
Applications for Canadian Skilled Immigration must be submitted through the Express Entry system, which includes three main programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Each of these three skilled immigration programs has its own requirements regarding an applicant’s occupation and education level. To determine which program best suits you, it’s helpful to first understand the three key scoring systems used in Canada’s skilled immigration assessment:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Canadian Language Benchmark（CLB）
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
1. National Occupational Classification
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) in Canada categorizes occupations into five TEER category based on the local demand for different skills. It classifies various types of jobs, skill levels, and job responsibilities accordingly. You can first learn about the occupational categories under Canada’s Skilled Immigration Program before deciding whether to apply through this pathway:
TEER 0: Management responsibilities
Examples include property managers, hotel managers, and restaurant managers.
TEER 1: University degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate)
This category includes architects, doctors, dentists, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and similar professions.
TEER 2: Technical occupations and skilled trades requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship (2–3 years)
Examples include chefs, electricians, and mechanical technicians.
TEER 3: College diploma or apprenticeship (less than 2 years)
Examples include chefs, electricians, and mechanical technicians.
TEER 4: High school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training
Examples include waiters and truck drivers.
TEER 5: Short work demonstration; no formal educational requirements
Examples include cleaners and fruit pickers.
Currently, only occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, or 2 are eligible for Canada’s Skilled Immigration Program. Occupations in TEER 3 can only apply through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), while TEER 4 occupations are currently not eligible for any skilled immigration pathway. Those who wish to work in Canada under TEER 4 jobs may only apply for a temporary work permit instead.
2. Canadian Language Benchmarks
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used to assess an applicant’s English proficiency. Canada has established specific standards for evaluating applicants’ English and French language abilities. If an applicant has taken English tests such as IELTS or CELPIP, or French tests such as TEF Canada or TCF Canada, their test results can be converted into corresponding CLB scores.
3. Comprehensive Ranking System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates applicants based on several criteria, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, spouse’s background, and personal adaptability. Canada’s immigration authorities use the CRS to screen and rank applicants from highest to lowest scores. Those with top rankings are then invited to apply for a Canadian Federal Skilled Worker visa.
Federal Skilled Worker Program(FSWP)
In January 2015, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Express Entry system for the Federal Skilled Immigration Program. This new system differs from the traditional application process — applicants cannot apply directly but must first receive an invitation from the immigration authorities. The purpose of this change is to streamline the review process and reduce processing times.
Applicants can register in the Express Entry system to indicate their interest in immigrating through the Federal Skilled Immigration Program. Their eligibility will then be assessed through a points-based ranking system.
The goal of the Express Entry system is to match applicants’ professional experience with Canada’s labor market needs, thereby supporting the country’s economic growth. Under this program, applicants are evaluated based on criteria such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience. A total score of 67 points or above indicates that the applicant is eligible to submit a skilled immigration application to Canada.
FAQ: Applying for Canada’s Federal Skilled Immigration Program
Applicants must first register in the Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry system. Once they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, they can typically expect a decision within approximately 6 months.
Yes. Currently, Canadian Skilled Immigration applications are only open to individuals in occupational Levels 0, A, or B. Applicants from other categories may not meet the skilled immigration occupation requirements and should consider alternative immigration pathways.
Yes, there is. The Federal Skilled Worker Program has statutory requirements regarding work experience. Applicants must prove that they have at least 1 year of experience in an occupation listed in the classification table.
No, it is not required. If an applicant has relatives who are Canadian citizens, they may qualify for additional bonus points. For details, refer to the scoring system and Federal Skilled Worker Program guidelines.