Skilled Worker Programs

As a skilled worker or professional, you have several options to consider. For example, you may be eligible to apply under Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Class. Moreover, if you know in which province or territory you plan to reside, you may be able to submit an application through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs.

Express Entry provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers in Canada or overseas. For potential skilled foreign workers, Express Entry will result in fast processing times of six months or less. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

The Express Entry System is comprised of a number of criteria that assign candidates points. The maximum number of points that a candidate can score is 1200.

Ultimately, it is the highest-ranking candidates in the pool that will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

One of the ways to obtain extra 600 points is to receive nomination through a provincial nominee program such as BC PNP.

While Express Entry is marketed as a do-it-yourself program, there are a variety of steps that must occur before you can expect to receive an ITA. Factor in a provincial nominee program with its own specific requirements with the stress of ensuring your Express Entry profile is setup correctly and you now have a lot of room to make mistakes. OXEC have the experience and expertise to ensure your application is error-free.

Not qualified for Express Entry? No problem! You may be eligible for Provincial Nominee Programs such as BC PNP.

PNP is for workers who:

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:

How you will apply depends on which Provincial Nominee Program stream you’re applying to. You might need to apply using the paper-based process.

You apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.

You need to meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominates you.

Once you have been nominated, you submit a paper application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

You have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where you plan to live in Canada.

Application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.

Besides the language requirement, a skilled worker usually needs a qualified employer to support his/her PR application. Click here to see the local employers recommended by OXEC.