FSWP and its importance in Canada immigration

Issuance of Express Entry invitations has resumed under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

The restrictions related to COVID-19 that have been imposed in Canada has affected the immigration sector most. A number of immigration programs including admission and immigration processes have been halted or slowed down by the Canadian government.

After COVID-19 pandemic triggered travel restrictions, Canada immigration draws have been happening around PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) and CEC (Canadian Experience Class) categories of applicants for permanent residence.

But recently, with the gradual lifting of restrictions across Canada, the federal government has resumed all program draws including the very popular FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program).

The FSWP is one of the 4 programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is important to immigration Canada as it accounts for close to half of the total invitations that are issued annually via the system.

FSWP candidates accounted for the largest chunk of the total permanent residence granted in 2019. There were 58,173 admissions out of a total of 109, 595 candidates who got PR through FSWP.

Why is FSWP so important in Canada immigration?

Canadian immigration was established in the 19th century to admit Europeans and 'white' Americans. It was in 1962 that the country reversed the discriminatory nature of its immigration policy.

In 1967 the world’s first points-based system was introduced in immigration. Factors such as education, professional skills, and language skills were taken into consideration to select eligible immigrants. The system also helped to choose potential immigrants with characteristics that aligned with Canada’s national interests and economic needs.

In time, the 1976 Immigration Act was introduced. Canada became a migrant destination for people all around the world. The migrants were admitted based on points. These points were awarded for education, professional qualifications, and language ability. The 1976 Act aimed at giving more emphasis on reunification of family. This was besides cultural goals, humanitarian considerations and diversity. The economic interests of Canada were secondary at this point.

From mid-1990s, the trend of skilled workers constituting the majority of Canada’s immigrants started. About 60% of immigrants that Canada welcomes annually comes under the economic class. As the country has a low birth rate and an aging population, skilled immigrants have become very significant for the economy.

This is where FSWP gets its importance. It acts as a major pathway to bring in immigrants who are willing to work in Canada. They enrich the Canadian economy with their own success in the country.

FSWP – How to apply

Eligible candidates under FSWP will meet the following minimum requirements:

• The candidate must have an educational credential originated in Canada (degree, diploma, or certificate) or foreign credential along with ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) report.
• The candidate must have a language ability validated and at par with CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 7 in French or English across all language abilities (speaking, listening, writing, reading).
• The candidate must have work experience of at least a year. It must be a skilled job classified under the NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill level A, B, or 0.

The assessment of candidates is done on the basis of a unique point grid. It considers factors like:

• adaptability
• language skills
• arranged employment
• work experience
• education
• age

The candidates who get the highest rank in the Express Entry pool are issued invitations to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Now that FSWP draws have resumed, it’s the best time to submit a profile in the Express Entry pool in case you meet all the eligibility requirements of the FSWP.

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