Skilled Workers:
Understanding Skilled Workers and TEER Categories for Canadian Immigration
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is Canada’s premier economic immigration route for skilled professionals worldwide. A skilled worker possesses a unique set of skills, training, and expertise, typically obtained through education or extensive experience in their field. These individuals may have attended college, university, or technical school, equipping them to significantly contribute to Canada’s economy.
TEER Categories for Skilled Workers:
Skilled workers in Canada are categorized under the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) system:
TEER 0: Managerial positions such as Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations Managers, Financial Managers.
TEER 1: Professional roles requiring a university degree, such as Financial Advisors and Software Engineers.
TEER 2: Technical jobs needing a college diploma or apprentice training of 2 years or more, such as Computer Network and Web Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technologists.
TEER 3: Technical jobs needing a college diploma or apprentice training of less than 2 years, such as Bakers, Dental Assistants, and Dental Laboratory Assistants.
Pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency:
Skilled workers can secure a Canada Permanent Residency visa through various programs based on their TEER category and occupation:
- FSWP – Federal Skilled Worker Program
- FSTP – Federal Skilled Trades Program
- QSWP – Quebec Skilled Worker Program
Each province lists in-demand occupations under these TEER categories, guiding skilled professionals toward the appropriate visa program.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is Canada’s primary economic immigration pathway, offering skilled workers and their families a fantastic opportunity to become permanent residents. Professionals from around the globe with the required skills and qualifications in high demand in Canada can apply for a Permanent Resident visa under this program and settle permanently in Canada.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
To begin the process under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, foreign nationals must determine if they meet the minimum requirements. The program uses a points-based system, and applicants need to score at least 67 out of 100 points based on six selection factors. The minimum requirements include:
- Age: Between 18-46 years.
- Education: Foreign credential with a minimum Bachelor’s Degree or Canadian educational credential.
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience within the last 10 years. Master’s degree holders require 1 year, and Bachelor’s degree holders require 2 years of experience in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Language Ability: Proficiency in English or French, validated through a language test equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- Adaptability: Points can be earned for past studies/experience in Canada, language abilities of the accompanying common-law partner, or having relatives in Canada.
- Employment Offer: Having an arranged employment offer from a Canadian employer.
There are 500 occupations classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program through the Express Entry system.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canadian permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals with experience in skilled trades. Candidates must first express interest through the federal Express Entry selection system. The FSTP allows individuals with a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification to obtain permanent residence in any Canadian province or territory, excluding Quebec.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: Must live outside Canada.
- Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
- Job Offer/Certification: A full-time job offer for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- Trade Certificate: Must have a trade certificate from Canada.
Trade Occupations
- Major Group 72: Technical trades & transportation officers & controllers.
- Major Group 73: General trades.
- Major Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
- Major Group 83: Occupations in natural resources and related production.
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers.
- Major Group 93: Central control and process operators, aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors (excluding Sub-Major Group 932).
- Minor Group 6320: Cooks, butchers, and bakers.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Quebec has its own immigration agreement with the Government of Canada and its own rules for selecting immigrants who will adapt well to life in the province. The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is designed to identify candidates who are likely to become economically established in Quebec, Canada’s only francophone province.
Application Process
- Immigration Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ): Applicants must apply to Immigration Quebec.
- Permanent Resident Visa: After receiving the CSQ, applicants then apply for a permanent resident visa from the federal government.
- Family Inclusion: Applicants can include their spouse and dependent children, with extra points awarded for accompanying family members.
Eligibility Criteria
- Points System: Single applicants must score at least 50 points, while applicants with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Introduced in 2018, applicants must create an EOI profile using Quebec’s Arrima portal, which is valid for one year. Invited applicants submit their application through the Mon projet Québec portal.
For more information about your eligibility, call us.