For all those people who want to immigrate to Canada permanently, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) provides an excellent opportunity. The scheme is widely popular and needs no introduction. For all those people motivated to Canada immigration under FSW program, the opportunities are vast.

For the year 2014, the program came in force from May 1. The applicants are welcome to submit application under the various occupations mentioned on the list announced by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). As luck would have it, this year, the number of occupations has been increased to 50.

FSW Program–Key Objective

The main objective of FSW program is to attract skilled professionals who are capable of contributing to the country’s national economy, and who are qualified enough to fill the vacant position in various sectors. However, under the scheme, trained experts, who are eager to settle permanently, are more valuable and are preferred.

Successful applicants will straightaway receive Permanent Residency (PR). Applicants can immigrate along with their family provided they have enough financial support to cover the expenses till the time they are not employed. Starting from August 1, 2014, some amendments have been made regarding the age at which a child is considered a dependant, i.e., from 22 years it has been reduced to 19 years of age.

The FSW Program is basically a cap based scheme and the number of petitions that can be submitted is limited to 25,000. There’s also a sub-cap 1000 applications for each eligible occupation, and it is likely that the petitions submitted under the popular occupations will be closed sooner than later. So apply before it is too late! The CIC has expressed its intention to complete the processing within 1 year.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

The minimum eligibility criteria under the program are as follows:

• You must have a minimum experience of 1 year in any of the occupations mentioned on the list.
• You must have scored not less than six bands in each module of the IELTS.
• It is a point based program. So, it is vital that you score at least 67 points based upon your experience (minimum 9 points & utmost 15 points), age (maximum 12 points), education (maximum 25 points), language expertise (minimum 16 points & utmost 28 points), arranged job (0 to 10 points) and adaptability (utmost 10 points).

It is to be noted that the applicants–who have submitted an application but could not make it, due to cap limitation–if they continue to meet the required criteria are eligible to file a petition once again. And, if a candidate has a required experience in one or more eligible occupations given on the list, he is eligible to present an application under both the occupations. But, they have to pay separate application fee for each application submitted.

Canada immigration under FSW provides bundle of opportunities and benefits to each successful applicant. This is the most sought permit given by the CIC, and it receives an excellent response from every former of the world.