Canada Skilled workers and professionals Visa

Skilled workers are selected as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help them become economically established in Canada.

The rules for applying as a federal skilled worker can change from time to time without notice, so make sure you visit this site regularly if you are considering immigrating to Canada under this category.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker:

• Obtain and print the correct application package
• Complete your application
• Calculate your fees
• Check your application
• Submit your application

1. Download correct application package

The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download the Federal Skilled Worker Application Package. You can print out the guide and use it to help you fill out the forms correctly.

2. Complete your application

• Fill out the form on your computer, and when you are done:
  • validate the Generic Application Form for Canada online and print the barcode page, then sign where indicated. Include the barcode page with your application.
  • print the other forms (you cannot save them on your computer), and sign where indicated.
• Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to you.
• You must complete all the forms:
  • Generic Application Form 
  • Additional Dependants/Declaration (if applicable) 
  • Schedule A: Background/Declaration
  • Schedule 3: Economic Classes: Federal Skilled Workers
  • Additional Family Information
  • Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada (if applicable)
  • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if applicable)
  • Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence – Federal Skilled Worker
  • Use of a Representative. You must complete this form if you want to use a representative to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.

Note: Be careful to include all the forms, information, documents, signatures, proof of language proficiency, and fees that are asked for. If your application is missing any of these, it is incomplete and will be returned to you unprocessed. If you validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online and print and include the barcode page, it will help make sure your application is complete and help you avoid delays.

You must go through medical, criminal and background checks. An applicant with a criminal record may not be allowed to enter Canada. People who pose a risk to Canada’s security are also not allowed to enter Canada. Medical, criminal and background checks are explained in the application package.

3. Calculate your fees

a) The processing fee for you and your dependants
Who will accompany you to Canada must be submitted when you apply. Information on how to pay your processing fee is included in the instruction guide.
If you are not found eligible to apply, we will inform you and refund your processing fee.
b) The Right of Permanent Residence fee
You will need to pay this fee if your application to immigrate as a skilled worker is approved. It covers you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you cancel your application or if you do not use your visa.
You will have to pay fees to third parties for:

• your medical examination
• a police certificate, if you require one as part of your criminal and security check and
• your language test.

4. Check your application

Make sure that:

• your application and all forms are completed and signed
• your processing fee is included, and
• all required supporting documents are included.

If not, your application will be returned to you and you will have to complete and resubmit it. Use the document checklist included in the application package (Appendix A) to make sure your have not forgotten anything. 

5. Submit your application

Mail your application and your fee to the Centralized Intake Office for Federal Skilled Worker Applications in Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada). For more detailed information, including courier and mailing addresses, consult the federal skilled worker application package.
Do not submit your federal skilled worker application to the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence.

For more information visit our site Future Concern or Facebook

Studying in Canada: Work permits for students

It is possible to work in Canada while you are here as a student, and there are opportunities for jobs on and off campus. You will need to apply.

 Working on campus

You may work on campus at the institution where you study without a work permit if:

• you are a full-time student at:
  • a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, or a collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec
  • a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or
  • a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees and
• you have a valid study permit.

Working off campus
 

The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows certain foreign students to work off campus while completing their studies. To qualify, you must be a full-time student enrolled at a participating publicly funded post-secondary educational institution or in an approved program at an eligible privately funded institution.

Participating publicly funded post-secondary educational institutions:

• are public post-secondary institutions, such as a college or university or a collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec or
• are private post-secondary institutions that operate under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and receive at least 50 percent of their financing for their overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) and
• have signed an off-campus work agreement with their provincial or territorial government.

Eligible privately funded post-secondary institutions:

• are located in a province or territory that has signed a memorandum of understanding with CIC
• have signed an off-campus work agreement with their provincial or territorial government and
• have approval from their provincial or territorial government to grant specific degrees.
•  

Co-op and internship programs

For some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum. Foreign students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship program must apply for a work permit as well as a study permit.

Who can apply

To be eligible for a work permit, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must have a valid study permit.
• Your intended employment must be an essential part of your program of study in Canada.
• Your employment must be part of your academic program, certified by a letter from a responsible academic official of the institution.
• Your co-op or internship employment cannot form more than 50 percent of the total program of study.

How to apply

There are four steps to apply for a work permit:

1. Obtain an application package.
2. Read the guide.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
4. Mail the application form and documents.

Working after graduation
 

If you want to work in Canada after you graduate from your studies, you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

A work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program may be issued for the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years. A Post-Graduation work permit cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program, and the study program must be a minimum of eight months in length. For example, if you graduate from a four-year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit if you meet the criteria. If you graduate from an eight-month certificate program, you would be eligible for a work permit that is valid for no more than eight months. 

Work available to your spouse or common-law partner

Eligibility

Your spouse or common-law partner may apply for a work permit if:

• you are a full-time student at:
  • a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec
  • a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or
  • a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees
• you have a valid study permit

Validity

Work permits for your spouse or common-law partner are valid for the same period of time as your study permit.

For more information please visit our site Future Concern or FaceBook

Studying in Canada: Study permits

To study in Canada, you may need a study permit, and/or a temporary resident visa, though not everyone must have these documents.

Before you apply
 

Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a recognized school, university or college in Canada.You can find information on how to choose a school, college or university in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

  Who can apply

In most cases, you must obtain a study permit if you want to study in Canada.

To be eligible to study in Canada

• You must have been accepted by a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada.
• You must prove that you have enough money to pay for your:
  • tuition fees
  • living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
  • return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
• You must be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
• You must be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
• You must satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

Arriving

When you arrive in Canada, you will be met by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at a point of entry, such as an airport. The CBSA is responsible for border and point of entry activities in Canada.

• The documents you need to enter Canada
• Citizens or residents of the United States, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and Greenland
• Disclosure of funds
• Understanding the terms and conditions of your study permit
• Leaving and coming back to Canada
• Health insurance

Extending your stay

If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a student, you must complete the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada. Check the expiry date on your study permit, and make sure you apply before that date. You should apply for renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

Note: Children who are less than 17 years of age and studying in Canada without a parent or legal guardian must complete and include the Custodianship declaration  with their study permit application. 

If you apply for a renewal of your study permit, and the permit expires before you receive an answer, you can continue to study in Canada under the same conditions until you receive a decision.

You should apply to renew your study permit if you intend to travel outside Canada and your permit will expire while you are travelling.

You cannot extend your study permit beyond the expiry date on your passport.

If your study permit has expired, and you have not applied for an extension, you must leave Canada.

Dual Intent

To clarify communication and operations in the study permit process with respect to the concept of “dual intent” by:

• Defining “dual intent’;
• Reaffirming that a study permit will not be refused based on “dual intent’; and
• Clarifying what steps a student must take in the application process.

For more information please visit our site Future Concern or FaceBook

Studying in Canada

More than 90,000 students come to study in Canada every year and even more come to Canada to learn English or French. Foreign students bring a rich culture to our classrooms. Your knowledge and skills are welcome in our schools.

In Canada, the provinces and territories have jurisdiction over education. For more detailed information on living and studying in a specific province or territory, contact the school where you wish to study. visit FaceBook

Studying in Canada: Information for educational institutions

You will find here information of specific use to educational institutions and organizations.

Partnering in the International Student Program

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recognizes that the key to an effective and dynamic international student program is in strong partnerships with provincial educational authorities, institutions and organizations. For this reason CIC created the Advisory Committee on International Students and Immigration to bring together essential stakeholders in international education. In addition, CIC also works closely with other government departments, such as the Canada Border Services Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) to develop coordinated strategies and promote international marketing efforts led by DFAIT.

The Partner Portal is available to educational institutions, provinces and territories that are participating in the Off-Campus Work Permit Program. From the Partner Portal, users will be able to access the Electronic Notification System (ENS).

The Quick Start Guide provides step-by-step instructions for designated institutional representatives on how to obtain a personal identification number in order to access ENS.

Keeping up to date on program changes

The content below is offered in PDF format. For more information or to download the appropriate viewer, check the Help page.

Find out the most recent changes to CIC policy and procedures by consulting the published operational bulletins, which are updated regularly.

CIC operational manuals are available online and are updated periodically. They detail how CIC processes all types of applications, including study permits (Overseas Processing (OP) Manual 12 (PDF, 350 KB)).

Information is also available about the concept of dual intent and how it is dealt with in the study permit process.

Working and immigration opportunities for students

International students and their spouses may be eligible to work in Canada during and after their studies through a number of work permit programs. Working in Canada can provide a source of income while they study, give them valuable work experience, help them make business contacts for the future, and even allow them to immigrate after their graduation.

If international students have work experience in Canada through work permit options available to graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions, they could qualify for permanent resident status in Canada through the Canadian Experience Class. This video explains how it works.

International students wishing to do volunteer work may require a work permit and an HRSDC confirmation. Read about what constitutes work and volunteer work. For guidelines regarding co-ops and internships, refer to section 5.10 of OP12 (PDF, 350 KB) and section 5.38 of FW 1 (PDF, 1,46 MB).

Applying for a study permit and online services

Most clients can now apply online for some CIC services. CIC’s e-suite of services allows clients in Canada to apply on-line for study permits, work permits, including the post-graduation work permit, and extensions to visitor visas.

This guide describes the Off-Campus Work Permit Program, its requirements and conditions, and the responsibilities of both students and designated institutional representatives. It also explains how to access and use ENS.

Find out what letters of acceptance (PDF, 678 KB) from institutions should include to avoid delays in processing. The letter of acceptance is the best tool to communicate concise and relevant information to the immigration officer about your program. Both originals and copies of letters of acceptance are accepted by immigration offices in Canada and abroad. If the letter of acceptance does not provide sufficient detail regarding the special nature of the program, include additional documents that do so. This may include a program description, the selection criteria, financial arrangements, scholarship and employment opportunities, etc. This will help the immigration officer to better understand the program the student has applied for.

Education agents

Educational institutions are invited to share with their agents the following best practices in order to protect students, to ensure the highest possible success rate and to avoid delays in the processing of applications:

• Apply early and be aware of processing times in Canada and at visa offices.
• Refrain from sending case status requests until after the processing times have been reached.
• Share all communications from institutions and CIC with clients.
• Ensure your students understand the “Use of representative (PDF, 36 KB)” form (IMM 5476) and the responsibilities and obligations required of third-party representatives.
• Be clear about additional service fees.
• Always act in the best interest of the student.
• Where a group of students will enter the same program in Canada, submit the applications together in a group submission. It can significantly reduce the amount of clerical work required in our office. Program description details (see above) need only be included once as part of a covering package.

Education agents should be aware that Bill C-35: An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act impacts student recruitment activities. Education agents who, for example, provide advice exclusively related to educational matters or services, such as directing someone to the CIC website for information on immigration programs or to access immigration application forms, will continue to be able to do so. However, people who previously provided paid advice on immigration matters related to student recruitment—such as applying for a study permit, a re-entry visa or a status extension—without being recognized as an authorized immigration representative will need to either seek authorization or refer relevant cases to an authorized representative who is:

• A member in good standing of the law society of a province or territory, including paralegals and students-at-law, if they act under the supervision of a lawyer or a notary in Quebec; or
• A member in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; or
• A member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.

A limited number of organizations that have an agreement with the Government of Canada—such as visa application centres—can provide services to assist people with an application under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. However, they are only authorized to provide the services specified in their agreement or arrangement.

Minor students

Use these guidelines to determine the immigration documents which minors who are foreign students should have when applying to your school.

CIC’s Teachers and Youth Web Corner provides teachers across the country with educational tools regarding citizenship, Canadian identity, multiculturalism and immigration while giving youth a fun path to learning.visit our site Future Concern or Face Book

Work in Canada

Skilled Migration Canada

Finding a job can take time. To succeed in this process, the key is to be prepared!  The fact that you have been accepted to come to Canada does not guarantee you employment in Canada in your preferred profession or any other profession.

Finding a permanent job in Canada

• Your credentials may not be recognized.

• Your language skills may not be sufficient.

• You might need Canadian work experience.

Work permits for students

Work permit for temporary jobs

Working in Canada can further help you prepare for the Canadian job market by producing a report based on your occupation and a location. It includes information about job descriptions, licensing and certification, wages, skill requirements, language training and job opportunities, and much more.

Finding a job in Canada may be different from finding a job in your home country. New immigrants face some significant challenges when trying to get jobs in Canada:

You may also need to learn new job search skills, create a new group of contacts and find out what Canadian employers want. 

It is possible to work in Canada while you are here as a student, and there are opportunities for jobs on and off campus.

It is possible to work temporarily in jobs that help Canadian employers address skill shortages, or to work aslive-in caregivers.

What do Canadian employers want?

Canadian employers often want you to have soft skills and hard skills.

Often, it is not enough to have hard skills, or technical skills. Canadian employers want to hire people who also have soft skills.

Soft Skills

Soft skills are sometimes called employability skills. They include:

• Communication
• Problem solving
• Positive attitudes and behaviours
• Adaptability
• Working with others

Employers want every employee to have these skills. Someone who has these skills will be able to learn and grow in a job. These people can get along with their co-workers and are a long-term asset for the organization.

Hard Skills or Technical Skills

Each job type has its own set of skills, called hard skills. Hard skills are the technical skills you need to do a certain job. For example:

• Using computer programs
• Measuring and calculating
• Analyzing data
• Speaking a language
• Operating a machine

Experience

Understanding labour market information can help you identify what kind of experience employers want.

How your professional qualifications are valued in Canada is very important. It can help you find work in your field. By finding out how your experience is valued, you will know if you need to do any academic upgrading or exams to get the same kind of work in Canada .

You might need to have your academic or professional credentials assessed. In regulated professions or trades, you cannot work in your field unless you have had your credentials and experience evaluated.

After you have assessed your skills, you need to be able to show employers that you have these skills. You can ask someone at a settlement agency or a community employment centre for help with your résumé and job search. 

For more information please visit Future Concern or visit our Face Book

Business People

Visa Options

Business people can apply for a visa to conduct short business visits, establish or manage a new or existing business or invest in Australia.

Business visits

For business people to visit Australia for business purposes, for example, to attend a conference or training session, to conduct business with an Australia-based organisation, to conduct business negotiations or for an exploratory business visit.

Business Development - Provisional

These visas, known as Business Skills visas, are for business people to establish a business in Australia, manage a new or existing business or invest in Australia. All except the Investor Retirement visa offer a pathway to permanent residence.

Business Development - Permanent

These visas, known as Business Skills visas, are for people who have established the required level of business in Australia while holding a provisional visa. A direct permanent residence visa is also available for high-calibre business people.

Business Development Sponsorship

Information about State/Territory government sponsorship for Business Skills visas.

The following State/Territory Sponsored Business visas are closed to new applications from 1 July 2012. Only eligible dependent applicants can be added to an existing provisional application that was lodged on or before 30 June 2012:

• State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional)(subclass 163)
• State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 164)
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional) (subclass 165)
• Regional Established Business in Australia (REBA) (permanent) (subclass 846).

From 1 July 2012 a new Business visa program is available.

The following applies to you if you lodged a State/Territory Sponsored (provisional) visa application on or before 30 June 2012, or you are the holder of a State/Territory Sponsored (provisional) visa and you are applying for one of the following State/Territory Sponsored (permanent) visa:

• State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (residence)(subclass 892)
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor (residence) (subclass 893).

State/Territory government sponsorship

If an Australian State or Territory government business agency wants to encourage a particular business or business person to Australia, it can offer to sponsor a visa applicant.

State and Territory governments have their own criteria for deciding whom they will sponsor. The State or Territory government business development agency can provide information on sponsorship.

If an applicant is sponsored by a State or Territory government, they must:

• submit form 949 with their application for the Business Skills visa;
• ensure they meet all visa criteria for grant of their sponsored Business Skills visa.

Monitoring Business Skills and Business Innovation and Investment Visas

If you hold certain Business Skills or Business Innovation and Investment visas, your business may be monitored by the department.

Who do we monitor?

Provisional visa holders

Provisional Business Skills visa holders (subclasses 160, 161, 162, 163, 164 and 165) and provisional Business Innovation and Investment visa holders (subclass 188) will not be monitored but will be required to meet the obligations of their visa. If the holder wishes to remain in Australia as a permanent resident they will need to satisfy the criteria for a permanent Business Skills visa (subclasses 890, 891, 892, or 893), or the permanent Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 888), depending on the type of provisional visa that they hold.

Why do we monitor?

The department monitors those holding certain Business visas to:

• verify compliance with the visa requirements
• evaluate whether or not the program is meeting its objectives
• report to government on the overall performance of the Business Skills and Business Innovation and Investment visa programs.

How do we monitor?

The department may request information during the three year monitoring period.

This may be to obtain responses to 24 month surveys or 36 month surveys for investment-linked visas, or to obtain any further information required.

The Monitoring Unit then assesses all of the received information against the relevant legislation and determines whether the visa requirements are being met. A letter will be sent to the address you provide confirming whether requirements are met or more information is required. Please notify the Monitoring Unit if your contact details change.

Pre-visa grant declaration

As part of a valid visa application, applicants sign a declaration that they will meet the requirements of their visa.

Applicants acknowledge that failure to meet the visa requirements may result in fines and/or cancellation of their visa, and the visas of family members.

FAQ for Canadian Citizenship

Questions

1. What should I do if I move after I apply for citizenship?

You can change your address you can contact the Future Concern Call Centre. When you change your address, you will have to provide both your old andnew addresses.

2. How much does it cost to apply for Canadian citizenship?

The fee for adults is C$200, which includes a C$100 processing fee and a C$100 right of citizenship fee. For children under 18, there is a C$100 processing fee only.

3. What if my application is turned down? Will I get my money back?

If you do not meet all the requirements to become a Canadian citizen, we will send you a letter explaining the decision and what you can do next.
If an adult is not granted citizenship, we will refund the C$100 right of citizenship fee. However, the C$100 processing fee is non-refundable.
If a minor child is not granted citizenship, the C$100 processing fee is non-refundable.

4. Where can I find out the status of my citizenship application and the processing time?

For information about the status of your citizenship application, or to find out how long it takes to become a Canadian citizen, visit the Future Concern website  or Visit our Face Book.

5. Who has to write the citizenship test?

Only people between the ages of 18 and 54 must take the citizenship test (written or oral, or both). If you are 55 or older, you do not have to take the test, although you will be scheduled to appear at the local office for a review of your original documents (personal identification, immigration documents, etc.) you submitted with your application and your passport or travel documents relevant to the four years preceding your application. You may also be scheduled to appear for an interview with a citizenship judge. Children who are under 18 years of age at the time of application do not have to take the citizenship test.

6. Who has to take the oath of citizenship?

Applicants who are 14 and older must attend the citizenship ceremony to take the oath of citizenship, including applicants 55 or older. Children under the age of 14 are not required to take the oath of citizenship, although they are welcome to attend the ceremony.

7. I am still a citizen of another country. Will I lose that citizenship if I become a Canadian?

Under Canadian law, a Canadian is allowed to be a citizen of another country as well. Some countries, however, will not let you keep their citizenship if you become a Canadian citizen. The consulate or embassy of your other country of citizenship can let you know if this applies to you.

8. What happens if I miss the citizenship test, my interview or the ceremony?

During the processing of your application, you must attend a series of events in order to meet all of the requirements to become a citizen. We will mail you notices telling you when and where to go for the citizenship test, interview (if applicable) and citizenship ceremony. All events take place in Canada. If you do not appear for any of these events, your file may be closed. You will then have to re-apply, pay the fees and go through the entire process again.
As a reminder, if you know in advance that you will be absent, please visit  Future Concern website  or Visit our Face Book. .

9. Could I be a Canadian citizen and not know it?

If you are uncertain about whether you are a Canadian citizen, we encourage you to use our online self-assessment tool before applying for a proof of Canadian citizenship.

In general, if you were born in Canada, you are a Canadian citizen. If you were born in Canada after February 14, 1977, and at the time of your birth, your parents were not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and at least one parent had diplomatic status in Canada, you are not a citizen. If you were born in Canada before February 15, 1977, to a parent who was a foreign diplomat in Canada, contact Future Concern website  or Visit our Face Book. for more information on eligibility.

If you were born in another country

In general, you are a Canadian citizen if you became a citizen through the naturalization process in Canada (i.e., you were a permanent resident [a landed immigrant] before you became a citizen).
In general, you are a Canadian citizen if you were born outside Canada and one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, and that parent was either born in Canada or naturalized in Canada (“naturalized” means that the parent was a permanent resident [a landed immigrant] before becoming a citizen). You are the first generation born outside Canada.
You may be a Canadian citizen if you were born outside Canada between January 1, 1947, and April 16, 2009, inclusive, to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (you are the second or subsequent generation born outside Canada). If you think this may apply to you and you need more information, please visit Future Concern website  or Visit our Face Book.
If you were a British subject residing in Canada when the Canadian Citizenship Act came into force on January 1, 1947, or you were born outside Canada to a British subject parent who might have become a citizen on that date, contact us to find out how to confirm whether or not you are a citizen