The Federal Skilled Workers Program or FSWP is one of the highly recommended immigration routes to get permanent residency in Canada. It is a category under Canada’s Express Entry Immigration system.
This particular Canada skilled migration category uses a points-based system to give qualified applicants an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
To qualify for the program, you need to get a score of at least 67 out of 100 points. Points will be distributed across different selection factors which include your:
- Skilled work experience
- Language ability (English or French)
- Language ability (English or French)
- Proof of funds
How Long Does the Whole Application Process Take?
The length of the FSWP application process differs from one application to another. This is because it depends on various factors such as:
1. Your promptness in submitting all requirements
To prove that you are qualified for the program and be awarded points, you need to show proof that you meet the eligibility requirements.
For instance, to get points under the education factor, you have to submit completed credentials issued by a university, college, and/or any post-secondary institution. This means submitting a diploma or certificate and an official transcript of records.
However, you can’t submit these documents as they are. You have to prove that your educational qualification is equivalent to a completed certificate, diploma or degree awarded by a Canadian secondary or post-secondary school. This means getting an Educational Credential Assessment report from an approved agency in your country.
In case you studied in Canada before, since you already have a certificate or diploma issued by a Canadian educational institution, you won’t have to get an Educational Credential Assessment report anymore. This will shorten the application process a little.
Another important requirement you have to submit is proof of your language ability in English or French. In case you already took an accepted language test and got the required score, you have one less time-consuming process off your hands.
If you have not taken any of these tests or have taken one but failed to get the minimum score, you will have to retake the exam. This can prolong your application since you won’t be able to proceed to the next step without this key requirement.
2. The estimated processing time of the local visa application center
Once you have completed all your requirements and filled up all required application forms, you need to submit your application pack at the Canada Visa Application Center in your country. You have to set up an appointment to do this.
Each visa application center has its own estimated processing time for different types of visa. For instance, in the UAE, as of March 12, 2019, work permit applications are processed within 18 weeks. However, this does not include the time it takes to send an application between the visa application center and Embassy of Canada.
It does not include the time you need to provide your biometrics as well.
3. Ease of verifying your information
The visa issuing office will take measures to confirm the veracity of all the documents you submitted. They will check if you really worked for the companies that gave you the certificates of employment and if you completed the required hours.
In case you need to show proof of funds, they will write or get in touch with the banks where you have deposits with and which issued your bank certificates and statements.
They may take time to call you up or send emails if they have questions, requests, or concerns that only you can answer or address. If you do not respond to them quickly, the processing time of your application will be longer.
How Much Will It Cost You?
The total cost of the application requirements varies as well, and it will depend on where you are applying from.
The two main fees that come with your visa application are the right of permanent residence fee or RPRF and the service charge for application handling.
You can pay the RPRF at the same time as your visa application fees to avoid delays. This fee is refundable if you withdraw your application or if your application is refused. At present, the fee is CAN$ 490 for all countries.
The service charge for application handling is the fee you will pay to the visa application center. It covers all the services they provide for handling your application. In the UAE, the fee is CAN$ 81.24 or AED 226. This fee is non-refundable.
In case you need to have your biometrics taken, you will have to pay for this separately.
There are other expenses you have to shoulder as well. Again, the cost depends on your location and the service provider. These include:
- Translation of documents to English or French, if these documents are not done in any of these languages.
- Educational Credential Assessment report
- English or French language proficiency test
- Medical exam
If you will be applying with your spouse or family, you will have to pay for additional fees as well.
Applying for Canadian skilled permanent immigration can be a lengthy, tiring, and costly process. It can be complicated, too.
To avoid all the stress and unnecessary hard work and expenses that you may encounter in your application, get help from trusted Canadian immigration consultants in Dubai.
If you are planning on applying for a Canadian visa, you can learn more about our immigration consultancy services here at Pathway Visas by getting in touch with us today.