Canadian Visa Application

The Canadian visa types available include:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
• Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

NOTE: On January 1, 2015, the Canadian government launched its new "Express Entry" system for skilled foreign workers who are applying for a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa to Canada through the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program. The Provincial Nominees Program (PNP) will also be affected by the "Express Entry" system. A key goal of the "Express Entry" program is to speed up the process of approving qualified skilled foreign workers for a PR Visa to Canada so they can help meet the needs of Canadian businesses. To learn more about the new "Express Entry" Canadian immigration system, click here!  

Want to become a Canadian citizen? The first step is to be issued a visa by the Canadian government.  Below you will find information about the various Canadian visa types, but first you may want to learn more about the many benefits of Canadian citizenship.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) This Canadian visa program started on January 2, 2013, and offers a Permanent Resident Visa to Canada for qualified tradespeople in such occupations as aircraft mechanics, carpenters, crane operators, electricians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, ironworkers, machinists, plumbers, welders and other skilled trades.  Read more about the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) This Canadian visa is a permanent residency visa. Applicants are evaluated based on their education (which, for many eligible occupations, includes a university degree), work experience, knowledge of French and/or English and age. All you need is 67 points to qualify for this visa! Your profession must also be a wanted profession in Canada (recent examples include accountants, various types of engineers and managers, financial analysts, occupational therapists, nurses, physicians, computer programmers and university professors). The rules for applying for this visa are often changing, however, our immigration consultants keep up-to-date daily with any changes that may occur.  Read more about Work Visa Canada.

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) For those who will not qualify for a skilled worker visa, there is still a chance to receive Canadian permanent residency. The Provincial Nominee Program visas are aimed at semi or low skilled professionals whose occupations and skills are needed in certain provinces in Canada. With this Canadian visa program, you must first be nominated by a specific province of Canada. After you receive a provincial nomination, you can apply for Canadian permanent residency! Read more about Provincial Nomination Programs.

Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program (QSWP) The Canadian province of Quebec has a special program for immigration to Canada called the Quebec-Selected Skilled Workers Program (QSWP). Quebec is the largest province in Canada and it needs thousands of skilled foreign workers for various trades and professions – especially if they have adequate French language skills (since French is the dominant language used in Quebec). If you receive enough points on this points-based Canadian immigration program and are selected by Quebec’s provincial government, you may then apply to the Canadian national government for a Permanent Resident Visa to Canada! Read more about this unique Quebec immigration program. 

DISCLAIMER: This guide is not and shall not be considered as professional or expert advice.