Skilled Workers and Professionals: How to apply

If you apply to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, your application will be processed based on regulations that are in effect on the date that you apply, even if they change after you apply.

Note: If you are applying under one of the 29 eligible occupations, as of July 1, 2011, a maximum of 10,000 Federal Skilled Worker applications will be considered for processing in the following 12 months. Within the 10,000 cap, a maximum of 500 Federal Skilled Worker applications per eligible occupation will be considered for processing each year.

These limits do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.

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

  1. Obtain and print the correct application package
  2. Complete your application
  3. Calculate your fees
  4. Check your application
  5. 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 [IMM 0008] 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 for Canada [IMM 0008]
    • 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.

You must also take a language test and include your results. Find out more about language testing.

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

Fill out the Fee Payment Form - Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620) (PDF, 29 KB) and include it with your application to the CIO. On-line payments are not accepted by the CIO. See the application guide for more detailed information on fees.

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. 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.

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.

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada. If you don’t meet the criteria to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you may qualify under another category. Learn more about your options.

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