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.

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. Obtain and print the correct application package

The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the Federal Skilled Worker Application Package.

2. Complete your application

• Fill out and sign the forms. Most forms can be completed on your computer. Print the forms after you complete them because you cannot save them on your computer.
• If you do not want to complete the forms on your computer, you can complete them by hand. Print clearly, using black ink. You can also use a typewriter.
• 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:
  • Application for Permanent Residence in Canada
  • Schedule 1: Background/Declaration
  • Schedule 3: Economic Classes: Federal Skilled Workers
  • Additional Family Information
  • 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.

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

The processing fee for you and your dependants

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 apply as a Federal skilled worker and pay a fee, but are not found eligible according to the above criteria, we will inform you and refund your processing fee.

The Right of Permanent Residence fee

You will only 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 also 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
• language testing, as required.

More information on fees is available under Pay My Application Fees in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.

4. Check your application

Make sure that:

• your application and all forms are completed and signed
• your processing fee is included, and
• any required supporting documents (if applicable) 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.

Please note: You must submit your federal skilled worker application to the Centralized Intake Office and not to the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence, as was the case in the past. 

For more detailed information, consult the Federal Skilled Worker Application Package.

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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Related links

• Federal Skilled Worker Application Package
• Arranged employment