Applying as a Skilled Worker

For help with Completing an application form visit the CIC Help Centre.

This application includes:

Applications for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Class can be submitted by foreign nationals who are skilled workers and professionals.

Note: As of May 4, 2013, CIC is re-opening the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) to 24 eligible occupations, in addition to applicants with a qualifying job offer or those applying under the PhD stream. As of this same date, all applications are subject to the new FSWP selection criteria.

Important:

We will accept 5,000 applications in total from May 4, 2013 to April 30, 2014, in the eligible occupations stream.
Within the 5,000 applications, we will only accept 300 in each priority occupation.
In the PhD stream, we will accept 1,000 applications from May 4, 2013 to April 30, 2014.
There is no cap on applications with a qualifying job offer.
As of May 4, applicants must use the new application kit and meet the new requirements in order to apply.
Applications received by CIC on or after May 4 that do NOT include the necessary Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or do not meet the minimum language threshold requirements will be returned as incomplete.

New:

The Federal Skilled Worker program has a new eligibility stream that is open to international students who are pursuing or who have completed doctoral (PhD) studies at Canadian institutions. Please read the instructions for more information.

Important:

Federal skilled worker applications received by the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) must be prepared using the instruction guide and Document Checklist (IMM 5612) or they will be returned as incomplete.

There are two other programs for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. They are as follows:

Provincial Nominee; and
Quebec Skilled Workers.

How to use this application package

Read the instruction guide to complete your application forms

Use the new Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]. It can be completed and saved on a computer. You will need Adobe Reader 8.1 or higher.
Filling the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.
Trouble downloading? Right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’

Complete, validate, print, sign and date your application forms

To ensure you submit all the pages:

IMM 0008:

Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.

Note: Validating the form before printing ensures you have answered all the questions and will avoid delays in processing your application.
A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
Print, sign and date the form.
- Print on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper
- Use of a laser printer is recommended
Place the barcode page on the top of each individual package.

Other forms:

Use the Document Checklist to make sure you include all the other forms and documents you need.

Pay the fees

Complete the Fee Payment Form – Application for Permanent Residence (IMM 5620)

Important: If you are a resident of a country served by one of the following visa offices: Caracas, Havana, Moscow, Nairobi, and Vienna AND are unable to pay in Canadian Funds, visit the responsible visa office website for fee payment instructions and to obtain the fee payment form.