The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a component of Canada's Express Entry system, which allows skilled workers with international experience to immigrate to Canada and attain Permanent Resident (PR) status. Express Entry, a points-based system, routinely invites registered candidates to apply for PR in Canada.
Express Entry draws are generally conducted every two weeks. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for PR, bringing them closer to obtaining Canadian PR status and eventually citizenship.
FSWP now encompasses occupations in the transportation and logistics sector
On November 16, 2022, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced 16 new qualifying occupations under the FSWP. These new National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes encompass transport truck drivers, bus drivers, and other professionals in the travel and logistics sectors.
These modifications are likely the initial steps toward expanding PR eligibility through Express Entry and forthcoming changes to the Express Entry system anticipated to occur this year. However, the Canadian government has not provided a specific timeline or details regarding the implementation of these changes.
The 16 newly eligible occupations under the FSWP include:
- NOC 13102 Payroll administrators
- NOC 33100 Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
- NOC 33102 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- NOC 33103 Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
- NOC 43100 Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- NOC 43200 Sheriffs and bailiffs
- NOC 43201 Correctional service officers
- NOC 43202 By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
- NOC 63211 Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
- NOC 73200 Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- NOC 73202 Pest controllers and fumigators
- NOC 73209 Other repairers and servicers
- NOC 73300 Transport truck drivers
- NOC 73301 Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
- NOC 73400 Heavy equipment operators
- NOC 93200 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
Important: Applicants must still fulfill program requirements
Although the inclusion of these occupations broadens the path to PR for individuals experienced in these NOC codes, receiving an invitation for PR is not guaranteed. Candidates are required to submit an online profile for the Express Entry system, and applicants must still meet the FSWP's general requirements*:
- A minimum of 1 year of continuous paid skilled work experience in the last 10 years in a job categorized as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (including the occupations listed above) in the NOC system
- A qualifying language test in English or French, with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 or higher in all four abilities: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support the principal applicant and dependent family members upon arrival in Canada, if applicable
A historic event: Government invites candidates exclusively under the FSWP
On February 1, 2023, Canada held an unprecedented Express Entry draw exclusively for FSWP candidates for the first time. This unique draw suggests that IRCC may be trying to address Canada's labor market needs and/or respond to labor shortages in various Canadian industries by targeting workers in specific occupations.
Industry implications
These changes create a new pathway for eligible skilled workers in the transportation and logistics industry to obtain PR in Canada. For skilled individuals outside Canada without a job offer or connections to a Canadian employer, this development offers an opportunity to relocate to Canada independently, which is encouraging news for those seeking long-term immigration and settlement in the country.