Your Rights as a Federal Skilled Worker Immigrant in Canada
As a Federal Skilled Worker Immigrant in Canada you have many rights and entitlements that are protected under Canadian law. These rights include the right to work, healthcare, education, social services, participation in Canadian democracy, freedom from discrimination, and due process. It’s important to understand your rights and to take advantage of them to ensure a smooth transition to life in Canada.
Know Your Rights as a Permanent Resident on the FSWP
- Right to work: As an FSW immigrant, you have the right to work in Canada. You can work for any employer in any occupation, as long as your work permit is valid. Your employer must comply with Canadian employment laws, including paying you at least the minimum wage and providing you with a safe working environment.
- Right to healthcare: FSW immigrants are eligible for healthcare benefits in Canada. You will need to apply for a healthcare card, also known as a provincial health card, which will give you access to basic medical services. However, it’s important to note that some medical services may not be covered.
- Right to education: FSW immigrants have the right to access public education in Canada. This includes free education for children up to the age of 18, as well as access to post-secondary education. You may need to pay international student fees for post-secondary education but there are often scholarships and bursaries available to help offset the costs.
- Right to social services: FSW immigrants have the same rights as Canadian citizens to access social services, such as welfare and childcare support. To access these services you will need to apply and meet the eligibility criteria.
- Right to participate in Canadian democracy: FSW immigrants have the right to vote in federal and provincial elections, as long as they are Canadian citizens. You can also participate in civic life by attending community meetings and joining local organizations.
- Right to freedom from discrimination: FSW immigrants are protected under Canadian law from discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender or orientation. If you experience discrimination then you can file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
- Right to due process: If you face legal issues while living in Canada, you have the right to due process under Canadian law. This includes the right to legal representation the right to a fair trial, and the right to appeal a decision.
- Right to live in Canada: As an FSW immigrant, you have the right to live and settle in Canada permanently. Once you receive your permanent residency status you have the right to live in Canada and to come and go as you please.
- Right to family reunification: You have the right to sponsor certain family members to come and live with you in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner dependent children, and some other family members in certain circumstances.
- Right to privacy: FSW immigrants have the right to privacy under Canadian law. This means that your personal information is protected, and you have the right to know how your information is being used.
- Right to express yourself: You have the right to freedom of expression in Canada, which includes the freedom to express your opinions, beliefs and ideas, both in public and in private.
- Right to religion: You have the right to practice your religion in Canada as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.
- Right to peaceful assembly and association: You have the right to peacefully assemble and to associate with others in Canada.
- Right to access information: FSW immigrants have the right to access information under Canadian law, including information held by the government, businesses and other organizations.
