The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is one of the three programs under Canada’s Express Entry system for processing immigration applications. This program allows individuals with foreign work experience and no prior connection to Canada to apply for permanent residency.
Canada offers numerous opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide, and the FSW program is one of the main pathways for those who wish to contribute their expertise and build a stable future in Canada.
What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)?
The FSW program is managed under the Express Entry system and uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates who wish to settle permanently in Canada. Unlike the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Workers do not need Canadian work experience to enter the Express Entry pool.
To be eligible, candidates must meet a minimum score based on the following factors:
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Work experience
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Language proficiency
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Education
Once in the pool, candidates with the highest CRS scores will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.
Who is Eligible for the FSW Program?
To qualify, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
Work Experience
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At least 12 months of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years (or equivalent part-time experience)
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Work experience must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
Language Proficiency
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Minimum CLB 7 in an approved English or French language test
Education
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Minimum Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign education
Financial Support
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Sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada
Residence in Canada
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Intention to live outside the province of Quebec
Additionally, candidates must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW eligibility points grid.
How to Apply for the FSW Program
Candidates must submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Submitting a profile does not guarantee permanent residency. After submission, candidates are assigned a CRS score and considered for future Express Entry draws for ITAs.
Required Documents:
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
To claim education points, foreign degrees must be assessed by one of five authorised organisations in Canada. -
Language Test Results
Approved English or French language test results are required (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF Canada) -
Identification Documents
Passports for the applicant and accompanying family members should be valid
After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to complete and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
Processing Time for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
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FSW profiles remain valid in the Express Entry pool for 12 months
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After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit the full application
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Standard processing time is approximately 6 months
Factors that may affect processing time include:
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Complexity or incompleteness of the application
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Verification of information by the immigration officer
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Adding additional family members to the application
Settlement Funds Required
Candidates must demonstrate they can financially support themselves and their family. Required funds depend on family size:
| Family Members | Required Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 15,263 |
| 2 | 19,001 |
| 3 | 23,360 |
| 4 | 28,362 |
| 5 | 32,168 |
| 6 | 36,280 |
| 7 | 40,392 |
| Each additional member | 4,112 |
If sufficient funds are not available, applicants can still apply with a job offer from a Canadian employer.
FSW Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant | 1,525 |
| Spouse or Common-Law Partner | 1,525 |
| Dependent Child | 260 per child |
Language and Work Experience Requirements
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A minimum CLB 7 in each language test section is required
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Foreign work experience must be at least one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) in the last 10 years
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Work experience must be in NOC skill type A, B, or 0
Additional Key Points
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Age: No upper age limit, but points decrease after age 35
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Family: Spouse and children can be included; parents cannot
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Job Offer: Not required, but can increase CRS score by 50–200 points
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Quebec: Candidates must intend to reside outside Quebec, though they may work for a Quebec employer
FSW Points and CRS
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Minimum FSW score: 67 out of 100
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After entering the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked using the CRS
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Foreign work experience and language skills, along with any Canadian work experience, affect CRS points
Conclusion:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is an ideal pathway for skilled professionals with foreign work experience who want to settle in Canada. By preparing educational credentials, language skills, and sufficient funds, candidates can submit an Express Entry profile and, if they achieve a competitive CRS score, obtain permanent residency in Canada.