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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of Canada's primary pathways to permanent residence for foreign nationals with skilled work experience. It is managed through the Express Entry system, where candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and the highest-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Before entering the Express Entry pool under the FSWP, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the past 10 years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
• Language ability in English or French — minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
• Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Proof of sufficient settlement funds (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer)
• Intent and ability to reside outside the province of Quebec

Six Selection Factors

To qualify for the FSWP, you must score at least 67 points out of 100 based on six selection factors:

Language Requirements

Language ability is the highest-weighted factor in the FSWP. You must take an approved language test and achieve the minimum scores required. Approved tests include:

• English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP General
• French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
• Minimum CLB 7 in each of the four language abilities
• Higher scores significantly improve your CRS ranking in the Express Entry pool

Education

Your educational credentials must be assessed to ensure they are equivalent to a Canadian credential. If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization such as WES (World Education Services).

• Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree
• Foreign credentials assessed by a designated ECA organization
• A doctoral (PhD) level credential earns the maximum education points

Work Experience

Your work experience must be in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). You need at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in the same NOC category. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count.

• Must be within the past 10 years
• At least 1,560 hours over 12 consecutive months (full-time equivalent)
• Self-employment may be counted in certain circumstances

Settlement Funds

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or are currently authorized to work in Canada. The required amounts are updated annually by IRCC.

• Funds must be unencumbered, available, and transferable
• Amount increases with each additional family member
• Not required if you hold a valid Canadian work permit and a qualifying job offer

How to Apply Through Express Entry

The FSWP application process involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Gather documents — language test results, ECA, work experience proof, and settlement funds
• Step 2: Create an Express Entry profile online through the IRCC portal
• Step 3: Enter the Express Entry pool and receive a CRS score
• Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a draw
• Step 5: Submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days of receiving the ITA
• Step 6: Receive a decision — processing is typically within 6 months