Federal Skilled Worker Program

Canada's primary immigration program for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to become permanent residents

Check Your Eligibility

Program Overview

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is part of Canada's Express Entry system and is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. This program uses a points-based system to assess candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Points System

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores candidates out of 1,200 points.

Fast Processing

Most applications processed within 6 months of receiving invitation.

67 Point Minimum

Must score at least 67/100 on FSW selection factors to be eligible.

Minimum Requirements

Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 10 years
Language: Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in English or French
Education: Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, OR completed foreign credential with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Selection Factors: Score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSW points grid
Proof of Funds: Show you have enough money to support yourself and family members (unless currently working in Canada with valid work permit)
Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical inadmissibility)

FSW Points Grid (67 points required)

Education

Maximum 25 points

Points awarded based on level of education, from high school to PhD.

Language Skills

Maximum 28 points

First official language (24 points) + second official language (4 points).

Work Experience

Maximum 15 points

1 year = 9 points, 2-3 years = 11 points, 4-5 years = 13 points, 6+ years = 15 points.

Age

Maximum 12 points

Maximum points at ages 18-35, decreasing before and after.

Arranged Employment

Maximum 10 points

Valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Adaptability

Maximum 10 points

Previous study/work in Canada, spouse's language skills, relative in Canada, etc.

Application Process

Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet minimum requirements and score 67+ points on FSW grid.

Take Language Test & Get ECA

Complete IELTS or CELPIP (or TEF for French) and get Educational Credential Assessment.

Create Express Entry Profile

Submit your profile and enter the Express Entry pool with your CRS score.

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your score is above the cut-off in a draw, you'll receive an ITA.

Submit PR Application

Complete application within 60 days with all supporting documents.

FSW FAQ

Common questions about the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Still have questions?

Talk to our team

You need at least 67 out of 100 points on the six selection factors — language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability — to be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under this program.

No, a job offer is not mandatory for FSW eligibility, though a valid arranged employment offer can add extra points to both your FSW score and your Comprehensive Ranking System score in Express Entry.

Your work experience must be in a NOC skill type 0 or skill level A or B occupation, performed within the last 10 years, and we help document it correctly with reference letters and duty descriptions that IRCC requires.

Meeting 67 points makes you eligible to submit an Express Entry profile, but your actual invitation to apply depends on your Comprehensive Ranking System score compared to other candidates in the pool.