Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is one of the three immigration streams managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for candidates with foreign skilled work experience, even if they have no prior ties to Canada, offering them a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Canada continues to welcome skilled professionals from around the globe, and the FSW program serves as a key gateway for individuals who want to apply their expertise, advance their careers, and build a new life in Canada.

Free Assessment

What is the FSW Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is one of the three immigration streams managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled professionals who want to settle permanently in Canada, even if they do not have prior Canadian work experience.

Unlike the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the FSW program allows applicants with foreign work experience to enter the Express Entry pool. To qualify, candidates must first meet a minimum eligibility requirement based on factors such as:

  • Skilled work experience
  • Language proficiency in English or French
  • Educational background

Once eligible, applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest CRS scores receive invitations to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence in Express Entry draws.

Check if you qualify as a federal skilled worker

Who is Eligible to Apply Under the FSW Program?

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), candidates must meet specific minimum requirements related to work experience, education, language skills, and financial capacity.

  • 1 Work Experience
  • At least 12 months of continuous, full-time, paid skilled work experience (or the equivalent in part-time) within the last 10 years.
  • The work must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • 2 Language Proficiency
  • Minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved test in English or French.
  • 3 Education
  • At least a Canadian high school diploma or a recognized foreign equivalent (assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment – ECA).
  • 4 Financial Support
  • Sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members upon settlement in Canada (unless you already have a valid job offer or are authorized to work in Canada).
  • 5 Residence in Canada
  • Must plan to live outside the province of Quebec (which manages its own skilled worker program).
  • 6 FSW Eligibility Points Grid
  • Candidates must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the Federal Skilled Worker eligibility grid, which evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, language ability, adaptability, and job offers.
  • 7 Admissibility
  • Applicants must be admissible to Canada. Certain criminal convictions or medical conditions may render a candidate ineligible.

How to Apply Under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program

To apply through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program, candidates must first create and submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Submitting a profile does not guarantee permanent residence. Instead, eligible applicants are entered into the Express Entry pool, assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and considered in future draws for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Documents Required at the Profile Stage

When submitting your Express Entry profile, FSW candidates will need to provide:

  • 1 Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Required for foreign education to confirm its equivalency to Canadian standards.
  • Only reports issued by one of the five designated organizations are accepted.
  • Not required for credentials obtained from a Canadian institution.
  • 2 Language Test Results
  • Must submit results from an approved language test taken within the past two years.
  • Accepted English tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General (only available in Canada).
  • Accepted French tests: TEF Canada, TCF Canada.
  • Minimum FSW requirement: CLB 7 in all abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
  • 3 Identification Documents
  • Candidates and accompanying family members must provide details from valid passports or equivalent travel documents.

After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

  • If selected, candidates will receive an ITA for permanent residence.
  • Applicants then have 60 days to submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
  • The eAPR requires additional documentation such as proof of funds, police certificates, medical exams, and work experience letters.

CRS Scores and Competitiveness

Since the launch of Express Entry in 2015, the lowest-ranked FSW candidate to receive an ITA held a CRS score of 413. While cut-offs vary by draw, candidates with lower scores are encouraged to improve their CRS ranking by:

  • Retaking language tests to achieve higher scores,
  • Obtaining a Provincial Nomination (worth 600 additional CRS points),
  • Pursuing a Canadian job offer,
  • Gaining additional skilled work experience or education.

How Long Does It Take to Process an FSW Application?

A Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program application through Express Entry follows a step-by-step timeline:

  • 1 Express Entry Profile Validity
  • Once submitted, an Express Entry profile remains valid in the candidate pool for 12 months.
  • 2 After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  • If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) with supporting documents.
  • 3 Application Processing Time
  • The standard processing time for most Express Entry applications is six months.
  • This six-month period begins after IRCC receives your full application, not from the date you enter the pool or receive your ITA.

Factors That May Affect Processing Time

While many applications are finalized within six months, certain factors can cause delays, including:

  • The complexity of your case (e.g., multiple employers, work history across countries).
  • The completeness of your submitted documents.
  • The verification process for work experience, education, or identity.
  • Adding family members to your application after submission.

Am I Required to Show Settlement Funds for FSW?

Yes. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members after arriving in Canada. This proof of funds ensures that newcomers can successfully settle without relying on social assistance.

Settlement Funds Requirement (as of July 7, 2025)

Number of Family Members Funds Required
1
$15,263
2
$19,001
3
$23,360
4
$28,362
5
$32,168
6
$36,280
7
$40,392
Each additional family member
+ $4,112

Important Notes

  • Funds must be readily available (e.g., savings, fixed deposits, or other liquid assets). Real estate or borrowed money does not qualify.
  • You will need to provide official letters from financial institutions that confirm the amount of money available to you.
  • If you are applying with family, the total required amount is based on the entire family size, even if they are not accompanying you to Canada.

Exception to Settlement Funds

You are not required to show proof of settlement funds if you:

  • Already have the legal right to work in Canada, or
  • Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

What Are the Processing Fees to Apply Under the FSW Program?

When applying for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program, applicants must pay government processing fees at the time of submission. These fees are separate from the settlement funds requirement, which must also be met to qualify under the program.

Federal Skilled Worker Processing Fees (as of March 7, 2025)

Application Category Processing Fee (CAD)
Principal applicant (processing fee + right of permanent residence fee)
$1,525
Spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner (with right of permanent residence fee)
$1,525
Dependent child (under 22 years of age, unmarried and not in a common-law relationship) OR dependent over 22 unable to support themselves due to a physical/mental condition
$260 each

Important Notes

  • Fees must be paid online through IRCC’s official payment portal when submitting your application.
  • The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is included in the amounts above. This fee can be paid upfront or later in the process, but paying it early may reduce processing delays.
  • Settlement funds are not part of these fees and must be shown separately.

Do I Need to Provide Language Test Results for the FSW Program?

Yes. All candidates applying under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program must submit results from an approved language test in English or French.

Minimum Requirement

  • Candidates must achieve at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in each ability:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking

Accepted Language Tests

For English:

  • IELTS General Training
  • CELPIP General (only available in Canada)

For French:

  • TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
  • TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)

Validity of Test Results

  • Language test results are valid for two years from the date of the exam.
  • Results must still be valid at the time you submit your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence.

Federal Skilled Worker Program: Eligible Occupations

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program, you must have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in an eligible occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Below is a sample of eligible occupations:

NOC Code Occupation Title Skill Type (TEER 0)
0011
Legislators
0
0012
Senior government managers and officials
0
0013
Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services
0
0014
Senior managers – health, education, social and community services, and membership organizations
0
0015
Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c.
0
0016
Senior managers – construction, transportation, production and utilities
0
0111
Financial managers
0
0112
Human resources managers
0
0113
Purchasing managers
0
0114
Other administrative services managers
0

How Do I Calculate My CRS and FSW Points?

To apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must first score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSW points grid. This is a minimum eligibility requirement to enter the Express Entry pool.

Once you are in the pool, you will be ranked against other candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which has a maximum of 1,200 points. The CRS score determines if and when you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Federal Skilled Worker Points Grid (Eligibility – Minimum 67 Points Required)

Factor Maximum Points
Education
25
Language Proficiency
28
Age
12
Work Experience
15
Arranged Employment
10
Adaptability
10
Total Possible Points
100
Minimum Pass Score
67
Level of Education Points
Doctoral (PhD) level
25
Master’s level
23
Two or more post-secondary degrees (at least one must be a program of 3 years or longer)
22
Post-secondary degree – 3 years or longer
21
Post-secondary degree – 2 years
19
Post-secondary degree – 1 year
15
Secondary school
5
Maximum
25
CLB Level Speaking Listening Reading Writing Points per ability
CLB 9 or higher
6
6
6
6
6 points each
CLB 8
5
5
5
5
5 points each
CLB 7
4
4
4
4
4 points each

➡️ Maximum: 24 points for the first official language

Age Points
Under 18
0
18–35
12
36
11
37
10
38
9
39
8
40
7
41
6
42
5
43
4
44
3
45
2
46
1
47 and older
0

➡️ Maximum: 12 points

Work Experience Points
6 or more years
15
4–5 years
13
2–3 years
11
1 year
9

➡️ Maximum: 15 points

If… And… Points
You currently work in Canada on a valid temporary work permit
– The work permit is valid when you apply and when the visa is issued (or you are authorized to work without a permit at visa issuance)

– The work permit was issued based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

– You are working for the employer named on your work permit who has made a permanent job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker
10
You currently work in Canada in a job exempt from the LMIA requirement under an international agreement (e.g., NAFTA/CUSMA) or a federal-provincial agreement
– The work permit is valid when you apply and when the visa is issued (or you are authorized to work without a permit at visa issuance)

– Your current employer has made a permanent job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker

– You have been working for that employer for at least 1 continuous year (full-time or equivalent part-time)
10
You do not have a work permit, or do not plan to work in Canada before obtaining permanent residence

OR

You are currently working in Canada and a different employer has offered you a permanent full-time job

OR

You are working in Canada in a job exempt from LMIA, but not under an international/federal-provincial agreement
– The employer has made a permanent job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker

– The employer has a positive LMIA from ESDC
10

➡️ Maximum: 10 points

Factor Description Points
Your past work in Canada
You completed at least one year of full-time work in Canada (NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B) with a valid work permit or while authorized to work.
10
Your spouse or partner’s past work in Canada
Your spouse/common-law partner completed at least one year of full-time work in Canada with a valid work permit or while authorized to work.
5
Your past study in Canada
You completed at least two academic years of full-time study (min. 15 hrs/week) in a program of at least two years at a secondary or post-secondary Canadian school, in good academic standing.
5
Your spouse or partner’s past study in Canada
Your spouse/common-law partner completed at least two academic years of full-time study (min. 15 hrs/week) in a program of at least two years at a secondary or post-secondary Canadian school, in good academic standing.
5
Arranged Employment in Canada
You earned points under Factor 5: Arranged Employment.
5
Your spouse or partner’s language level
Your spouse/common-law partner achieved at least CLB 4 in English or French in all four abilities (IELTS: Listening 4.0, Reading 4.5, Writing 3.5, Speaking 4.0).
5
Relatives in Canada
You, or your spouse/common-law partner, have a relative living in Canada (18+ and a Canadian citizen or PR). Eligible relatives include:

– Parent
– Grandparent
– Child
– Grandchild
– Sibling
– Aunt/Uncle
– Niece/Nephew
5

➡️ Maximum: 10 points

Difference Between FSW Eligibility Points and CRS Score

FSW Eligibility Points (67-point grid):

  • Used only for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.
  • Assesses you on 6 factors: education, language, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.
  • Out of 100 points, you need at least 67 to qualify.
  • Purpose: To check if you are eligible to enter the Express Entry system as an FSW applicant.

CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System):

  • Once you qualify and enter Express Entry, you are ranked against other candidates using the CRS out of 1200 points.
  • Factors include: core human capital, spouse factors, skill transferability, and additional points (like provincial nomination, job offer, Canadian education, siblings in Canada, etc.).
  • Purpose: To decide who actually gets invited (ITA) for permanent residence during the regular draws.

What is Foreign Work Experience?

For the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program under Express Entry:

  • Definition:
  • Foreign work experience means paid work experience gained outside of Canada within the last 10 years.
  • Requirements:
  • At least 1 year of full-time work (or the equivalent in part-time).
  • The work must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (previously NOC skill type 0, A, or B).
  • Work must be in your primary NOC that you declare in your application.
  • How to check your NOC:

You need to find your NOC code (job title + duties) on the Government of Canada’s NOC website to confirm your skill type/TEER level

CRS Points for Foreign Work Experience

1. Foreign Work Experience + Language Proficiency (CLB 7 or higher in all abilities)

Foreign Work Experience CLB 7 (with some ≥ 9) CLB 9 or higher (all abilities)
None or < 1 year
0 points
0 points
1–2 years
13 points
25 points
3+ years
25 points
50 points

2. Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience

Foreign Work Experience 1 year Canadian work exp. 2+ years Canadian work exp.
None or < 1 year
0 points
0 points
1–2 years
13 points
25 points
3+ years
25 points
50 points

How to Calculate FSW Points for Part-Time Work Experience

To qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, work experience must equal at least one year of continuous full-time work (30 hours per week), or an equivalent amount in part-time work.

👉 Full-time equivalent (FTE) = 1,560 hours per year
(30 hours/week × 52 weeks).

✅ Ways to Count Part-Time Work

  • 1 Multiple Part-Time Jobs (combined weekly hours):
  • Example: Job A = 15 hrs/week + Job B = 15 hrs/week → 30 hrs/week.
  • If done for 1 year, that equals 1 year of full-time work (1,560 hrs).
  • 2 One Part-Time Job (spread over longer time):
  • Example: 15 hrs/week × 2 years = 1,560 hrs.
  • This is also equal to 1 year of full-time work.
  • 3 Any combination, as long as you reach 1,560 hrs.
  • Hours must be paid and in NOC 0, A, or B occupations.
  • Work must be continuous (no big gaps).
Can a Federal Skilled Worker work in Quebec?

No. The FSW program does not apply to Quebec.

  • FSW applicants must intend to live outside Quebec.

  • If you plan to settle in Quebec, you must apply through Quebec’s own skilled worker programs.

  • However, you can work for a Quebec-based employer if you show your intention to live elsewhere in Canada.

Is there an age limit to apply under the FSW program?

  • There is no maximum age limit.

  • However, age affects points:

    • FSW eligibility points → after 35, you start losing points.

    • CRS score → after 29, your points gradually decrease.

  • Candidates over 35 often need to compensate with strong education, language ability, or arranged employment to remain competitive.

Can my spouse and children be included in my FSW application?

✅ Yes.

  • You may include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your PR application.

  • Keep in mind: applying with a spouse can slightly affect your CRS score, since the points calculation differs for single vs. married applicants.

Can I include my parents on my FSW application?

❌ No.

  • Parents cannot be included in your initial PR application.

  • Once you become a PR, you may apply to sponsor your parents under Canada’s Family Sponsorship Program.

Do I need a job offer to apply under the FSW Program?

❌ No.

  • A job offer is not required.

  • Most successful FSW applicants do not have one.

  • However, a valid job offer can increase your CRS by 50–200 points, making an ITA more likely.

What if I have a criminal record or serious medical condition?

  • You may be considered inadmissible for medical or criminal reasons.

  • However, inadmissibility is not always permanent:

    • Criminal records may be overcome through criminal rehabilitation or temporary resident permits (TRP).

    • Medical inadmissibility depends on whether your condition poses a public health/safety risk or causes excessive demand on health services.