Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Eligibility and Application
Key Information
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
Skilled Work Experience: You must have worked in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3. Your work experience should align with the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC, including essential and most main duties.
Language Ability: You must take approved language tests in English or French for writing, reading, listening, and speaking. To be eligible, you need to achieve a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities. Your language test results are valid for two years from the test date and must remain valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.
Education: If you studied in Canada, you need a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution. For foreign education, you must have a completed credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization, confirming the equivalence to a completed Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree.
Selection Factors
Once you meet all the minimum requirements, we will assess your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program based on several selection factors. These factors include:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Whether you have a valid job offer
- English or French language skills
- Adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle in Canada)
- Your performance in each of these factors will be evaluated, and an overall score out of 100 will be assigned to you. The current pass mark is 67 points.
Where You Can Live in Canada
- Please note that the Federal Skilled Worker Program requires you to plan to live outside the province of Quebec. Quebec has its own skilled worker selection process. During the application process, you will be asked where you plan to live in Canada, but you don’t have to settle in that specific province or territory.
Next Steps
- You are expected to live outside the province of Quebec. Quebec has its own system for selecting skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, please consult Quebec-selected skilled workers for more information.
Application Procedure
To apply for the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry), first ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, such as Canadian work experience and language proficiency. Create an Express Entry profile online, gather and submit necessary documents like passports, language test results, and educational assessments. Once submitted, you’ll enter a pool of candidates. If you meet the criteria, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Upon receiving an ITA, prepare and submit your complete application for permanent residence within 60 days, including all required documents. Respond promptly to any additional information requests from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After a decision on your application, if approved, you’ll receive further instructions and/or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) document. This process can take several months and the specifics may vary based on individual circumstances, so check the official IRCC website or consult with a professional for up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document
