Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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: Create Your Express Entry Profile

To initiate the application process, you need to submit your profile to the Express Entry pool. 

What to Do While You’re in the Pool

While waiting in the Express Entry pool, make sure you get ready to accept an invitation to apply. Here’s what you should do:

1. Get Your Documents Ready: Organize all necessary documents, such as valid passport, photo, and educational credentials, along with Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports if your education is from a foreign country. Reference letters and supporting documents to verify your work experience are also required. Additionally, you must submit police certificates, proof of medical examination, and relevant documents for family members (if applicable). If you’re claiming points for family members, proof of relationship is necessary. Demonstrating sufficient funds and providing language test results are equally crucial. To ensure a successful application, make sure all documents are clear, properly translated (if needed), and meet the specific program’s requirements.

2. Try to Improve Your Score: While in the pool, you can improve your score and increase your chances of being invited to apply by getting a valid job offer, contacting provinces and territories for nomination consideration, improving language scores, enhancing your education, or gaining more relevant work experience.

Respond to Your Invitation to Apply

If you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, you will be notified in your account. Make sure to provide accurate information and submit proof of the details given in your Express Entry profile. Failure to provide accurate information may lead to refusal of your application or inadmissibility.

What to Do If You’re Not Invited to Apply

If you’re not invited to apply within 12 months of submitting your Express Entry profile, it will automatically expire. You can create a new profile if needed, but ensure your existing profile expires first.

Remember that while the Express Entry system offers great opportunities, it’s essential to meet all the eligibility criteria and provide accurate information throughout the application process. We wish you the best of luck in your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)!