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Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is one of the three programs contained within Canada’s Express Entry system for processing immigration applications. The FSW program allows candidates with foreign work experience and no connections to Canada to apply for permanent residency.
Canada immigration opens numerous opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide, and the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is a prime gateway for those seeking to contribute their expertise and build a future in Canada.
What is the FSW program?
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is managed under the Express Entry system and uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates who wish to settle permanently in Canada. Unlike the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates, Federal Skilled Workers are not required to have Canadian work experience to enter the Express Entry pool. Instead, candidates must meet a minimum points requirement based on factors such as work experience, language ability, and education. Once in the pool, applicants with the most competitive CRS scores will receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Who is eligible to apply under the FSW program?
In order to qualify for the FSWP, a candidate must meet certain minimum requirements regarding years of experience, level of education, age, and English or French language proficiency:
Work Experience
- At least 12-months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience completed within the previous 10 years (or an equal amount in part-time experience).
- Skilled work experience refers to experience classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
Language Proficiency
- Reach a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved English or French language test.
Education
- A minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or the equivalent in foreign education.
Financial Support
- Enough funds to support themselves and any spouse and/or children in their settlement in Canada.
Residence in Canada
- Must intend to live outside of the province of Quebec.
If a candidate meets the requirements listed above, they must also demonstrate that they score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSW eligibility points grid. If a candidate meets these requirements, they will be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile for the program. However, candidates should note that they must meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements. Certain criminal offences and medical conditions may make a person inadmissible to Canada.
How can I apply under the FSW program?
Interested candidates must submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee a candidate will receive Canadian permanent residence. Only after submitting an Express Entry profile will a candidate be assigned a CRS score and be considered in future Express Entry draws for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.