Federal Skilled Worker Program

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): An Immigration Way for Professionals

If you have expertise in a specific field and are looking for an opportunity to advance your career while securing a stable future, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is an ideal starting point for your immigration journey. As one of the primary economic immigration programs, the FSWP is designed for individuals with the necessary work experience, education, and skills to contribute to the Canadian labor market.

The program’s point-based system evaluates factors such as work experience, language proficiency, and education, offering a transparent and competitive way to permanent residency. Our expert immigration team is prepared to guide you from the initial steps to obtaining your visa, ensuring a smooth and successful application process.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

The (FSWP) is one of the three main programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is designed for individuals with the skills, work experience, and education required to support Canada’s economy. The objective of this program is to attract skilled workers worldwide to strengthen the Canadian labor market.

The (FSWP) utilizes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) within the Express Entry draws to select eligible candidates regularly. Successful candidates can apply for permanent residency through (FSWP) or other economic immigration pathways.

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

  • Work Experience: At least one year (12 months) of continuous full-time work experience in the last 10 years.
  • Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB 7 score in an approved language test (English or French).
  • Educational Qualifications: A degree equivalent to a Canadian educational credential.
  • Intent to Reside: Applicants must express their commitment to settling in Canada.
  • Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Canada.

These factors contribute to the FSWP selection grid, where an applicant must obtain at least 67 out of 100 points to be eligible to create an Express Entry profile.

→ Working with our professional immigration consultants can help you maximize your eligibility and (CRS) score by ensuring all qualifying factors are met. Contact us today!

Selection Factors for the Federal Skilled Worker Program

If you meet the initial eligibility criteria, your application will be assessed based on the following selection factors, with a total maximum score of 100 points:

  • 67 points or higher: You may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and can create an Express Entry profile.
  • Less than 67 points: You will not be eligible for this program.

Important: The (FSWP) selection points differ from the (CRS) scores used for ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Selection Factors Maximum Points
Education 25
Language Skills 28
Work Experience 15
Age 12
Job Offer in Canada 10
Adaptability 10

→ Calculate your score today! Fill out our assessment form and book a consultation to receive personalized advice from our experts.

 

For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly

Federal Skilled Worker Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program

  1. Work Experience (Maximum 15 Points)

To qualify under (FSWP), your work experience must meet the following conditions:

  1. Requirements:
  • Must be within the last 10 years.
  • Must be a paid position (Unpaid internships and volunteer work are not eligible).
  • Must be at least 1 year of continuous full-time work (1,560 hours total or 30 hours per week).
Years of Experience Points
1 year 9
2-3 years 11
4-5 years 13
6 years or more 15

Work Hours Calculation:

  • Full-time in one job: 30 hours per week for 12 months (1,560 hours total).
  • Part-time: 15 hours per week for 24 months (1,560 hours total).
  • Multiple part-time jobs: Combined to reach 1,560 hours.
  • More than 30 hours per week does not increase the total work experience.
  1. Job Levels:

Canada requires skilled workers across three different skill levels and offers diverse job opportunities for individuals who meet the necessary qualifications. Your job must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 as classified in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.

Key Terminologies You Should Know:

  • National Occupation Classification (NOC): A comprehensive list of occupations in Canada’s labor market.
  • Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER): A classification system consisting of six levels, indicating the required training, education, experience, and responsibilities for a job.
TEER Category Job Type Examples
TEER 0 Managerial jobs Marketing Manager, Finance Manager
TEER 1 Jobs requiring a university degree Financial Advisors, Software Engineers
TEER 2 Jobs requiring a diploma or long-term apprenticeship Medical Laboratory Technologists, Computer Network Technicians
TEER 3 Jobs requiring a diploma or short-term apprenticeship Bakers, Dental Assistants

 

  1. Primary Occupation

Your job must match the primary occupation you declare in your immigration application.
*Your primary occupation does not necessarily have to be your most recent job.

  1. Job Duties & NOC Requirements

Before applying, ensure your job duties align with the NOC description for your occupation. Your work experience must include:

  • Primary job responsibilities outlined in the NOC job description.
  • Paid employment or commissions (volunteer or unpaid work does not qualify).

TEER Categories & Job Examples

TEER Job Type Examples
TEER 0 Managerial jobs Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations Managers, Financial Managers
TEER 1 Jobs usually requiring a university degree Financial Consultants, Software Engineers
TEER 2 Jobs usually requiring:
– A diploma
– At least two years of apprenticeship
Computer Network and Web Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technologists
TEER 3 Jobs usually requiring:
– A diploma
– A short-term apprenticeship (6 months – 2 years)
Bakers, Dental Assistants, and Dental Laboratory Assistants

 

  1. Work Experience During Studies

Work experience gained during your studies may be considered valid if:

*You were paid for the work you did.
*The work was continuous (without gaps).
*You meet all other eligibility criteria for the program.

  1. Language Proficiency (Maximum 28 Points)

Candidates must take an approved language test recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada )IRCC(.

Accepted English Tests:

  • CELPIP-General
  • IELTS General Training (IELTS One Skill Retake is NOT accepted)
  • PTE Core

Accepted French Tests:

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

* To assess proficiency in English or French, the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system is used.
You must achieve the required minimum score in the following four skills:

  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking

 

Language Score Assessment (CLB – Canadian Language Benchmarks):

CLB Level Points Per Ability (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing)
CLB 9 or higher 6 points
CLB 8 5 points
CLB 7 4 points
Below CLB 7 Not eligible

Second Official Language (French or English) – Maximum 4 Points

CLB Level Points
CLB 5 or higher in all four abilities 4
CLB 4 or lower in any ability 0

 

  1. Education (Maximum 25 Points)

If you have studied in Canada, you must provide your degree and transcripts. However, if you hold a foreign degree, you must submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) along with your degree and transcripts.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): The (ECA) is required to verify whether your foreign education credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.

*The WES (World Education Services) is one of the authorized organizations for ECAs, responsible for assessing international educational credentials.

Education Points Table:

Education Level Points
High School Diploma 5
One-year post-secondary program 15
Two-year post-secondary diploma 19
Post-secondary degree (three years or more, e.g., Bachelor’s) 21
Two or more post-secondary degrees (one must be at least three years) 22
Master’s Degree or Professional Doctorate 23
PhD 25

 

  1. Age (Maximum 12 Points)

You will receive points based on your age at the time of submitting your application.

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 above 0
  1. Job Offer (Maximum 10 Points)

You can earn points if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must be obtained before submitting your skilled worker application.

A valid job offer must:

  • Be full-time.
  • Be paid.
  • Be non-seasonal.
  • Be for a minimum of one year.
  • Fall under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
  • Require the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  1. Adaptability (Maximum 10 Points)

You and your spouse can gain additional points based on adaptability factors.

Adaptability Factor Points (Maximum 10)
Spouse’s Language Proficiency (CLB 4 or higher in all skills) 5
Applicant’s previous education in Canada 5
Spouse’s previous education in Canada 5
Applicant’s previous work experience in Canada (at least one year in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation) 10
Spouse’s previous work experience in Canada (at least one year) 5
Valid Job Offer in Canada 5
Having a close relative in Canada 5

Eligible Relatives in Canada Must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Live in Canada.
  • Be related to the applicant or their spouse as one of the following:
    • Parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece.

→ Meeting these requirements can enhance your eligibility for skilled worker immigration. Contact us today to assess your points or complete our free evaluation form!

  • Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada.

Exceptions: If you already have a valid job offer or are currently working in Canada, you do not need to provide proof of funds.

Minimum Settlement Funds Requirement:

Family Members Required Funds (CAD), Updated December 17, 2024
1 $14,690
2 $18,288
3 $22,483
4 $27,297
5 $30,690
6 $34,917
7 $38,875
Each additional member +$3,958

Important Notes:

  1. Funds must be available at the time of application submission and when the permanent resident visa is issued.
  2. You must provide official bank letters from every financial institution where you hold accounts. These letters must:
    • Be printed on official letterhead.
    • Include the bank’s contact details (address, phone number, and email).
    • Show your name.
    • List any outstanding debts (loans, mortgages, etc.).
    • Provide detailed account information (account numbers, date opened, current balance, and six-month average balance).

 

Required Documents for Upload on the Canadian Immigration Website

To immigrate to Canada and obtain the relevant visa, all required documents must be uploaded online. There is no need to submit physical copies.

If your documents are in a language other than English or French, you must provide an official translation along with the translator’s certification and a notarized copy of the original document.

  1. Employment Documents:
  • Employment reference letter (for the applicant and spouse) including:
    • Job title
    • Employer’s name, address, and contact details
    • Number of working hours
    • Annual salary
    • Job description and responsibilities

*If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, it must also be uploaded.

  1. Language Proficiency Documents:
  • Official test results for the applicant and spouse from approved language tests.
  1. Identification Documents:
  • Passport: Valid passport for the main applicant, spouse, and children (minimum six months validity from the application date).
  • Marriage or Divorce Certificates: Proof of marriage, divorce, or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable).
  • Birth Certificates: Required for all children.
  • Recent Photographs: Required for all family members.
  • Proof of Relationship to a Relative in Canada (if applicable):
    • Document proving the family relationship.
    • Proof of the relative’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
    • Proof that the relative currently resides in Canada.
  1. Educational Documents:
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (for the applicant and spouse).
  • If educated outside Canada, an (ECA) must be provided.
  1. Police Clearance Certificate:
  • Required for the applicant, spouse, and children aged 18 and above.
  • A certificate must be obtained from any country where the applicant has lived for six months or more in the past 10 years.
  • The certificate is valid for one month before submission, and after official translation, it is valid for six months.
  1. Medical Examination Documents:
  • The applicant, spouse, and children must undergo Medical Exams to ensure they do not have health conditions that may burden Canada’s healthcare system.
  • Medical exams must be conducted by IRCC-approved physicians and are valid for one year.

 

For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly

How To Apply

Application Guide for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

  • The applicant must fulfill the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

  • Prepare all necessary documents, including (ECA), language test results, valid passport, and other identification documents.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile

  • The applicant must create and submit an Express Entry profile on the (IRCC) website.
  • The profile must include information about work experience, education, and personal details.

*Ensuring accuracy in this step is crucial. Our experienced immigration consultants can help you maximize your (CRS) score.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

  • Eligible applicants will receive an (ITA) for permanent residency.

Step 5: Submit the Application

  • Submit a complete application, including police clearance, security checks, and medical exam results.

Step 6: Biometrics Submission

  • A biometric appointment letter will be issued once the application is reviewed.

Step 7: Application Processing and Visa Issuance

  • Most applications are processed within six months, and successful applicants will receive their permanent residence visa.

 

*Benefits of the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • No job offer required to apply.
  • Suitable for professionals with diverse skills and work experience.

FSWP Processing Fees (in CAD)

Fee Type Principal Applicant Spouse Per Child
Application Processing Fee $950 $950 $260
Right of Permanent Residence Fee $575 $575 N/A
Biometric Fee $85 $170 (Family) N/A

 

Final Notes

  • To enter Canada, applicants must pass security, medical, and criminal background checks. Those with criminal records or security concerns may be ineligible.
  • You can settle in any province except Quebec, which has its own immigration program.

 

→ Start Your Immigration Journey Today!

Our expert team will guide you through every step to ensure a seamless application process. Fill out our free assessment form or contact us today to get started on your journey to Canada!

 

For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly