Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
An Express Entry program for foreigners with work experience outside of Canada, or within.
Foreign workers can obtain Canadian permanent residence through previous work experience outside of Canada
Immigration Pros can help candidates build a strong application that will increase the chances of a successful outcome
The Federal Skilled Worker program is an Express Entry stream for foreigners with work experience outside of Canada who would like to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Learn more about the Federal Skilled Worker program and how it can be a favorable option for professionals.
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Express Entry via Federal Skilled Worker Program
The FSW is a program for foreign skilled workers with work experience in NOC 0, A or B positions who want to immigrate to Canada permanently, whether work experience was acquired inside or outside of Canada.
The program facilitates the chance of obtaining permanent residence for those who meet certain requirements. As the FSW is a points-based system, applicants are awarded a certain amount of points according to their age, education, work experience, valid job offer, language skills and adaptability.
Applicants must obtain at least 67 out of 100 points in order to apply to this program. If an applicant meets the point requirement, they may submit their application to be considered for invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
Requirements for Federal Skilled Worker Program
In order to apply successfully for the federal skilled worker program, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have enough money to settle in Canada. The amount of money required will depend on the size of the family. This will include the applicant, the applicant’s spouse or partner, and any dependent children. Dependent children will be included in the calculation even if they are permanent residents or Canadian citizens or are not coming to Canada with the applicant. Here is a table outlining the minimum funds an applicant should have:
The proof of funds requirement is critical to an application alongside the work experience, education and language ability factors.
Six Selection Factors to Get to the
67-point Mark
There are several factors that play into the amount of points an applicant receives. For each requirement, a candidate has a maximum amount of points that they can earn.
Skilled Work Experience
(earn up to 15 points)
Work experience must be obtained in NOC 0, A or B positions
Must have at least one year of continuous work experience in primary occupation
Work experience must be obtained in primary occupations from a full time job or two separate jobs that add up to 30 hours per week.
Work experience must be paid, not part of unpaid internship or volunteer work
Education (earn up to 25 points)
Proof of secondary (high school) or post-secondary education (certificate, diploma or degree).
Education can be acquired in Canada or abroad.
Language Skills (earn up to 28 points)
Applicants will be awarded points based on official test results for their first and second official languages
English and French are the two languages considered for language proficiency
Applicants are tested on their written, listening, speaking and reading language skills
Age (earn up to 12 points)
Applicants under 18 years of age and over 47 years do not receive any points
The highest amount of points is awarded to those in the group of 18-35 years old
Adaptability (earn up to 10 points)
Adaptability is scored depending on the possibility of settlement and ability to the country and culture. This is accessed in order to accept applicants that may want to stay and live in Canada permanently. Several factors play a role in an applicant’s favor, including first-hand Canadian work experience obtained by the applicant or by the applicant’s spouse.
The applicant’s spouse or partner’s language level (earn up to 5 points)
The applicant’s past studies in Canada (earn up to 5 points)
The applicant’s past studies in Canada (earn up to 5 points)
Past work in Canada (earn up to 10 points)
The applicant’s spouse or common-law partner’s past work experience in Canada (earn up to 5 points)
Arranged employment in Canada (earn up to 5 points)
Having immediate relatives in Canada (earn up to 5 points)
Arranged Employment in Canada (earn up to 10 points)
Candidates must have a valid full-time job offer to work in Canada
Job offer must fall under NOC 0, A or B
Seasonal job offers do not qualify as valid job offers for this program
Job offer must be for at least one year
You may qualify for this program even if you are already in Canada under a current full-time contract and the contract will be ongoing at the moment of filing the application.
Proof of Funds
Applicants must show that they have enough funds to enable them and their families to settle in Canada, unless:
The applicant is currently able to work legally in Canada
The applicant has a valid job offer from an employer in Canada
To see the points system, take a look at the points system for the FSW program.
Process of Federal Skilled Worker Program
Here is a breakdown of the application process :
Find out if you are eligible for the FSW program.
Gather all the appropriate documentation and evidence you will need to prove your education background (diplomas and transcripts), your financial capacity (bank statements), your language proficiency (test scores), a valid job offer, and any other necessary information.
Fill out and submit your profile in IRCC’s Express Entry portal
Wait for an answer! If you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency, you will then complete and submit your application for permanent residency and hopefully move to Canada.
Immigration Pros Can Help You Extend Your Work Permit
01
Outreach
Call or fill out our contact form for a free assessment. Our team of professionals will evaluate your case and provide you with professional feedback on your chances of success and a quote.
02
Strategy Creation
Our team of professionals will work with you to create a tailor-made strategy that is likely to result in a successful immigration process.
03
Case Revision
We will review your supporting documents thoroughly and work towards building a strong case.
04
Representation
In order to make this an easy and stress-free process, we will handle all communication with the government on your behalf while we await for a decision, keeping you informed every step of the way.
05
Decision
Once a decision has been made, our team will advise you on the next necessary steps.
What are you waiting for? Leave your Immigration application to the Pros!
We’ll get back to you within a few hours
FAQs
Out of the 100 points available, if you score 67 you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
The processing time for each application will vary depending on the complexity of your situation and if any other documentation is needed from you. The standard processing time is around 6 months between the submission of the application and the issuance of your permit.
The processing fee associated with an FSW work permit is around $850. An additional $515 can be paid for the right of permanent residency. If applying with a spouse or partner they will also have to pay the $850 processing fee and the $515 right of permanent residency fee. For each dependent child, the processing fee is $230. Additional fees may also be incurred if the government needs to collect biometrics.
The FSW allows for a primary applicant, the worker, to include their spouse or partner and their and their partner’s dependent children.
The federal skilled worker program is one of many immigration programs that use the Express Entry system to filter eligible applicants. Other programs that use express entry include the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
