Federal Skilled Worker Program

A Global Path to Canada's Skilled Workforce

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a key pathway for skilled professionals from around the world to immigrate to Canada. Managed under the Express Entry system, this program is designed for individuals who have acquired skilled foreign work experience and wish to become permanent residents, contributing their expertise to the Canadian economy.

 

Federal Skilled Worker Program

A Global Path to Canada's Skilled Workforce

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a key pathway for skilled professionals from around the world to immigrate to Canada. Managed under the Express Entry system, this program is designed for individuals who have acquired skilled foreign work experience and wish to become permanent residents, contributing their expertise to the Canadian economy.

 

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed by Express Entry. It is specifically for foreign nationals with skilled work experience who have never worked in Canada and do not have an education from a Canadian institution. The program's core purpose is to select immigrants who can quickly establish themselves in the Canadian economy.

 

General Requirements

  • Skilled Work Experience: You must have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in a single occupation within the last 10 years.


  • Language Skills: You must take an approved language test and meet a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.


  • Education: You must have a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree. If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify its Canadian equivalency.


  • Proof of Funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada.

Arranged Employment in Canada

You can get points for a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The offer must be for a permanent, full-time position in a skilled occupation.

Work Experience

 Points are allocated for the number of years you have worked full-time in a skilled occupation. The maximum points are awarded for five or more years of experience.

Education

Points are based on your highest level of completed education. More points are given for advanced degrees (e.g., a master's or Ph.D.) and for Canadian credentials.

Adaptability

Points are awarded for factors that show your ability to settle in Canada, such as your spouse's language skills or work experience, or your own previous study or work experience in Canada.

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Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

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Optimize Your CRS Score

We help you explore every option to increase your CRS score, giving you the best possible chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

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We assess which immigration program, like the FSWP, is the best fit for your profile to ensure a successful application.

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What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC)?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the official system used by the Canadian government to classify jobs based on their duties and the type of work performed. Finding your correct NOC code is the first crucial step in the FSWP process. It determines whether your work experience is considered "skilled" and therefore eligible for Express Entry.


To find your NOC, you should not rely on your job title alone. Instead, use the official NOC website and search for your occupation. Read the "Main Duties" section of the job descriptions to find the one that best matches your responsibilities. This ensures you select the correct code, which is essential for the accuracy of your Express Entry profile.

Find your NOC

Use the official Government of Canada tool to access the complete list of occupations and find the code that matches your work experience.

The FSWP 100-Point Grid

To officially enter the Express Entry pool, you must also score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP's specific selection grid. This grid assesses your profile based on six key factors: age, education, work experience, language proficiency, adaptability, and arranged employment in Canada (a valid job offer).


Your score on this grid determines if you are eligible for Express Entry. Once in the pool, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will then determine your ranking among other candidates.

How do I calculate my CRS points?

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is how candidates are ranked within the Express Entry pool. It is separate from the FSWP 67-point grid. To calculate your score, you must accurately assess points from your human capital (age, education, and language skills) and other factors.

CEC vs. FSWP vs. FSTP: What's the Difference?

Factor
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Work ExperienceAt least 1 year of skilled work in Canada (in the last 3 years).
At least 1 year of continuous skilled work (in the last 10 years).
At least 2 years of full-time work in a skilled trade (in the last 5 years).
Work Location
Must be in Canada.
Can be anywhere outside of Canada.
Can be in or outside of Canada.
Language
CLB 7 for TEER 0/1; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3.
CLB 7 in all four abilities.
CLB 5 for speaking/listening; CLB 4 for reading/writing.
Education
No education required for eligibility.
Canadian secondary or post-secondary education, or an ECA is required.
No education required, but a credential can boost your CRS score.
Proof of Funds
Not required.
Required, unless you have a valid job offer and are currently working.
Required, unless you have a valid job offer.
Job Offer
Not required.
Not required, but a valid job offer can add significant points.
Required. The job offer must be for at least one year.

Provincial Nomination
& Express Entry

Provinces and territories can nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), giving applicants a major boost in their chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

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