Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is one of the three programs under Canada's Express Entry system, designed to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to the country's economy. It targets individuals with foreign work experience, high education levels, language proficiency, and other attributes that make them competitive candidates for permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility for Federal Skilled Worker Canada

Eligibility Criteria:

• Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years under NOC skill level 0, A, or B.
• Language Proficiency: Must take an approved language test in English or French. The minimum score required is CLB 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
• Education: Applicants must have completed a high school diploma or higher. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for foreign degrees.
• Proof of Funds: Applicants must prove they have enough funds to support themselves and their family in Canada unless they have a valid job offer.
• Points-Based Selection System: Applicants must score at least 67 points out of 100 based on age, education, work experience, language skills, employment, and adaptability.

Express Entry Pool

If eligible, candidates must create an Express Entry profile and will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system allocates points based on factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and additional factors.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS ranks candidates out of 1,200 points. Points are awarded for:

• Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language ability, and work experience.
• Skill Transferability: Education and work experience in combination with language skills.
• Additional Factors: Provincial nomination, valid job offer, Canadian education, and more.

How To Apply for Federal Skilled Worker

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for the FSW program:

• Work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B.
• Language proficiency in English or French (CLB 7 or higher).
• Education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher (with Educational Credential Assessment).
• Proof of funds to support yourself and your family unless you have a valid job offer.

Step 2: Take a Language Test

All FSW applicants must take an approved language test to demonstrate proficiency in English or French. The test options include:

• IELTS or CELPIP for English
• TEF or TCF for French

Make sure your results are less than two years old when you apply.

Step 3: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If you completed your education outside of Canada, you need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). You can get your ECA from designated organizations such as:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• Comparative Education Service (CES)
• Medical Council of Canada (for doctors)

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

Create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You will need to provide information about:

• Your work experience
• Your language test results
• Your educational credentials (ECA report)
• Your age and marital status
• Proof of funds

Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Pool

Once your profile is complete, you will enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. Your CRS score will determine your ranking. Regular draws are held by IRCC to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets the cutoff, you will receive an ITA for permanent residency. You have 60 days to submit a complete application with supporting documents.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

After receiving the ITA, submit your application for permanent residency through your Express Entry account. You will need to upload documents such as:

• Language test results
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Proof of funds
• Police certificates
• Medical exams

Step 8: Wait for Processing

Processing usually takes around 6 months. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a visa.

Step 9: Move to Canada

With your COPR, you can travel to Canada and complete your landing process to become a permanent resident.