The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry. It is intended for skilled workers with eligible Canadian or foreign work experience who want to become permanent residents.

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

Applicants generally need at least one year of continuous, paid work experience—or an equal amount of continuous part-time experience—within the 10 years before applying. The experience must be in the applicant’s primary occupation, classified under NOC 2021 TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3. Applicants must show that they performed the lead statement and a substantial number of the occupation’s main duties.

LANGUAGE ABILITY

Applicants must take an approved English or French language test and generally achieve at least Canadian Language Benchmark 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Test results must remain valid when the Express Entry profile and permanent residence application are submitted.

EDUCATION

Applicants need at least a Canadian secondary-school credential or its equivalent. Foreign education must generally be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment from an approved organization.

THE 67-POINT SELECTION GRID

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are assessed on language skills, education, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. A score of at least 67 out of 100 is required under the FSWP selection grid. This is different from the Comprehensive Ranking System score used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Meeting 67 points does not guarantee an invitation to apply.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Applicants may need to show sufficient settlement funds unless an exemption applies, must be admissible to Canada and must plan to live outside Quebec. An Express Entry profile must be created, and a candidate must receive an invitation before submitting a permanent residence application.

Requirements and invitation practices can change. We assess each case using current IRCC guidance.