Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the three federal immigration programs managed through Express Entry. It is the principal pathway for skilled foreign workers outside Canada — or those in Canada without Canadian work experience — to obtain permanent residence based on their human capital characteristics.

Minimum eligibility requirements include: at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the past ten years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation; minimum language test scores in English or French; and a Canadian high school certificate or foreign equivalent assessed by a designated organisation. In addition, candidates must score at least 67 points on a six-factor selection grid covering education, language, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.

FSWP candidates submit an Express Entry profile and are ranked in the pool under the Comprehensive Ranking System. Unlike the Canadian Experience Class, the FSWP requires an educational credential assessment from an IRCC-designated organisation. A valid job offer from a Canadian employer (supported in most cases by an LMIA) can add significant CRS points. Candidates who do not receive an ITA through the general pool may improve their score through a provincial nomination, a qualifying job offer, or improved language test results.