Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) was designed to help internationally skilled workers obtain permanent residency in Canada. Originating in 1967, this program initially relied on subjective assessments to select successful candidates. Today, it is integrated into the Express Entry System, utilizing a Comprehensive Ranking System to evaluate applicants objectively. The Federal Skilled Worker program is recognized as the most efficient and popular pathway for immigration to achieve permanent residency in Canada. Candidates can achieve permanent residency in as little as six months, making it an attractive pathway for skilled workers seeking to build their futures in Canada from abroad.
Table of Contents
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- What is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)?
- Federal Skilled Worker Eligibility Requirements
- Federal Skilled Worker Work Requirements
- Federal Skilled Worker Language Requirements
- Federal Skilled Worker Education Requirement
- Federal Skilled Worker Financial Requirement
- Federal Skilled Worker Points Grid
What is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)?
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is a pathway for international skilled workers aiming to achieve permanent residency in Canada. Alongside the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the FSW is one of the three main programs under Express Entry. Unlike the CEC, the FSW program does not require Canadian work experience for eligibility. Candidates must score at least 67 out of 100 points based on criteria such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency in English or French, and adaptability. This scoring system identifies those most likely to succeed economically in Canada. Once in the Express Entry pool, applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), with the highest-ranking candidates receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Candidates who receive an ITA will have six months to respond. Candidates not selected within one year of entering the pool will have the opportunity to improve their profile and resubmit. The FSW program is known for its efficiency, often allowing candidates to secure permanent residency within as few as six months. It is a popular choice for skilled workers outside Canada.
Federal Skilled Worker Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the FSW is determined by three main factors: work experience, language ability and education.
Federal Skilled Worker Work Requirements
To meet the minimum requirements, your work experience must be:
Within the last ten years, at least one year (1,560 hours) of continuous work. This experience must be the same as your National Occupational Classification (NOC), TEER 0,1,2 or 3. The work experience must be paid; volunteer and unpaid internships are invalid.
Your experience must be 12 months of full-time work:
Full time at one job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
Part Time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 full time (1,560 hours)
Full time at more than one job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than one job for 12 months = 1560 hours
Work experience obtained during your studies can contribute to your eligibility if it adheres to the following criteria: it was compensated through wages or commissions, maintained continuity without employment interruptions, and fulfills all other program prerequisites.
Federal Skilled Worker Language Requirements
All Express Entry candidates must complete a language examination to evaluate their English or French proficiency. This proficiency is measured against the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) for English and the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC) for French. For candidates applying for the Federal Skilled Worker application to be considered, it’s crucial to secure at least a CLB level 7 in each of the following categories: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
Candidates must present test results obtained within the past two years when applying for Express Entry.
Federal Skilled Worker Education Requirement
The minimum requirement for eligibility is possessing at least a Canadian high school diploma or its international equivalent. For education acquired outside Canada, you must present an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)report from a designated organization, verifying that your international education is equivalent to Canadian secondary or post-secondary education standards.
Federal Skilled Worker Financial Requirement
To be eligible for the FSW, candidates must provide proof of funds that show they can support themselves and their families. Below is a chart with the current proof of funds requirements.
Settlement Funds
Each applicant has to show sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada. These funds are commonly referred to as settlement funds. You do not need to show settlement funds if you are applying with the Canadian Experience Class if you can legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada. The specific amount of settlement funds required depends on the size of your family.
Here are the minimum settlement fund requirements based on family size: (make chart for website)
- One person (single applicant): $14, 690.00 CAD
- Two persons: $18, 288.00 CAD
- Three persons: $22, 483.00 CAD
- Four persons: $27, 297.00 CAD
- Five persons: $30, 690.00 CAD
- Six persons: $34, 917.00 CAD
- Seven persons or more: $38, 875.00 CAD
Federal Skilled Worker Points Grid
Candidates meeting the minimum requirements listed above must also score 67 out of 100 points on the eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program point grid. This point grid is specific to the FSW and is separate from the CRS. The factors evaluated in the point grid will be across six factors: age, education, work experience, possession of a valid job offer, proficiency in English or French, and adaptability.
Breaking down each category, here’s a more detailed point allocation similar to the example provided for education:
- Language Skills (Maximum 24 points)
First Official Language:
CLB level 9 or higher (per ability) – 6 points
CLB level 8 (per ability) – 5 points
CLB level 7 (per ability) – 4 points
Below CLB level 7 – Not eligible to apply
Second Official Language:
CLB level 5 or higher (per ability) – 1 point
- Education (Maximum 25 points)
Doctoral (PhD) level: 25 points
Master’s level: 23 points
Two or more post-secondary degrees – at least one for a program of at least three years: 22 points
Post-secondary degree – 3 years or longer: 21 points
Post-secondary degree – 2 years: 19 points
Post-secondary degree – 1 year: 15 points
Secondary school (high school diploma):5 points
- Work Experience (Maximum 15 points)
Six or more years: 15 points
4-5 years: 13 points
2-3 years: 11 points
One year: 9 points
- Age (Maximum 12 points)
18-35 years: 12 points
Each year over 35: Decrease of 1 point to a minimum of 0 points
- Arranged Employment in Canada (Maximum 10 points)
Valid job offer: 10 points
- Adaptability (Maximum 35 points)
Spouse’s language level: Up to 5 points
Previous study in Canada (applicant or spouse): Up to 5 points
Spouse’s previous study in Canada: Up to 5 points
Previous work in Canada: 10 points
Spouse’s previous work in Canada: 5 points
Relatives in Canada: 5 points
These are the main categories a candidate must meet to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and create an Express Entry profile. Other requirements include no criminal history, medical clearance, and intent to live outside of Quebec. Any offences or false documentation will lead to inadmissibility in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Experience Class
Can I apply for Canadian experience class outside Canada?
Yes, candidates can apply outside of Canada for the Canadian Experience Class if they fulfill the eligibility criteria, including having one year of work experience in Canada within three years immediately preceding the application. Candidates in Canada on a temporary work visa nearing its expiration can obtain a bridging open work permit, allowing them to maintain employment in Canada while awaiting their invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Do you need to show financial proof for the Canadian Experience Class?
No, if you receive an invitation under the Canadian Experience Class, the requirement to demonstrate financial proof does not apply to you. However, by default, the Express Entry system will request proof of funds documents from all candidates. To be exempt, invitees for permanent residency can fulfill this step by uploading a letter stating their invitation under the Canadian Experience Class or uploading evidence of a valid job offer, bypassing the need to show proof of funds.
Do internships and co-ops in Canada count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience?
No, however, it is a bit nuanced. The eligibility of a paid internship to count towards the Express Entry work experience requirement varies depending on its relation to your educational program. If your paid internship was conducted outside of your academic curriculum and not as a requirement for your degree or diploma, it could be considered valid work experience for Express Entry. This means that internships undertaken independently of academic obligations, where you gain practical skills relevant to your professional field, may contribute to fulfilling the work experience criteria for Express Entry applications.
Frequently Asked Questions Federal Skilled Worker Program
What is a good score for a federal skilled worker?
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry, a good score is generally considered to exceed the minimum required 67 points out of 100 on the FSW eligibility assessment grid. However, to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, candidates must compete in the Express Entry pool, where scores are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). To determine your eligibility for the FSW program, complete our Free Assessment Tool.
What is the difference between the Federal Skilled Worker program and the Canadian Experience Class?
The most significant difference between the two is that the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) requires a minimum of one year of continuous, paid, full-time work experience (or an equivalent in part-time hours, totalling 1,560 hours) within the past ten years, which can be acquired internationally or within Canada. In contrast, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requires explicitly at least one year of work experience gained in Canada, targeting temporary residents of Canada. There are also minor differences in required language proficiency.
Where can you live in Canada?
It’s essential to note that the Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for those intending to reside outside Quebec, as the province independently selects its skilled workers. If nominated by a province or territory, you are required to reside within that nominating region.
How can I apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
To apply for the FSW, you must complete the following steps.
- Eligibility Check: Verify your eligibility based on the FSW selection criteria, which include having at least one year of continuous, full-time, paid work experience abroad, meeting language proficiency minimums, and scoring 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection factor grid. Eligibility grants entry into the Express Entry pool.
- Express Entry Profile Creation: Upon creating your profile, you’ll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which ranks you against other candidates based on factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and more.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Maintain your profile in the Express Entry pool, where your CRS score will rank you. IRCC issues ITAs approximately every two weeks, inviting the top-ranked candidates.
- Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR): After receiving an ITA, you must prepare and submit your eAPR within 60 days, including all required documents and completed application forms.
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence and Landing in Canada: Approval of your permanent residence application leads to completing your landing process in Canada, which finalizes your status as a Permanent Resident. Those outside Canada from visa-required countries must receive a PR visa before travelling to complete the landing process.
Am I required to show settlement funds for FSW?
Yes, applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program must show proof of settlement funds unless they are currently authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Candidates will still need to upload proof of funds, and then a supporting letter of a job offer as the Express Entry System, by default, requires every profile to upload proof of funds.
