Canada has long been a dream destination for many people around the world, especially for skilled workers. If you are also nurturing this dream, then the Federal Skilled Worker Program is the ideal pathway for you. Join Phan Immigration in exploring the eligibility criteria and the benefits you can receive through this program in the article below.
What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a program under the Express Entry system that allows skilled foreign workers from around the world to immigrate to Canada. The program targets professionals with the qualifications, work experience, and skills that align with Canada’s labor market needs, helping to address labor shortages and support economic growth.
FSWP is one of the two federal immigration programs for skilled workers under the Express Entry system, alongside the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is also one of the key immigration pathways for individuals who wish to live and work in Canada on a long-term basis.
The Role of FSWP in Canada’s Immigration System
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) plays a vital role in Canada’s immigration system, especially in attracting highly skilled talent from around the globe. Its main roles include:
- Selecting highly skilled workers: The program helps Canada attract individuals with the education, skills, and work experience that meet labor market demands.
- Meeting labor and economic needs: FSWP contributes to filling labor shortages across various sectors, supporting economic growth and sustainable development.
- Facilitating permanent settlement: Immigrants under the FSWP receive permanent resident (PR) status, granting them the right to live, work, and access social benefits in Canada.
- Streamlining application processing: Operated through the Express Entry system, the program enables a faster, more transparent, and efficient application process.
- Promoting diversity and integration: FSWP helps Canada attract talent from a wide range of countries, enriching cultural diversity and strengthening immigrant communities.
With these roles, the FSWP is not only an immigration program but also a strategic tool that enables Canada to maintain long-term competitiveness and development.
A Human-Centered Approach for Skilled Workers
The Canadian government understands the challenges immigrants face when starting a new life in a different country. That’s why the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) represents Canada’s commitment to providing newcomers with favorable conditions to begin their journey in a friendly and diverse society. Although the program is competitive, it is designed to give every individual a fair chance to succeed and reach their full potential.
To support newcomers holistically, Canada offers a wide range of settlement services—from language training to community integration programs—helping immigrants adapt quickly and thrive. Therefore, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is not just a pathway to permanent residency, but also an invitation to help build a strong and prosperous Canadian community.
Eligibility Requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the FSWP, you must meet the following minimum criteria:
- At least one year of skilled work experience, which must meet the following conditions:
- Your experience must fall under TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
- It must be in the same NOC code as the job you are using for your immigration application (referred to as your primary occupation). This does not have to be your most recent job.
- You must prove that you performed the actions described in the lead statement of the NOC job description, as well as most of the main duties listed.
- The experience must have been gained within the last 10 years, either in Canada or abroad.
- It must be paid work (wages or commissions; volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count).
- You must have worked at least 1 continuous year, or accumulated 1,560 total hours (equivalent to 30 hours per week), which can be met in several ways:
- Full-time at one job: 30 hours/week × 12 months = 1,560 hours.
- Part-time (e.g., 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1,560 hours). You may combine multiple part-time jobs to meet the required hours.
- Full-time in more than one job: 30 hours/week for 12 months in multiple jobs = 1,560 hours.
Note:
- Part-time work: You may work more or fewer than 15 hours/week as long as your total equals 1,560 hours. You can combine multiple part-time jobs. IRCC does not count any hours worked above 30 hours/week.
- Student work experience: Work experience gained while studying may count if it was paid (wages or commissions), continuous (no significant breaks), and meets all other FSWP requirements.
- Language proficiency: Meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
- Pass background checks and a medical exam.
- Education requirements:
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- If you studied in Canada: You must have a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary institution.
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- If you studied outside of Canada: You must have a completed foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization, confirming that your education is equivalent to a Canadian credential for immigration purposes.
Selection Factors
Once an applicant meets all the minimum requirements, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess them based on six selection factors to determine their eligibility for immigration to Canada. To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must score at least 67 points out of a possible 100. Meeting this threshold makes them eligible to enter the Express Entry pool.
The six selection factors are:
Education (Maximum 25 points)
You must provide either a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential along with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to verify its equivalency to a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate.
Language Proficiency (Maximum 28 points)
You will be awarded points based on your proficiency in Canada’s official languages—English and/or French.
First Official Language (Maximum 24 points)
| the first official langugae | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 pts | 6 pts | 6 pts | 6 pts |
| CLB 8 | 5 pts | 5 pts | 5 pts | 5 pts |
| CLB 7 | 4 pts | 4 pts | 4 pts | 4 pts |
| Below CLB 7 | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible |
Second Official Language (Maximum 4 points)
| Language Ability |
Points |
| At least CLB 5 in all four abilities | 4 |
| CLB 4 or lower in any one ability | 0 |
Work Experience (Maximum 15 points)
To earn points under this factor, your work experience must meet the following conditions:
- It may be gained in Canada or abroad.
- It may be gained while studying.
- It may be gained through self-employment.
Use the table below to find the number of points that corresponds to your qualified years of work experience:
| Years of Experience | Points |
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2–3 years | 11 |
| 4–5 years | 13 |
| 6 years or more | 15 |
Age (Maximum 12 points)
You will be awarded points based on your age on the date IRCC receives your application.
| Age | Points |
| Under 18 | 0 |
| 18–35 | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| 38 | 9 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 6 |
| 42 | 5 |
| 43 | 4 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 45 | 2 |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47 or older | 0 |
Arranged Employment in Canada (Maximum 10 points)
You can earn points under this factor if you have a valid job offer for at least one year from a Canadian employer. You must receive the job offer before submitting your application under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
To be considered valid, the job offer must:
- Be for full-time work (minimum 30 hours/week), continuous, paid, and non-seasonal, for a duration of at least 1 year.
- Be in an occupation listed under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
IRCC will also assess whether:
- You are capable of performing the job offered.
- You can become licensed or certified in Canada, if the job is in a regulated occupation.
To receive the full 10 points for arranged employment, you must fall into one of the following four scenarios:
Scenario 1: You are currently working in Canada with a valid work permit, and all the following apply:
- Your work permit is valid when you apply and when your permanent resident visa is issued (or you’re authorized to work in Canada without a permit when the visa is issued).
- Your work permit was issued based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), for a job in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- You are working for the employer listed on your work permit.
- That employer has offered you a valid job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker.
Scenario 2: You are currently working in Canada in a job that is LMIA-exempt due to one of the following reasons:
- An international agreement (e.g., CUSMA).
- Significant benefit to Canada.
- A federal-provincial agreement.
In this case, all the following must also apply:
- Your work permit is valid when you apply and when your permanent resident visa is issued (or you’re authorized to work in Canada without a permit).
- Your current employer has offered you a valid job offer as a skilled worker.
- You are working for the employer specified on your permit.
- You have been working for that employer for at least one year full-time, or the equivalent in part-time.
Scenario 3: You do not have a work permit and do not plan to work in Canada before receiving PR, and all the following apply:
- You have a positive LMIA from ESDC.
- A Canadian employer has provided you with a valid job offer based on the LMIA and your acceptance as a skilled worker. Scenario 4: You have a valid work permit or are authorized to work without one, and all the following apply:
- You are currently working in Canada in a job that does not require an LMIA, but the job is not exempt due to international agreements, significant benefit, or federal-provincial agreements.
- A different employer than the one on your permit:
- Has obtained an LMIA, and
- Has given you a valid job offer based on that LMIA and your acceptance as a skilled worker.
Adaptability (Maximum 10 points)
You and your spouse or common-law partner (if immigrating with you) can earn up to 10 points combined based on factors that indicate how well your family is likely to settle in Canada.
| Adaptability | Points |
| Language proficiency of spouse or common-law partner
Your spouse or common-law partner has language proficiency in English or French at CLB level 4 or higher in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). To claim these points, you must submit your spouse/partner’s language test results from an approved agency when you apply. The test results must be less than 2 years old at the time you submit your permanent residence application. |
5 |
| Your past study in Canada
You completed at least 2 years of full-time study in a program of at least 2 years’ duration at a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of in-class instruction per week. You must also have maintained good academic standing (as defined by the institution) during that period. |
5 |
| Spouse/common-law partner’s past study in Canada
Your spouse or common-law partner completed at least 2 years of full-time study in a program of at least 2 years’ duration at a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of in-class instruction per week. They must also have maintained good academic standing (as defined by the institution) during that period. |
5 |
| Your past work experience in Canada
You completed at least 1 year of full-time work in Canada:
|
10
|
| Spouse/common-law partner’s past work experience in Canada
Your spouse or common-law partner has completed at least 1 year of full-time work in Canada with a valid work permit or authorization to work in Canada without a permit. |
5
|
| Arranged employment in Canada
You can claim points if you have arranged employment in Canada. |
5 |
| Relatives in Canada You, your spouse, or your common-law partner has a relative who:
This relative must be your:
|
5
|
Proof of Funds
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support their family. The minimum required amount is determined based on the number of family members.
The table below shows the minimum amount of funds a candidate must have to immigrate to Canada. If the candidate has more than the minimum required amount, it is recommended to declare the full amount in the application or profile.
| Family’s number | Proof of fund (CAD)
(Updated June 3, 2024) |
Proof of Funds (VND) |
| 1 | 14,690 | 259 milion |
| 2 | 18,288 | 323 milion |
| 3 | 22,483 | 397 milion |
| 4 | 27,297 | 482 milion |
| 5 | 30,690 | 541 milion |
| 6 | 34,917 | 616 triệu |
| 7 | 38,875 | 686 milion |
| For each additional family member beyond 7 people | 3,958 | 70 milion |
17 benefits of participating in the Federal Skilled Worker immigration program
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Successful candidates will be granted permanent resident (PR) status, which allows them to live and work anywhere in Canada without limitation.
No Canadian Work Experience Required
Unlike other programs, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) does not require candidates to have prior work experience or education in Canada. This makes the program more accessible to skilled professionals and workers from around the world.
Ranking Through the CRS System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards points for factors such as education, language proficiency, work experience, age, and more. Candidates with higher scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), ensuring a fair and merit-based selection process.
Fast Processing Time
Applications submitted under Express Entry, including the FSWP, are typically processed within six months or less. This offers a quicker immigration pathway compared to many other programs.
Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in Canada
Once granted permanent residency, skilled workers are free to choose where they want to live and work in Canada. They can move to any province or territory—whether a large city, rural area, or specific region of their choice.
Full Access to Social Benefits
As permanent residents, candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program—and their families—gain access to Canada’s healthcare system, education, and other social benefits, just like Canadian citizens.
Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship
After meeting the residency requirements (usually 3 out of the last 5 years), immigrants under the FSWP can apply for Canadian citizenship, receive a Canadian passport, and enjoy full citizenship rights.
Sponsorship of Family Members
Once you become a Canadian permanent resident, you can sponsor family members to join you in Canada to live and work. This helps facilitate family reunification under a stable immigration status.
Job Offer Not Required
A job offer is not mandatory to apply. The FSWP is designed to be accessible to individuals who may not yet have secured employment in Canada but qualify based on their skills and experience.
Recognition of Both Official Languages
The program recognizes proficiency in both English and French. Bilingual applicants can also earn additional CRS points, which increases their competitiveness in the applicant pool.
Recognition of International Education Credentials
The FSWP recognizes international educational qualifications. Candidates can have their credentials assessed and may receive additional CRS points based on their recognized education.
Include Spouse and Children in the Application
Applicants may include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application. The FSWP also considers the qualifications of the spouse or partner for additional CRS points.
Access to the Canadian Labour Market
Canada has a strong and growing economy with a high demand for skilled professionals across various fields. Through the FSWP, qualified foreign workers can access Canada’s vibrant job market and benefit from the country’s high employment standards and competitive wages.
Settlement Support for Newcomers
Newcomers to Canada have access to various services such as language training, job search assistance, and community integration programs. These services help permanent residents adapt quickly and thrive in their new environment.
Increased Opportunities for Provincial Nomination (PNP)
FSWP candidates who do not have high CRS scores can still pursue permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A provincial nomination adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Long-Term Stability and Security
Unlike temporary visas, successful applicants through the Federal Skilled Worker Program are granted long-term, stable status in Canada, offering peace of mind for both the immigrant and their family.
Enhanced Opportunities for Personal Economic Growth
With access to Canada’s prosperous economy, public services, and world-class educational institutions, candidates and their families benefit from greater opportunities for economic, professional, and quality-of-life development.
Required Documents for FSWP Application
To apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, candidates need to prepare the following documents:
- Passport or travel document:
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- If your passport will expire within 6 months from the date you apply, you should renew it. Once you have the new passport, update your application details.
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- If you are using a Venezuelan passport, you may need to complete additional steps when creating or submitting your application.
- Language test results from a recognized third-party agency.
- Proof of education or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes if:
-
- You are applying through FSWP, or
-
- You want to claim CRS points for foreign education.
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer (if available).
- Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters or experience letters from employers).
- Certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory (if applicable).
- Proof of funds showing that you can support yourself and your family in Canada.
- Police certificates.
- Provincial nomination (if you are applying through a Provincial Nominee Program).
Phan Immigration’s Answers to Common Questions about FSWP
Who can apply for the program?
You may apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program if you meet the following criteria:
- At least 1 year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience.
- Language proficiency in English or French at CLB level 7 or higher.
- Minimum education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family (unless you have a valid job offer).
- You will be assessed under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) via Express Entry.
How does the CRS system affect FSWP?
The CRS ranks eligible FSWP candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Additional points are awarded for factors like a valid job offer or provincial nomination.
Candidates are placed in the Express Entry pool, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency (ITA). CRS ensures a merit-based selection process, identifying candidates with the highest potential for success in Canada.
How long does FSWP processing take?
From the time a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submits a complete application, processing usually takes about 6 months. However, actual processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the time needed to verify documentation.
Is a job offer mandatory?
job offer is not required to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
However, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer significantly increases your CRS score and your chances of receiving an ITA. If you do not have a job offer, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your FSWP application.
Their education, language skills, and work experience can also help boost your CRS score. Once your application is approved, your family members will receive permanent resident status, allowing them to live, work, and study in Canada, and access healthcare and other social benefits.
What are the differences between FSWP, FSTP, and CEC in Express Entry?
The three programs under Express Entry—Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—differ in their eligibility requirements. (This section seems to continue—let me know if you’d like help translating the rest.
| Criteria | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – Skilled Worker Stream | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – Skilled Trades Stream | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Canadian Experience Stream |
| Target Group | Skilled workers with higher education and professional work experience in various fields globally. | Skilled trades workers in specific occupations where Canada faces labor shortages (typically in trades-related fields). | Individuals with at least 1 year of Canadian work experience who wish to transition to permanent residency. |
| Canadian Experience Requirement | Work experience in Canada in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. No requirement for Canadian work or study experience. Foreign nationals with no prior Canadian experience can still apply. | Work experience in Canada or abroad in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations. No requirement for Canadian education, but applicants must have experience in a designated trade occupation. | Work experience in Canada or internationally in a skilled trade under TEER 2 or TEER 3. Must have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience within the past 3 years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. |
| Type of Skills | Broad professional skills across diverse occupations. | Technical trade skills focused on skilled manual labor and craftsmanship. | Versatile skills suited for those who have worked in Canada across various occupations. |
| Job Offer Requirement | Must meet at least one of the following:
|
Not required when applying. However, a valid job offer adds CRS points.
|
|
| Educational Requirements | Must have at least a high school diploma. The higher the education level, the more CRS points. Foreign credentials must be assessed via ECA. | No specific education requirement. However, having relevant trade certificates or education is advantageous. | No specific education requirement. However, education is a point-scoring factor under CRS and can improve total score. |
| Proof of Funds | Must show proof of funds to support settlement in Canada, unless holding a valid job offer or already legally working in Canada. | No proof of funds required. | No proof of funds required. |
| Key Advantages | Ideal for candidates with strong academic backgrounds and international experience, competitive CRS scores. | Best suited for skilled tradespeople who meet demand in specific technical fields. | Designed for individuals with Canadian work experience who wish to obtain PR quickly. |
With clear criteria, a transparent process, and numerous practical benefits, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is truly a golden opportunity for skilled workers seeking a stable, high-quality life and promising career prospects in Canada.
If you are confident in your skills and experience, don’t miss this chance to turn your dream of immigrating to Canada into reality.
