DIS

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a leading immigration option for skilled individuals seeking permanent residence in Canada. Operated through the Express Entry system, the FSWP selects candidates based on their ability to contribute to Canada’s economy. It targets professionals with strong education, language skills, and work experience.

Overview of the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Points-Based Immigration System

Launched in 1967, the FSWP was the world’s first immigration program to use an objective points-based system. It replaced the previous subjective selection method with a transparent framework. This system ensures all applicants are evaluated fairly based on their qualifications.

Part of the Express Entry System

Today, the FSWP is one of three programs managed through Express Entry. The Express Entry system ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Who Can Apply?

The FSWP is for skilled professionals outside of Canada who want to immigrate. Unlike the Canadian Experience Class, applicants do not need Canadian work experience or education. It is ideal for foreign nationals with professional qualifications and international experience.

FSWP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the FSWP, you must meet all of the following:

Skilled Work Experience
  • At least one year of continuous, full-time paid work experience (or equivalent in part-time) in the past 10 years.
  • Experience must be in an occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Language Proficiency
  • Meet a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Take an approved English or French test, such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
Education
  • Have a Canadian secondary or post-secondary qualification, or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to determine equivalency.
Proof of Funds
  • You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family unless you already have legal authorization to work in Canada.
Points Grid
  • Score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points based on six selection factors: age, education, work experience, language skills, adaptability, and employment arrangements (note: arranged employment no longer adds points directly in the grid but can still help indirectly under CRS).

The FSWP Selection Factors

Candidates are scored out of 100 based on six key factors:

Education 
  • The more advanced your academic qualifications, the more points you receive.
  • Doctoral degrees earn the highest score.
  • Foreign education must be assessed by an IRCC-designated organization.
Language Proficiency
  • To qualify, you must score CLB 7 or higher in each language ability.
  • Higher scores earn more points.
  • Up to four points are available for a second official language.
Work Experience 
  • One year earns 9 points.
  • Maximum points awarded for six or more years of full-time work.
Age 
  • Applicants aged 18–35 get full points.
  • One point is deducted for each year above 35.
  • No points are awarded after age 46.
Adaptability
  • Points awarded if you or your spouse have previous Canadian education or work experience.
  • Also includes language ability of the spouse and having relatives in Canada.
Arranged Employment
  • Although a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points as of March 2025, it is still a requirement for the program and adds points in the FSWP selection factors. 
  • Additionally, a valid job offer may support provincial nomination opportunities.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Confirm Your Eligibility

First you must check that you meet all the FSWP criteria, including the 67-point threshold.

Submit an Express Entry Profile

Next, you must create and Express Entry profile and submit your Expression of Interest including details about your education, work history, language test results, and family information. You’ll be assigned a CRS score based on this information.

Improve Your CRS Score 

If you do not have a competitive CRS score you must may improve your CRS score through various strategies. You may retake language tests, gain more work experience or additional qualifications, or secure a provincial nomination to add 600 points to your CRS score. This will increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Wait for an ITA

IRCC holds Express Entry draws roughly every two weeks. The highest-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA).

Submit a Complete Application

Once you receive an ITA, you must gather all required documents for permanent residency. You may then submit your permanent residence application within 60 days of receiving your Invitation to Apply (ITA) and pay the fees.

Application Processing

Most applications are processed within six months. Successful applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Why Choose the FSWP?

Applications under Express Entry, including those through the FSWP, benefit from streamlined, electronic processing. Most applications are finalized in six months or less, making the FSWP one of the fastest immigration options available.

No Canadian Work Experience Needed

The FSWP welcomes applicants with international work experience. You can apply even if you have never worked or studied in Canada, making it accessible to professionals worldwide.

Full Family Immigration

Applicants can include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. This ensures your family can immigrate and settle in Canada together, with full access to the same benefits and status.

Access to Canadian Benefits

As a permanent resident, you and your family will be eligible for Canada’s public healthcare system, publicly funded education, and many other government services that help support your integration and long-term success.

Freedom of Location

Once approved, you are free to live and work in any province or territory in Canada, except Quebec. This flexibility allows you to choose a region that matches your professional goals and lifestyle preferences.

Citizenship Eligibility

Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for three out of five years. Citizenship gives you the right to vote, access a Canadian passport, and enjoy full legal protections.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Immigrate to Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.

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