What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a key component of Canadian immigration. It helps to attract skilled workers who can address the labor market gap. FSWP offers a fast and easy pathway to obtaining a Canada PR and is managed under the Express Entry System.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) has been the major immigration pathway that has welcomed skilled workers from all over the world since 1967. It was the first immigration pathway for Canada, and it has been the main way to attract talent by using a point-based program. Applicants who are selected through FSWP are allowed to work freely in Canada without any restrictions.

FSWP offers newcomers a fresh start in a welcoming, diverse society. This program ensures that candidates are given opportunities to succeed and contribute to the country to the fullest. Canada also offers language and integration services, which provide various resources to help newcomers thrive in their new communities. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the most successful Express Entry programs for candidates to immigrate to Canada.

*Want to apply for Express Entry? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

Benefits of the Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • Pathway to Permanent Residence
  • No Canadian work Experience Required
  • Fast Processing times
  • Freedom to live and work anywhere in the country
  • Access to Canadian Social Services
  • Opportunity to gain Canadian citizenship (if eligible)
  • Access to the Canadian job market 
  • Family sponsorship opportunities
  • No job offer required

Eligibility Criteria to apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, an applicant must:

  • Score at least 67 points
  • Professional work experience
  • Language proficiency in English and French language
  • Education Qualification equivalent to Canadian education
  • The job should be listed under NOC TEER category 0,1,2,3
  • Must not have any criminal record
  • Enough funds to support yourself

Requirements to apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program

If the applicant wants to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker program, they must fulfill specific requirements such as:

  • Possess one year of continuous full-time paid work experience or equivalent part-time continuous employment in Canada within the previous 10 years.
  • Occupation must be listed in one of 370 eligible occupations under the applicable NOC.
  • Work experience must be classified under  TEER categories 0,1,2,3
  • Score 67 points on the Skilled worker point grid compromising under six-factor
  • Language proficiency in French and English with CLB 7 via IELTS or CELPIP
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Undergo a successful security background.
  • Medical certification

How to apply for the Federal Skilled worker program?

Below are the steps to apply for the Federal Skilled worker program:

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Step 2: Sort out the requirements

Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile

Step 4: Wait for an ITA

Step 5: Apply for Canada PR

Step 6: E-Application Review

Step 7: Once the Permanent Residency Confirmed

Step 8: Get the PR Card

Federal Skilled Worker Program Processing Fees

The Federal Skilled Worker Program application fee is CAD 850 for the principal applicant.

Below is the breakdown of the Federal Skilled worker processing fees:

Type of fee

Amount in CAD

Processing Fee

$850

Right of Permanent Residence Fee

$515

Biometric Fee

$85

Note: Candidates applying with their families must pay an additional fee of CAD 230 per person and a biometrics fee of CAD 170.

Federal Skilled Worker Program processing time

The Federal Skilled Worker Program processing time is around six months. In some instances, the processing time might take more than six months, and it may be around 12 months, depending on the candidate profile and documentation.

How can Y-Axis help you?

As the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, Y-Axis has been providing unbiased and personalized immigration assistance for 25+ years. Our visa experts will assist you with the following:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of Express Entry's programs that allow skilled professionals to apply for Permanent residency in Canada. It is one of the main pathways for skilled workers to migrate to Canada. The FSWP is for Canada to address the country's labor shortage.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program Points Calculator?

The Federal Skilled Worker Program has a point-based system inviting immigrants to migrate and settle in the country. The program aims to invite skilled professionals who will address the labor shortage to apply for Canada PR with a minimum of 67 points under six factors

  • Skilled work experience: Maximum 15 points
  • Age: Maximum 12 points
  • Adaptability: Maximum 10 points
  • Education: Maximum 25 points
  • Language skills: Maximum 28 points
  • Arranged employment in Canada: Maximum 10 points
What is the difference between the Federal Skilled Worker Program Vs. Canadian Experience Class?

Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class are applications managed by Express Entry. Both programs allow foreign skilled workers to apply for Permanent residency in Canada, but an applicant can choose one. Below are the differences between the Federal Skilled Worker Program vs. Canadian Experience Class:

Differences

FSWP

CEC

Type of work experience

Canadian or foreign experience in NOC 0,1,2,3

Canadian experience in NOC skill level 0,A, or B

Language

CLB 7

CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A          
CLB5 for NOC B

Work experience

One year of continuous work experience in last 10 years

One year in Canada in the last 3 years

Job offer

Not required if have any then can acquire extra points

Not required

Education

Secondary educational qualification

Not required

Sufficient funds

If candidate doesn’t have a valid job offer then required or else not

Not required

Point Grid

67 points

Not required

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program application process?

Below are the steps mentioned for the Federal Skilled Worker Program application process:

Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria via the FSWP points calculator

Step 2: Sort out the documentation

Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile

Step 4: Wait for an ITA

Step 5: Apply for Canada PR

Step 6: Once you receive the confirmation of PR, get the PR Card

Who is eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

Applicant must fulfill certain eligibility criteria to apply for FSWP:

  • One year of continuous, full-time skilled worker employment
  • Language proficiency in English and French
  • Education level  equivalent to Canadian High School
  • Sufficient funds to support yourself
Can I bring my partner with me to the FSWP application?

Yes, you can bring your partner (spouse or common-law partner) as well as dependent children in the FSWP application. Your partner's eligibility criteria of work, language proficiency, and education can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.  Your partner will also receive PR resident status, granting them the right to live, work, and study in Canada and access healthcare and other social services.

Is a job offer necessary to apply for the FSWP?

No, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) allows foreign nationals to apply for Express Entry without a job offer requirement. Instead, an applicant must show sufficient proof of funds.

What is the language requirement for FSWP?

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker an applicant must have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 7 or above) in English and NCLC 7 in French.

What is the minimum point required for FSWP?

To be eligible under the FSWP, an applicant must score at least 67 points under the Canada CRS score.

What are the requirements to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

An applicant must fulfill the requirements to apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program:

  • Valid passport
  • Language proficiency test
  • Travel itinerary
  • Work experience for continuous one year for full-time or aid work experience for the past 10 years
  • IELTS or CELPIP test acquiring CLB 7 score
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Score 67 points in the CRS points calculator
  • Undergo a successful security background
  • Medical certification