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.
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, an applicant must:
If the applicant wants to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker program, they must fulfill specific requirements such as:
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
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 |
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 |
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
Applicant must fulfill certain eligibility criteria to apply for FSWP:
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.
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.
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.
To be eligible under the FSWP, an applicant must score at least 67 points under the Canada CRS score.
An applicant must fulfill the requirements to apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program: