FSW: Canada’s Fastest PR Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is one of the three main federal immigration programs under the Express Entry system.
- IRCC launched the FSW Program in 1967.
- It’s designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
- It assesses eligible candidates based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the FSW Program?
To be eligible, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Skilled Work Experience: You need work experience in specific job categories (as defined by the National Occupational Classification).
- Language Ability: You must take approved language tests in English or French and meet the required scores.
- Education: You should have a certain level of education.
If you meet these minimum requirements, your application will be further evaluated based on additional selection factors.
FSW Selection Factors
Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants get assessed against the FSW Eligibility Point Grid System. The minimum required score to be eligible to apply is 67 points out of a maximum score of 100. Here is a breakdown of the FSW points calculator for six selection factors:
Federal Skilled Worker Requirements
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is a part of Canada’s Express Entry system, which is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada. Here are the basic Federal Skilled Worker eligibility requirements:
How to Apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Here’s a step-by-step process for the Federal Skilled Worker Program:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for FSWP
You must meet the Federal Skilled Worker Class Requirements mentioned above to apply for the FSW Express Entry Program. Start your assessment here if you want to check if you’re eligible.
Step 2: Education Assessment (ECA)
You can claim FSW points for your education if you have done Education Credential Assessment (ECA) from one of the designated organizations. WES is one of the most popular organizations authorized to issue ECA.
Step 3: Language Proficiency Test (IELTS or Equivalent)
To obtain FSW points based on your Language Proficiency, you need to take tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or equivalent French language tests.
Step 4: Express Entry Profile Creation
After completing your ECA and Language tests, you will get enough FSW points to create an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Step 5: Receive ITA
Only candidates surpassing the cut-off score of the Latest FSW Draw receive an ITA. Once you successfully receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will get 60 days to prepare and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
Step 6: Medical Exam and Police Verification (PCC)
After that, Federal Skilled Workers must pass a medical exam and police clearance stage to move to the next process phase.
Step 7: Processing Stage
IRCC processes your application at this stage. A visa officer will let you know whether they require more paperwork to apply for Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Step 8: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)
IRCC makes the final decision on your FSW application, and you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Step 9: Move to Canada
After that, you can move to Canada as a skilled worker.
Federal Skilled Worker Program Jobs
You need at least one year of work experience in a job requiring a TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3 to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program. Please review the list of all eligible occupations below:
Federal Skilled Worker Program Processing Time
The processing time for FSWP applications can vary but typically falls within the range of 6 to 8 months for an ideal application. The Federal Skilled Worker Program processing time can fluctuate due to factors such as the volume of applications and changes in immigration policies. You can check the latest processing time for the Federal Skilled Worker program here.
What is acceptable proof of funds for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Federal Skilled Workers must show that they can support themselves and their families after immigrating to Canada. The amount of proof of funds required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under Canada’s Express Entry system can vary depending on various factors, including the number of family members accompanying you. Please see the table below for the amount needed based on the size of your family.
Number of family members (in Canadian dollars) | Funds required |
1 | $14,690 |
2 | $18,288 |
3 | $22,483 |
4 | $27,297 |
5 | $30,690 |
6 | $34,917 |
7 | $38,875 |
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member | $3,958 |
Federal Skilled Worker Processing Fees
The application processing fee for the Federal Skilled Worker Program is as follows:
- Application processing fee – CAD$ 850
- Right of Permanent Residence fee – CAD$ 515
- With Spouse or partner – CAD$ 850
- With a dependent child – CAD$ 230 (per child)
If you need assistance with Federal Skilled Worker Program, please get in touch with ELAAR. Our team of experts is led by Keshav Sharma, a Licensed and Regulated Immigration Consultant with many years of immigration experience. Together we can help you optimize your FSW Express Entry profile and maximize your odds of receiving an Invitation to Apply.