Federal Skilled Worker Program
For skilled professionals with foreign work experience who want to become Canadian permanent residents through Express Entry.
Program Overview
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is Canada's primary immigration pathway for skilled professionals with foreign work experience who want to become permanent residents. Managed through the Express Entry system, the program selects candidates based on education, work experience, language ability, and other factors. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). IRCC holds regular draws — approximately every two weeks — and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest-ranking candidates.
Minimum Requirements
You must meet all of the following minimum requirements to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program:
Skilled Work Experience
At least 1 year of continuous full-time work (or equivalent part-time — 1,560 hours total) in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, obtained within the last 10 years. Work must have been paid (wages or commission). Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count. Work experience gained while studying may count if it was paid and continuous.
Language Ability
You must take an approved language test in English or French and meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The minimum is CLB 7 in each ability. Accepted English tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General. Accepted French tests: TEF Canada, TCF Canada. Test results must be less than 2 years old.
Education
If you studied in Canada, you need a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution. If you have foreign education, you need a completed educational credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes from an IRCC-designated organization.
Selection Factor Points
You must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection factor grid. These points are assessed across 6 factors: language skills, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability. If you score below 67, you are not eligible for the program.
Proof of Funds
You must show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. The required amount depends on family size and is set by IRCC. You do not need proof of funds if you are currently able to legally work in Canada and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Admissibility
You must be admissible to Canada. Security, criminal, or medical issues may affect your eligibility. All accompanying family members must also be admissible.
Province of Intended Destination
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. Quebec selects its own skilled workers through a separate process. You can count work experience gained in Quebec as long as you can prove you do not plan to settle there.
Selection Factors
If you meet all minimum requirements, IRCC assesses your eligibility using a 100-point grid. You need 67 points or higher to qualify.
FSW Selection Factor Grid — Maximum 100 Points
| Selection Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Language Skills (first official language) | 24 |
| Language Skills (second official language) | 4 |
| Education | 25 |
| Skilled Work Experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged Employment in Canada | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
| Minimum Required to Qualify | 67 |
Language Points — First Official Language (Max 24)
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CLB 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Below CLB 7 | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible | Not eligible |
Work Experience Points (Max 15)
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2–3 years | 11 |
| 4–5 years | 13 |
| 6 or more years | 15 |
Age Points (Max 12)
| Age at Time of Application | 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 and older | 0 |
Government Processing Fees
IRCC Government Fees — Federal Skilled Worker Program
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant | $1,525 CAD |
| Spouse or Common-Law Partner | $1,525 CAD |
| Dependent Child (per child) | $260 CAD |
Important: Government processing fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time. Asteco Immigration Consulting is not responsible for any changes to government fee schedules after the date of your quote.
How Asteco Can Help
Our RCIC-regulated team has extensive experience preparing and submitting Federal Skilled Worker applications. We handle the entire process — from eligibility assessment to final submission — so you can focus on your move to Canada.
Quick Info
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Government fees and processing times are subject to change by IRCC. Please consult with our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.