Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada came up with the Federal Skilled Worker Program in 1967 to select immigrants from across the globe. Before FSWP was introduced, Canada selected skilled worker immigrants subjectively, based on individual immigration officers deciding whether a particular candidate could integrate into the Canadian job market.
The Canadian government later realized that this approach was problematic, so it introduced the world’s first points system to select immigrants. Hence, using subjective criteria was removed.
Instead, it started using objective criteria to evaluate the candidates based on each candidate’s age, education, language skills, work experience, and occupation, among other factors.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a points-based system that assesses candidates based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Here are the steps to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) in Canada:
1. Determine your eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the FSWP. Obtain at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP grid. The program’s grid assesses candidates based on different factors such as age, education, work experience, arranged employment, language ability, and adaptability. Once you become eligible, then you can enter the Express Entry pool. Candidate profiles in the Express Entry pool are perhaps ranked based on the CRS.
2. Work Experience: You would need at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the past ten years in a skilled occupation in the following TEER (NOC) categories.
2. Work Experience: You would need at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the past ten years in a skilled occupation in the following TEER (NOC) categories.
TEER 0
TEER 1
TEER 2
TEER 3
TEER 0
TEER 1
TEER 2
TEER 3
3. Take a language test: To apply for the FSWP, you must take a language test to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French. The accepted language tests are IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF.
• Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities
4. Complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If your education was done outside of Canada, you must get your educational credentials assessed by a designated organization such as WES to determine their Canadian equivalency.
5. Proof of funds: You must prove that you have sufficient money in savings in your home country to settle once you arrive in Canada unless you:
• Have a Work-permit and already working in Canada.
• Have an LMIA-based job offer from an employer in Canada.
• Have an LMIA-based job offer from an employer in Canada.
This table shows the minimum necessary amount you need to immigrate to Canada as of June 9, 2022.
| Number of Family Members | Required Funds |
| 1 | $13,310 |
| 2 | $16,570 |
| 3 | $20,371 |
| 4 | $24,733 |
| 5 | $28,052 |
| 6 | $31,638 |
| 7 or more | $35,224 plus $3,586 for each additional family member |
Note: The above figures are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. These funds are required to demonstrate that you have adequate money to support yourself and any accompanying family members when you first arrive in Canada.
6. Create an Express Entry profile: Express Entry is an online system used to manage applications for the FSWP. You must create an Express Entry profile and provide your personal information, language test results, and work experience.
7. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your profile meets the minimum eligibility criteria, you will be entered into a pool of candidates and given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on various factors. The highest-ranking candidates are then selected in regular rounds of invitations to apply for permanent residency.
8. Submit your application: Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application, including all required documents and fees.
9. Wait for a decision: After you submit your application, you will need to wait for a decision from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your application is approved, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa, allowing you to enter Canada as a permanent resident.
If your application is approved, you will be granted permanent residency in Canada and can live and work here indefinitely.
What are the benefits of the Federal Skilled Worker program?
The Express Entry application system currently manages the Federal Skilled Worker program. Under the Express Entry system, Canada welcomes about 110,000 immigrants in a calendar year. As per Canadian government research, FSWP immigrants tend to have successful and fulfilling careers in Canada.
Additionally, pursuing immigration through FSWP is relatively faster. You can gain permanent residence in six months compared to longer processing times for other skilled worker programs.
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