Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Worker Program:
Eligibility and Qualification
The Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) is a class of people who;
- Are skilled workers;
- Intend to reside in a Canadian province other than Quebec; and
- May become permanent residents based on their ability to become economically established in Canada.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is is one of three federal programs managed through Express Entry. It is for skilled workers who have foreign work experience and plan to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis. The program was developed as a part of Canada’s immigration strategy, through which permanent residents are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada.
Changes to the FSWP
With the introduction of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) on June 28, 2002, the selection system for skilled workers was changed. The changes were made in response to the dynamic labour market associated with today’s knowledge-based, global economy. Based on an objective and transparent points system, the new Federal Skilled Worker Program is intended to be more effective at selecting immigrants who will succeed economically.
The program revisions reflected the need to:
- improve the economic success rate of skilled worker immigrants;
- maintain the quantity of skilled worker immigrants; and
- improve the transparency of the selection process.
Eligibility Overview
To be eligible for the FSWP, candidates must meet the minimum program requirements, including:
- Past work experience,
- Language ability, and
- Educational attainment.
Selection Factors
If they are eligible, candidates will be assessed against the following six selection factors:
- Age,
- Education,
- Work experience,
- A valid job offer (if applicable),
- English and/or French language skills, and
- Adaptability.
To be eligible for a permanent resident visa under the FSWP, candidates must obtain a minimum of 67 points out of the possible 100. Please view the Selection Factor Points Grid for clarification.
Past Work Experience
Skilled work experience must be:
- Under the same NOC skill level as the candidate’s primary occupation;
- Recent (meaning within the last 10 years);
- Paid work with compensation in the form of paid wages or earned commission; and
- At least one continuous year in length.
*Note: Volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count as skilled work experience.
In addition to the requirements listed above, work experience must equal a total of 1,560 hours, which is roughly 30 hours per week. This can be met in a few different ways:
- Full-time at one job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = one year full-time (1,560 hours)
- Equal amount in part-time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = one year full-time (1,560 hours)
- Full-time at more than one job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than one job = one year full-time (1,560 hours)
*Note: Part-time workers can meet this requirement by working more or less than 15 hours/week, as long as it adds up to a total of at least 1,560 hours.
Educational Attainment
The minimum education requirement for FSWP applicants is the completion of secondary school. Candidates can earn more selection points for having a post-secondary education.
Canadian Education
Candidates who attended a school in Canada are required to have a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian:
- secondary school (high school), or
- post-secondary school.
Language Proficiency
FSWP applicants are required to take an approved language proficiency test. English and French are the official languages in Canada. The applicant can choose to complete either an English or French proficiency test. They may also opt to both tests in order to increase their chances of approval. The results will reflect whether they have acquired adequate language abilities for them to properly establish themselves in Canada upon immigration.
Language Testing
Candidates are required to take a language test for each of the following categories:
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
- Listening
Language Qualification
Candidates must obtain a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in all four abilities and update their Express Entry profile with the test results. Language tests are valid for two years after the date of the test result and must be valid on the date that the application for permanent residence is submitted.
Comprehensive Ranking System
The selection factors points are taken into account when Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) assesses a candidate’s eligibility for the FSWP. A minimum score of 67/100 is required in order to pass the final assessment. If the applicant passes the assessment, they will be entered into the Express Entry System.
Once in the Express Entry pool, a different system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to rank profiles. The highest-ranking candidates from the pool will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Federal Skilled Worker Program: Incorporate Your Partner
Please note that it is possible for applicants to incorporate their partner (either spouse or common-law) along with their application. The partner who meets the requirements (as seen above) is recommended to fill out the application as the primary applicant.
