Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is a Federal Economic Immigration Program processed through Canada's Express Entry immigration system, designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.

To qualify for the FSW Program, you must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience, meet the minimum language ability in English or French, and obtain at least 67 FSW points under the program's eligibility criteria, which assess factors such as your age, education, work experience, and adaptability.

Federal Skilled Worker applicants must score at least CLB 7/NCLC 7 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English or French. To prove your language abilities you need to take IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF, or TCF language test exams.

Express Entry is a system used to process the applications submitted through the Federal Skilled Workers program. It involves creating a profile and being entered into a pool of Express Entry candidates. Your Express Entry profile is ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. High-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The processing time for a Federal Skilled Worker application through Express Entry typically ranges from 6 months to one year, although times can vary based on individual circumstances. IRCC is working hard to ensure that most Expressp Entry applications are processed in 6 months.

The main difference is the requirement for Canadian work experience. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is aimed at those with at least one year of work experience in Canada, whereas the Federal Skilled Worker program is open to those with at least one year of skilled work experience from anywhere in the world. You don’t need to have Canadian skilled work experience to qualify for FSW.

Yes, under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for Canadian permanent residence.

Benefits include access to a stable and inclusive job market, a high quality of life in Canada, healthcare benefits, and the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements. This is also by far the most popular immigration program in Canada

The processing fee for Express Entry application is $950, and right of permanent residence fee is $575 for one adult applicant. The processing fee for your dependent children will be $260 per child. You also need to factor in the $85 biometric fee.
When applying for Permanent Residence in Canada through Federal Skilled Worker program you also must have enough money in your bank account to demonstrate your ability for financially establish yourself in Canada. This amount changes every year.

You can improve your CRS score by gaining additional work experience, improving your language scores, obtaining higher education, or receiving a provincial nomination which grants additional points. Speak to one of our lawyers to identify your best strategy to get PR in Canada.

Essential documents for the FSW application include passports, language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TEF, or TCF), educational credential assessments (ECA), work experience letters, police certificates, proof of funds, and medical exams.

To get an ECA, you must have your foreign education assessed by an organization recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), such as WES, CES, or ICAS.

Jobs that qualify are categorized under Canada’s 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. These are managerial, professional, or technical jobs.

Yes, you can apply for FSW without a job offer in Canada. However, having a valid job offer can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, enhancing your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

While there are no official age limits, the CRS awards more points to applicants between the ages of 20 and 29. CRS points decrease gradually as applicants age beyond this range.

To prove work experience for Express Entry you must provide reference letters from your employers that outline your positions, duties, and duration of employment, ensuring that they match the NOC descriptions.

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including all supporting documents.

No, you do not need a lawyer to apply for Express Entry. The process is designed to be straightforward enough for individuals to apply on their own. However, you should carefully consider reaching out to a lawyer to avoid making any mistakes in your Express Entry application. Our lawyers will help you navigate the process, ensure accuracy in your application, and advise you on the best strategy forward.