Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a permanent residence program under the Express Entry system intended for foreign nationals with skilled work experience obtained outside Canada or in combination with Canadian experience. FSW is designed for applicants who have the education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability to successfully establish themselves economically in Canada. Unlike CEC, FSW typically applies to applicants outside Canada or those in Canada without sufficient qualifying Canadian work experience.
How FSW works within Express Entry
FSW operates entirely through the Express Entry system administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Applicants must first meet the minimum eligibility criteria for FSW to enter the Express Entry pool. Only candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply based on their CRS score may submit a permanent residence application. Meeting FSW eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation, as selection depends on CRS cutoffs set for each draw.
Minimum skilled work experience requirement
FSW requires at least one year of continuous full time skilled work experience, or an equivalent amount of continuous paid part time work, obtained within the last ten years. The work experience must fall under TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, or TEER 3 and must have been performed in a single occupation. The experience may be obtained outside Canada or inside Canada if otherwise eligible, and it must be paid employment; volunteer work and unpaid internships do not qualify.
Continuity requirement under FSW
Unlike CEC, FSW requires that the qualifying one year of work experience be continuous, meaning there cannot be breaks in employment during the qualifying period. Any interruption such as unemployment, unpaid leave, or a change of employer may break continuity and disqualify the experience for minimum eligibility purposes, even if the total number of hours exceeds the requirement.
Eligible TEER categories and NOC selection
Only work experience classified under eligible TEER categories qualifies for FSW. The claimed occupation must substantially match the lead statement and a majority of the main duties of the selected NOC. Job titles are not determinative, and IRCC assesses the substance of the work performed. Incorrect NOC selection is a common reason for refusal, particularly for applicants with foreign work experience where job descriptions are less standardized.
Language requirements under FSW
FSW applicants must meet a minimum language requirement of CLB 7 in all four abilities for English or French, regardless of TEER level. This requirement applies uniformly across FSW and is higher than the minimum requirement for some CEC applicants. Language test results must be valid on both the date the Express Entry profile is submitted and the date the permanent residence application is filed after receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Accepted language tests and minimum scores
IRCC accepts IELTS General Training and CELPIP General for English, and TEF Canada and TCF Canada for French. Academic tests are not accepted. For IELTS General, CLB 7 requires Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, and Speaking 6.0. For CELPIP General, CLB 7 requires a score of 7 in each ability. French test scores must correspond to CLB 7 in each ability based on IRCC equivalency tables.
Education requirements under FSW
FSW applicants must have completed at least a secondary school education. Foreign education must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) issued by an approved organization. The ECA must confirm that the foreign credential is equivalent to a Canadian credential and must be valid at the time of profile submission and PR application. Canadian education does not require an ECA.
The FSW points grid requirement
In addition to Express Entry eligibility, FSW applicants must score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection grid. Points are awarded for age, education, work experience, language ability, arranged employment, and adaptability. Failing to meet the 67 point threshold results in ineligibility for FSW regardless of CRS score.
Proof of settlement funds requirement
Most FSW applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members upon arrival in Canada. The required amount depends on family size and is updated annually by IRCC. Proof must consist of liquid, transferable funds such as bank balances or investment accounts. Applicants with a valid job offer in Canada or who are authorized to work in Canada may be exempt from this requirement.
Valid job offers under FSW
A valid job offer under FSW must be full time, non seasonal, and for at least one year after the applicant becomes a permanent resident. In most cases, the offer must be supported by a positive LMIA, unless the applicant qualifies for a specific exemption. A valid job offer can significantly increase both FSW grid points and CRS score.
CRS score and competitiveness
FSW applicants are ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System. CRS points are awarded for age, education, language ability, work experience, and additional factors such as Canadian education, arranged employment, or a provincial nomination. FSW applicants often require higher CRS scores than CEC applicants, particularly in draws not targeted by category.
Category based and general draws
FSW applicants may be invited through general Express Entry draws or category based draws that prioritize certain occupations or language ability. Eligibility for a category does not guarantee selection, and CRS cutoffs fluctuate depending on IRCC policy objectives and application volumes.
Common refusal reasons under FSW
FSW refusals commonly occur due to failure to meet the 67 point threshold, incorrect NOC selection, insufficient proof of continuous work experience, inadequate proof of settlement funds, expired language test results, or discrepancies between Express Entry profile information and supporting documents.
Status in Canada and applying under FSW
Applicants may apply under FSW from outside Canada or while inside Canada with valid temporary resident status. Being in Canada does not waive FSW requirements such as proof of funds or continuous work experience, unless an explicit exemption applies.
What permanent residence through FSW provides
A successful FSW application results in permanent resident status in Canada, allowing the applicant to live and work anywhere in the country without employer restrictions and to access public healthcare and most social benefits. Permanent residence also creates eligibility for Canadian citizenship once statutory residence requirements are met.
Government fees and processing considerations
IRCC charges fixed government fees for Express Entry permanent residence applications. The fee for a principal applicant is $950 CAD for processing plus $575 CAD for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, for a total of $1,525 CAD. A spouse or common law partner costs the same amount, $1,525 CAD, and each dependent child costs $260 CAD. Biometrics fees are $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD maximum for a family applying at the same time. All fees are paid directly to IRCC and must be paid before a final decision is issued. Once a complete application is submitted after receiving an Invitation to Apply, IRCC’s stated processing target for Express Entry applications, including FSW, is approximately six months, although actual processing times vary depending on background checks, document verification, application volume, and whether additional information is requested, and timelines are not guaranteed.
Our CEC legal services and fees
Our services include a full eligibility and FSW point grid assessment, NOC analysis, CRS strategy, Express Entry profile preparation, ECA and language documentation review, proof of settlement funds assessment, employer reference letter drafting and review, preparation of legal submissions, responses to IRCC document requests or concerns, and full management of the permanent residence application until a final decision is issued. Legal fees for a Federal Skilled Worker application typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 CAD plus HST, depending on case complexity, number of employments, accompanying family members, prior refusals, or any legal or documentation risks that must be addressed.
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