FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM.

Federal Skilled Worker Program Requirements

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) has eligibility criteria, and applicants must meet these specific requirements:

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Skilled Work Experience

• At least one year of continuous skilled work experience in one of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).

• The experience must be in the same job type as the applicant's primary occupation and should align with the duties and responsibilities listed in the NOC for that job.

• The work experience must be paid and have been acquired within the last ten years, either in Canada or abroad.

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Education

If applicants wish to improve their rank in the Express Entry pool, education can play a significant role. There are two ways to do this:

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• Canadian Education: If you have obtained a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school), or post-secondary institution, you can receive additional points in the Express Entry ranking system. 

• Foreign Education: If you have received an education outside of Canada, you can still receive points. In this case, you must meet two key requirements: you must have a completed educational credential, and you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes.

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Language Ability

• Applicants must meet the minimum score in all four abilities - reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

• Language test results are valid for two years and must be valid at the time of the permanent residency application.

English

• Reading, Writing, Listening - Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7
   

French 

• Reading, Writing, Listening - Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 7

Federal Skilled Worker Program Selection Factor

Each selector factor carries a maximum point value contributing to the final score, with a total possible score of 100 points. Thus, the current passing score is set at 67 points.

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Education: Maximum of 25 Points

The higher the level of education you have, the more points you will receive.

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Experience: Maximum of 15 Points

It is evaluated based on the number of years of relevant experience in your field or occupation.

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Age: Maximum of 12 Points

The younger you are, the more points you will receive. This factor takes into account your age at the time of application.
 

Job Offer: Maximum of 10 Points

A job offer must be secured before submitting an application for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

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English Ability: Maximum of 28 Points

Your proficiency in English is assessed through standardized tests, such as the IELTS or CELPIP.

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Adaptability: Maximum of 10 Points

This assesses your ability to integrate into Canadian society based on factors such as previous work experience in Canada, family ties in Canada, and your spouse's language proficiency.

Federal Skilled Worker Program Financial Requirements

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members after they arrive in Canada.
 

• 1 Family Member:  $13,757 CAD

• 2 Family Members: $17,127 CAD

• 3 Family Members: $21,055 CAD

• 4 Family Members: $25,564 CAD

• 5 Family Members: $28,994 CAD

• 6 Family Members: $32,700 CAD

• 7 Family Member: $36,407 CAD

• If more than 7 people (for each member): $3,706 CAD

Does My Work Experience Gained During Studying In Canada Count As Work Experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

Work experience gained during studies may count towards the requirements if it was paid, continuous, and meets all other program requirements.

Part-time work can also count towards the required hours, as long as the total adds up to 1560 hours. However, volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count towards this requirement.

Can I Work in Canada While My Federal Skilled Worker Program Application Is Still Processing?

Foreign nationals residing in Canada who have received a positive determination of eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) may be eligible to obtain a work permit while they await the processing of their permanent residency application. This provision is known as a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).