One of the main immigration routes for skilled professionals who want to live permanently in Canada is the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). It is overseen by the Express Entry system, a point-based system that assesses applicants according to a number of criteria, such as education, work experience, language skills, and other elements that affect their capacity to assimilate into Canadian society and the employment. Applicants must fulfil certain requirements specified by the Canadian government in order to be eligible for the FSWP. These standards are intended to evaluate the applicant's potential to make contributions to Canadian society and the economy after they arrive.
1. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
2. Work Experience
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NOC Skill Type 0: Managerial positions.
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NOC Skill Level A: Professional jobs that usually require a university degree.
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NOC Skill Level B: Technical jobs and skilled trades that typically require a college diploma or apprenticeship training.
Applicants must have at least 1,560 hours of work experience during the previous ten years, or one year of full-time employment, in order to be eligible for the FSWP. This experience must fit the requirements under NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B. It can be in one or more occupations. It is crucial to remember that part-time employment (less than 30 hours per week) may also be taken into account, provided that the total number of hours worked is equal to 1,560 hours for full-time employment.
3. Language Proficiency
- Candidates must provide language test results to demonstrate their fluency in either French or English. An authorised provider must administer the necessary language test. Among the tests are:
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- English: either the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training exam
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French: Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or Test de connaissance du français (TCF).
- The minimum language requirements for the FSWP are:
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- Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 7 for all four language skills in either French or English (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). This is comparable to:
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IELTS: Minimum score of 6 in each test component (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
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CELPIP: Minimum score of 7 in each test component.
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TEF: Minimum score of 226 for each component.
In order to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, individuals must score higher on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
4. Education
Education is another critical factor in determining eligibility for the FSWP. Candidates must have:
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A Canadian secondary school diploma (high school graduation) at a minimum.
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A Designated Learning Institution (DLI), like World Education Services (WES), must evaluate the candidate's credentials if they received their education outside of Canada. Their education's Canadian equivalency will be ascertained through this evaluation.
The candidate's greatest degree of education determines how many education points they receive. A Ph.D., for instance, will score higher than a bachelor's degree. Generally speaking, a candidate's CRS points increase with education level.
5. Proof of Funds
- Unless they have a legitimate employment offer in Canada or are already employed there with a valid work visa, applicants for the FSWP must demonstrate that they have enough money to sustain themselves and their family members once they arrive. New immigrants can settle in Canada without requiring social help thanks to the evidence of funds requirement.
The size of the applicant's family determines how much money is needed. The minimal amounts needed for 2025 are shown in the table below: .
1 person: CAD 13,757
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2 persons: CAD 17,127
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3 persons: CAD 21,847
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4 persons: CAD 26,338
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5 persons: CAD 29,776
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6 persons: CAD 33,182
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7 persons: CAD 36,588
Additional funds are required for each family member beyond seven.
It is crucial to remember that the money must be unencumbered, which means it cannot be borrowed. When submitting their application for permanent residency, applicants must demonstrate that they have access to these monies.
6. Selection Factors
- In the selection grid, which assesses the following six factors, candidates must receive at least 67 points out of 100.
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Age: Points are awarded based on age, with candidates between 18 and 35 years receiving the maximum points.
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Education: Higher educational qualifications earn more points.
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Work Experience: More years of skilled work experience will increase the points.
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Language Proficiency: Higher language test scores result in more points.
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Arranged Employment in Canada: If the applicant has a valid job offer, they earn points.
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Adaptability: This includes points for factors like a spouse's language ability, previous study or work experience in Canada, or having a relative in Canada.
7. Conclusion
- For skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) provides a competitive and organised path. To differentiate themselves from other applicants in the Express Entry pool, candidates must maximise their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in addition to meeting the eligibility requirements. For skilled workers, the FSWP is a great way to support the Canadian economy and improve their own and their family' futures.