Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Eligible candidates are assessed on their ability to become economically established in Canada. FSWP has been Canada’s primary method of welcoming skilled laborers worldwide since 1967.
Call IAS at +1 844 290 6312 for immediate help and assistance with the Program application. Our experienced team will be happy to answer any questions you have about the process.
Program Overview
The FSWP was the first such program to objectively assess candidates for immigration eligibility. This is one of Canada’s three Express Entry programs and is currently among the world’s most advanced. This page covers everything you need to apprehend about the program.
In 1967, Canada established the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) to recruit applicants worldwide. Before the creation of the FSWP, skilled worker immigrants were chosen subjectively by immigration officials based on their view of whether a candidate would be able to blend into the Canadian labor market.
The Canadian government’s former system had several issues, so officials decided to pioneer the world’s first objective system (point based) for selecting immigrants. Using this method, all candidates would be evaluated similarly using objective criteria such as education, age, language skills, profession, and work experience.
Benefits of FSWP
The FSWP offers many benefits to those looking to immigrate to Canada. The program is operated through Express Entry and has a high success rate for candidates. FSWP immigrants typically have very successful careers in Canada. Overall, the FSWP is an excellent option for those looking to start a new life in Canada.
This program is particularly useful for those who want to immigrate permanently because it takes six months rather than years to obtain permanent residency, unlike the other skilled worker programs in Canada. The FSWP offers a path to citizenship and allows immigrants to bring their families with them to Canada. The program also allows immigrants to live and work in any province or territory in Canada.
The FSWP is a great option for those looking for stability and security. The program provides many benefits and gives immigrants a chance to start a new life in Canada. If you are interested in immigrating to Canada, the FSWP is an excellent option.

FSWP And Immigration process
The Express Entry application management system is used for the FSWP. If you are not a skilled trades professional and did not live in Canada earlier, the FSWP will be your most suitable option. First, you must determine eligibility under the given criteria.
You can submit a profile for Express Entry to receive a CRS point score based on aspects such as education, age, language skills, profession, and work experience. The government usually holds the draws every two weeks to invite applicats with the top CRS point scores to apply for a PR.
If everything goes smoothly, you will live in Canada within six months of submitting your application. You will then receive a permanent resident card, which gives you the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
Your Guide on Pursuing Immigration Through the Program:
Step 1:
Check if you’re eligible to apply. You can read the eligibility requirements on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Step 2:
Gather all the required documents. The list of what you’ll need can also be found on the IRCC website.
Step 3:
Create and submit a profile for Express Entry to the IRCC website.
Step 4:
Wait for the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the PR. Approximately every two weeks, IRCC arranges the draws.
Step 5:
Once you obtain an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. After IRCC finishes processing your application, you may move to Canada.
Candidates must submit the following supporting documents with their e-application if they are invited to apply:
- Valid passport
- Language proficiency documents
- Documentation related to work experience
- Police clearance certificate(s)
- Medical information details sheet
- Photographs of the applicant and family members (if any)
You must also remember that many Canadian Immigration Visa Offices have their own distinct document demands that must be followed for an application to be accepted, delayed, or even denied.
FSWP Eligibility Criteria
The Federal Skilled Program is a Canadian immigration program that allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency. To be eligible for the program, candidates have to meet minimum work experience, language ability, and education requirements.
They must also obtain a minimum 67 points on the 100-point grid. The grid assesses potential candidates on several factors, including age, education, work experience, and language ability. Candidates who score 67 points or more can apply for the program.
Here are the requirements:
- You must have at least one year of full-time, paid work background in the last ten years in a skilled, listed occupation under the National Occupational Classification skill level A, B, or 0.
- You must meet the minimum language requirements for your skilled occupation, CLB 7 score in English/French for all the categories (writing, reading, speaking, and listening).
- You must have completed a post-secondary education degree, diploma, or certificate from a Canadian institution OR a foreign educational credential equivalent to a Canadian one.
- You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.
- At least 67 percent of the points on the FSWP point grid must be earned (out of 100). The program grid evaluates candidates on age, work experience, education, language proficiency, planned employment, and adaptability.
Once you’ve completed the application process, you may join the Express Entry pool. CRS-based candidate profiles in the Express Entry pool, such as Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class candidates, are ranked.
Selection Criteria for Express Entry
The Express Entry system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score and rank candidates in the pool.
Factors | Points |
Education | Up to 25 points |
Language Skills | Up to 28 points |
Work Experience | Up to 15 points |
Age | Up to 12 points |
Arranged Employment | Up to 10 points |
Adaptability | Up to 10 points |

How Can IAS Help?
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in applying to the program, IAS can help. One of our immigration lawyers will assess your eligibility and guide the application process.
We understand that the application process can be confusing, so we will review your documents and submit your application to the IRCC on your behalf. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. If you want to learn more about how we can assist you with the program, please contact us at +1 844 290 6312 for immediate help and assistance.
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Last modified on August 25th, 2023 at 7:29 am

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Frequently Asked Questions
The Fprogram allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency. To be eligible for the program, candidates must meet minimum work experience, language ability, and education requirements. They must also obtain at least 67 points on the 100-point grid.
The FSWP 100-point grid assesses potential candidates on several factors, including age, education, work experience, and language ability. Candidates who score 67 points or more can apply for the program.
No. An individual cannot apply directly for permanent residence under the FSWP. Candidates must first create an online profile and be accepted into the Express Entry pool. From there, they will be ranked against other candidates in the pool and may be invited to apply through an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
No, there is no such list for the FSWP requirements. Candidates are assessed on their skills, experience, and education, regardless of their occupation. However, to be eligible, applicants must have worked for at least 1 year within the past ten years in a job considered skill type 0, or skilled level A or B. under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
No, a job offer is not required. However, candidates with a valid job offer or arranged employment may receive additional points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Yes, candidates must take a language proficiency test from an agency approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The test must be taken before submitting an Express Entry profile. Candidates must score at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four categories: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.