Federal Skilled Worker
Start a new chapter in your career and life with the Federal Skilled Worker program.
Book a 30 min consultation and have an immigration lawyer advise you on your options based on your individual circumstances.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) is one of the federal economic immigration programs under Express Entry for applicants who have paid, continuous, and full-time (or part-time equivalent) skilled work experience. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as age, education, language skills, and work experience through the points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If approved, applicants and their families can live, work, study, and access healthcare and other social benefits in Canada.
Federal Skilled Worker Benefits
- You do not have to have Canadian work experience to be eligible for FSW. In fact, many qualified applicants have never been to Canada. There is no need to give up your job or leave your life behind while the application is processed.
- You may use eligible internships or self-employed experiences under FSW, which is more suitable for business owners or investors.
- You can enter the Express Entry pool anytime you want as long as you meet the minimum requirements.
- Express Entry implements electronic systems from profiles to final PR submissions, so you can enjoy paper-free flexibility.
Federal Skilled Worker Basic Requirements
To be eligible under FSW program, applicants need to score at least 67 points out of 100 based on the Six Selection Factor Points assessment. Applicants who also meet or exceed the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score will then be invited to apply.
- Skilled work experience: you must possess at least 1 year (or 1,560 hours) of paid, continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience (in TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3) in the past 10 years. Please note that qualified skilled work experiences while studying or self-employed can be considered under FSW.
- Language: for the first official language minimum requirement under FSW, you must achieve at least CLB 7 in all 4 abilities for English or at least NCLC 7 in all 4 abilities for French. To obtain points for the second official language, you must achieve a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 in all 4 abilities for English or French.
- Education: you must include your Canadian or foreign education credentials (with ECA) when you apply to prove that you possess at least one Canadian secondary school diploma equivalent.
- Settlement funds: you must prove that you have sufficient funds for you and your family to live in Canada.
- Intention to live outside the province of Quebec: you must have the intention to live outside Quebec since the province of Quebec has its own immigration system.
Federal Skilled Worker Application Process
As long as you meet the minimum requirements, we can create and launch your Express Entry profile to enter the pool.
Once an ITA (Invitation to Apply) is received, we will have 60 days to prepare for the permanent residence application.
We can submit the application online as soon as the eAPR (Electronic Application for Permanent Residence) is completed with all supporting documents.
Federal Skilled Worker Processing Times
We will process your case as soon as we receive all supporting documents. The processing time for Express Entry applications is generally 6 months per the IRCC.
Due to processing delays and staff shortages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 6-month processing time cannot be guaranteed. However, Express Entry programs still enjoy shorter processing durations than other types of applications.
Federal Skilled Worker Processing Fees
For up-to-date pricing information, please visit the Government of Canada Website.
If you have questions about the Federal Skilled Worker program or are ready to start your application, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to complete the process successfully.
Questions? Answers.
Yes, we will have to conduct a personalized immigration assessment, but applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be eligible for Express Entry under FSW.
Yes, paid internships while studying can be considered for FSW work experience.
Depending on the size of your family, you should ensure that you have sufficient money to support yourself, your spouse, your dependent children and your spouse’s dependent children whether or not they are immigrating with you. As of June 9, 2022 the minimum funds requirement is as follows:
Number of family members | Funds required (in Canadian dollars) |
1 | $13,310 |
2 | $16,570 |
3 | $20,371 |
4 | $24,733 |
5 | $28,052 |
6 | $31,638 |
7 | $35,224 |
For each additional family member | $3,586 |
The amount of settlement funds is based on 50% of low-income cut-off totals, which will be updated yearly.
Official bank letters and statements are generally considered proof of settlement funds. Your Motivus lawyer will provide comprehensive templates and checklists when preparing settlement funds documents.
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