Last Updated:March 4, 2025
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
This program is designed for individuals with work experience in skilled occupations at TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3, who wish to apply for permanent residence. Even if you do not have a job offer or work experience within Canada, you can still apply. However, to get started, you will need to register with Express Entry and secure an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before submitting your application.
The eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
Work Experience
- Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the past 10 years, either inside or outside Canada.
- Your work experience must be in occupations classified under NOC skill levels (TEER) 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Applicable Skill Levels (TEER)
Skill levels are categorized within Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) as follows:
| Skill Level 0 | Business owners, corporate executives, and senior management |
|---|---|
| Skill Level 1 | Specialized occupations that generally require a university or graduate-level degree |
| Skill Level 2 | Skilled trades and mid-level management roles that generally require a college diploma or over two years of apprenticeship training |
| Skill Level 3 | Mid-level technical positions that generally require a college diploma, less than two years of apprenticeship training, or more than six months of practical on-the-job training |
Language Proficiency
Applicants must have scored at least CLB 7 on an approved English or French language test taken within the past 2 years.
| Test | Language | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB7 | IELTS | English | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CELPIP | English | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | |
| PTE Core | English | 60-68 | 69-78 | 60-70 | 68-75 | |
| TEF (tests taken on or after December 11, 2023) | French | 434-461 | 428-471 | 434-461 | 456-493 | |
| TEF (tests taken between October 1, 2019, and December 10, 2023) | French | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | 450-499 | |
| TCF | French | 453-498 | 10-11 | 458-502 | 10-11 |
Educational Background
- A high school education or higher is required.
- Educational credentials obtained outside Canada must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) recognized by IRCC, and the results must be submitted.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 67 points under the Canadian government’s points-based system. You can calculate your score on the official IRCC website: IRCC Official Page.
Proof of funds
Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family while in Canada, according to the required financial thresholds. However, this requirement may be waived if you have a valid job offer and are legally authorized to work in Canada.
| Number of family members | Required funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,757 |
| 2 | $17,127 |
| 3 | $21,055 |
| 4 | $25,564 |
| 5 | $28,994 |
| 6 | $32,700 |
| 7 | $36,407 |
| 7 or more | For each additional family member: $3,706 |
Province of residence
Applicants must intend to reside outside the province of Quebec.
The application process for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
01Meet the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
In order to apply for permanent residence, you must meet all of the above eligibility requirements.
02Submit your profile to the Express Entry system
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, register your profile online through the Express Entry system.
03Once your score is calculated, you will be placed into the selection pool
Based on your profile registration, your score will be calculated, and you will be placed into the Express Entry selection pool.
04You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) grants you the right to submit your permanent residence application. IRCC conducts regular draws, issuing ITAs to candidates in the pool in descending order of their scores. If you do not receive an ITA, you will remain in the selection pool for up to one year.
05Submit your permanent residence application to IRCC within 60 days
Once you receive the ITA, you must complete your permanent residence application within 60 days. Create an account on the online application portal, attach the required documents, and submit them to IRCC. If you are between 14 and 79 years old, you will also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints) and a photograph.
06Assessment by IRCC
After IRCC completes their review, you will receive a letter called the Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR).
07Landing
Applicants residing outside Canada will enter the country with their CoPR. Those applying from within Canada can complete the landing procedure online.
08Receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card
Following landing, your PR card will be mailed to your designated address in Canada within a few months.
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