FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER (FSW) 

Program requirements

​

In order to qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker you must meet the following requirements:
 

• you must have at least one year of experience within the last 10 years

• your job has to be under the NOC skill level A, B, O

• it has to be paid work

• If you had a full time job then it must be equal to 30 hours per week for 12 months which will be equivalent to 1,560 hours throughout the year. If you had a part time then it should be 15 hours per week for 24 months which will be equal to 1,560 hours.

​

Language Requirement

Your language knowledge is crucial to your application. You have to be very good with the English or French languages. The better your language test result, the higher points you get awarded. You can take any of these approved language tests:

 

• English

  • CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

    • you must take the CELPIP-General test 

    • General-LS test is not accepted for Express Entry
       

  • IELTS: International English Language Testing System

    • you must take the General Training option

    • Academic option is not accepted for Express Entry
       

• French

• TEF: Test d’évaluation de français, including:

  • compréhension de l’écrit

  • compréhension de l’orale

  • expression écrite

  • expression orale

 

Your test results must be valid (less than two years old) when you:

• complete your Express Entry profile

• apply for permanent residence

 

You will have to provide your test results when you complete your Express Entry profile. 

 

Education 

If you have foreign education you need to the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through an agency approved by CIC. The ECA assessment must demonstrate that your qualification is equivalent to the standard of education in Canada. In case if you have obtained your education in Canada then the level of education has to be a Canadian High School or Post-Secondary Certificate, Diploma or a Degree. 

 

Proof of funds

You do not necessarily have to have a job in Canada to be able to immigrate. In Federal Skilled Worker program the immigration officer will also pay attention to how financial stable you are. You will have to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family once you arrive in Canada. The exception to this rule is that if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer then you do not have to have solid fund to convince the officer that you can take care of yourself and your family.

​

Factors for selection

If you meet the criteria set out in the minimum requirements, your application will be assessed based on the selection factors in the federal skilled worker point’s grid. To summarize it in few words you should look at the factors provided below:

​

• Age

• Education

• Work Experience

• Language

• Job Offer in Canada if applicable

• Adaptability

 

All these factors are the essence of your application. Remember that if you are married or have a common-law partner and if your partner meets the requirements to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker, you have the option to decide which one of you can apply under Express Entry as the principal applicant.

​

Other requirements include your admissibility to Canada and also you must not have the intention to live in the province of Quebec.

​

If you want further information about the Federal Skilled Worker program or require our assistance in preparation and submission of your application please fill out the form provided below. 

​