Federal Skilled Worker Program

Overview

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is an Express Entry program for people with qualifying skilled work experience in Canada or abroad. You must meet its minimum requirements, score at least 67 out of 100 on its selection grid and then compete for an invitation under the separate CRS ranking system.

The program has two different point tests

The 67-point Federal Skilled Worker selection grid decides whether you qualify for this program. It awards points for language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. The Comprehensive Ranking System then ranks eligible profiles in the Express Entry pool. A score of 67 does not predict whether IRCC will invite you.

Calculate both scores before relying on this route. Someone can pass the program grid but have a CRS score below recent invitation cut-offs, while another person may be eligible under a different Express Entry program.

Minimum work, language and education requirements

Your qualifying work must include at least one year of continuous paid work in the same primary occupation within the ten years before the application. The occupation must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and your evidence must show the lead statement and most main duties for the NOC you claim.

You need at least CLB or NCLC 7 in each language ability. Foreign education requires an immigration-purpose educational credential assessment; Canadian credentials do not. You must also be admissible to Canada and normally intend to live outside Quebec.

• At least 67 points on the Federal Skilled Worker selection grid
• At least one year of continuous qualifying skilled work
• An approved language test that remains valid when you apply
• A Canadian credential or valid ECA for foreign education

Settlement funds and family size

Most Federal Skilled Worker applicants must show settlement funds. IRCC sets the amount by family size and updates the table periodically. Count a spouse or partner and dependent children even if they are not accompanying you.

The money must be available when you apply and when a permanent resident visa is issued. Borrowed money and equity in real property do not qualify. IRCC may waive the settlement-fund requirement if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, but both conditions must be established.

Evidence should prove the work, not merely name it

An employer letter should set out dates, hours, salary and duties. Job titles alone rarely establish the NOC. Keep contracts, pay records, tax documents and corporate records where they help confirm the relationship or explain why an ordinary reference is unavailable.

Review every period entered in the profile before accepting an invitation. IRCC tests program eligibility again from the documents in the permanent residence application.