Quick answer
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a permanent residence pathway under Express Entry for skilled workers with foreign work experience [1]. To be eligible, you must have at least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience within the last 10 years in a TEER 0,1,2,3 occupation [3], meet CLB 7 language ability in English or French [13], and have secondary education (with ECA for foreign credentials) [14]. You are assessed on selection factors out of 100 and need at least 67 points [15]. A job offer is not required but can earn points . You must have proof of funds unless already working in Canada with a valid job offer , be admissible , and plan to live outside Quebec . The process involves creating an Express Entry profile, receiving an invitation, and applying for permanent residence [91-95].
Key facts
| Program type | Permanent residence (under Express Entry)[1] |
| Minimum work experience | 1 year continuous (1,560 hours) within last 10 years, TEER 0,1,2,3[8][12] |
| Language requirement | CLB 7 in English or French (all 4 abilities)[13] |
| Education requirement | Canadian secondary diploma or foreign credential with ECA[14] |
| Points threshold | 67 out of 100 on selection factors[15] |
Requirements
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Requirements in detail
You must meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores that vary by program and occupation TEER category.
CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3
CLB 7 in all abilities
CLB 5 for speaking/listening; CLB 4 for reading/writing
You must have work experience in a NOC TEER 0,1,2,3 occupation within a specific timeframe. Amount varies by program.
At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
At least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience within the last 10 years (eligible TEER 0,1,2,3).
At least 2 years of skilled trade experience (specific NOC groups) within the last 5 years.
A valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority, is required for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Secondary education (high school) is required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Post-secondary education earns additional points.
Documents you'll need
Language
- Approved language test results (valid for 2 years from test date; must be valid on application date) [46,47,48].
Education
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education, or Canadian degree/diploma .
Work experience
- Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters, pay stubs, contracts) that show duties and hours [5].
Financial
- Proof of funds (bank statements, investment statements, etc.) .
Employment
- Valid job offer documents (if claiming arranged employment points) including LMIA or exemption proof [27-41].
Admissibility
- Police certificates (for you and family members over 18) .
- Medical exam results (instructions provided after invitation) .
Identity
- Passport/travel documents, photos, and other identity documents.
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Check your eligibility using the Come to Canada tool or IRCC secure account questionnaire [80,81,82,83].
- 2
Take approved language tests and obtain ECA if needed [13,21].
- 3
Gather all required documents (work experience, funds, etc.) [5,58].
- 4
Create an Express Entry profile online and enter the pool .
- 5
If you meet the minimum points and are ranked high enough, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) .
- 6
Submit a complete electronic application for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving ITA .
- 7
Wait for IRCC to process your application and make a decision .
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum points required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
You need to score at least 67 points out of 100 on the selection factors to qualify for the program [15].
Can I apply without a job offer?
Yes, a job offer is not required to apply. However, if you have a valid job offer, you can earn up to 10 points for arranged employment [74,25].
Is work experience while studying counted?
Yes, work experience gained while studying may count towards the minimum requirements if it was paid, continuous, and meets all other program requirements [12].
What if I plan to live in Quebec?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for those planning to live outside Quebec. Quebec selects its own skilled workers under a different program .
How long does the process take?
Processing times vary by program and are updated regularly on the IRCC website .
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Program purpose and eligibility overview
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Minimum work experience requirements (hours, NOC TEER)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Language ability requirement (CLB 7, test)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Education requirement (secondary or foreign credential assessment)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Selection factors points system (67 out of 100)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Language skills points (max 28)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Education points (max 25)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Work experience points (max 15)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Age points (max 12)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Arranged employment points (max 10) and conditions
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Adaptability points (max 10)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
Proof of funds requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Admissibility requirement
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
Where to live (outside Quebec)
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Express Entry system overview
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Job offer not required but can get points
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Eligibility questionnaire options
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Canada's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Canada's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.