The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is part of the Express Entry system and utilizes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate and rank candidates. Unlike the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the FSW program does not require candidates to have Canadian work experience. Instead, eligibility is determined based on a points system that considers factors such as work experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

To qualify for the FSW program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience: Minimum of 12 months of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in the past 10 years, or the equivalent in part-time work, classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved English or French language test.
• Education: At least a Canadian high school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.
• Financial Support: Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents upon settling in Canada.

There is no formal age limit, but candidates over 35 may lose points in the FSW eligibility grid and CRS scoring. Younger candidates typically receive higher points for age.

To apply under the FSW program, candidates must create and submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). While submitting a profile does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence, candidates are assigned a CRS score and considered in future Express Entry draws. Successful candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residence and must then submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) within 60 days, providing further documentation.

An Express Entry profile for the FSW program remains valid for 12 months. If invited to apply, candidates have 60 days to submit a full application. The standard processing time for Express Entry applications is approximately six months, though factors such as application complexity and family size may affect this timeline.

Candidates need to provide:

• Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA): For foreign educational credentials to be recognized, an ECA report is required, except for credentials from Canadian institutions.
• Language Proficiency Test Results: Results from an approved language test taken within the last two years. Accepted tests include IELTS and CELPIP for English, and TEF and TCF Canada for French.
• Identification Documents: Valid passports for the candidate and accompanying family members.

Yes, Federal Skilled Workers must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their families upon arriving in Canada. The required amount varies based on family size. If a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is secured, proof of funds may not be necessary.

Yes, candidates must provide results from an approved language test, with a minimum score of CLB 7 required for each section of the test.

Part-time work experience can be counted by either combining hours worked across multiple part-time roles or summing hours worked in one part-time job over several years, provided the total meets the equivalent of full-time work.

A job offer is not required for the FSW program but having one can increase your CRS score by 50-200 points.

Yes, candidates can include their spouse and children in the application. However, including a spouse may affect the CRS score.

No, parents cannot be included in the FSW application. However, once you become a permanent resident, you may sponsor your parents.

Federal Skilled Workers must intend to live outside Quebec, although they may work for Quebec-based employers. To immigrate to Quebec, candidates should apply through Quebec-specific immigration programs.

Criminal records or serious medical conditions may render you inadmissible to Canada. However, there are processes to address inadmissibility.

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