Federal Skilled Worker applications are assessed based on an applicant’s ability to become economically established upon immigration to Canada.

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applications are processed through the Express Entry immigration selection system for immigration to Canada.

Candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class must first make an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada by creating an online Express Entry profile.

On November 1, 2017, the Government of Canada announced multi-year immigration targets for 2018-2020

Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker program

In order to be eligible for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa, Federal Skilled Worker applicants must:

  • Have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification skill lever 0, A or B); or
  • Qualify for Arranged Employment In Canada with a Labour Market Impact Assessment and a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer; and
  • Pass a minimum threshold of language ability in one of Canada’s two official languages, English or French.

In addition, Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) applicants must obtain at least 67 points based on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) immigration selection factors.

Federal Skilled Worker Selection Factors 

The Federal Skilled Worker selection factors are listed below. Click each factor to learn more information:

FactorsPoints
EducationUp to 25 points
Language SkillsUp to 28 points
Work ExperienceUp to 15 points
AgeUp to 12 points
Arranged EmploymentUp to 10 points
AdaptabilityUp to 10 points

Once it has been determined that a candidate meets the eligibility requirements, he or she must show that he or she has sufficient settlement funds to support him or herself and any dependents after his or her arrival in Canada. Finally, candidates and their dependents must also undergo medical examinations and obtain security clearances as part of the Canadian immigration application process.

Federal Skilled Worker Program processing times, processing fees and application process 

Processing Times
Federal Skilled Worker Processing Times vary from one Canadian Immigration Visa office to another. Click here to see the latest times that have been reported.
Processing Fees
Federal Skilled Worker Government Processing Fees can vary with exchange rates and are subject to change. Click here to see details for the latest fees required for this program.
Application Process
Learn more about how the application process works so that you can know what to expect from the very first step to the moment you land in Canada as a Permanent Resident.You can also learn more information about the Federal Skilled Worker Program in our Federal Skilled Workers FAQ.
Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration
If you intend to reside in Montreal or in another city in the province of Quebec, please click to learn more about the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.