Federal Skilled Worker
The ‘Federal Skilled Worker’ is among the three programs under the Express Entry system of Canadian Immigration. It is specifically aimed at foreign workers with skilled work experience looking to immigrate to Canada permanently. Since its introduction, FSW has been contributing the most number of applicants to the Express Entry Pool. In 2019, Express Entry Canada issued more than 30,000 invitations through this stream (Express Entry Year Report – 2019).
The “Federal Skilled Worker Program” uses a 100-point grid to evaluate its applicants’ eligibility, out of which the current pass mark is 67 points. If you clear this grid, you enter the Express Entry pool. The CIC CRS calculator/tool helps you calculate a score to determine your Express Entry eligibility (CRS Tool). If your score matches/surpasses the current draws, Express Entry invites you to apply for this program to become a Permanent Resident of Canada.
Minimum requirements for this program:
Skilled Work Experience
You must have a minimum of 24 months of work experience in a skilled trade and should be:
- in one of the above mentioned skilled trades;
- For a full-time position; or equivalent time in a part-time position;
- Within the last five years of application.
Education
There is no minimum education requirement for this program, but you can increase CRS points by:
- Earning a Degree, Diploma or Certificate from secondary or a tertiary school in Canada.
- Getting your Education Credential Assessment report for your foreign education evaluated
through a designated organization.
Language Proficiency
You must take one of the approved language tests, i.e. IELTS, CELPIP-G, TEF Canada or TCF Canada and get a minimum language score of CLB 5 in speaking and listening; and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Proof of Funds
You should show that you have sufficient funds for yourself and your family to be able to settle in Canada, except if:
– You are presently able to work in Canada, or;
– Have a valid job offer in Canada
Other determining factors
Authorized Trade Assessment; Admissibility; Age; Marital Status; Close Relatives in Canada etc.
Advantages of this program:
- Fully electronic application system
- Faster processing times than Provincial Nomination Programs
- No limit to the number of applicants who can apply to the Express Entry Pool via the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
