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Subclass FSWExpress Entry

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Overview

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience who want permanent residence through Express Entry. It is one of three federal programs IRCC manages in the Express Entry pool (alongside the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades). You must meet minimum language, education, and skilled-work requirements, then score at least 67/100 on the FSW selection-factor grid. That grid only decides whether you can enter the pool — invitations use a separate Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 1 year of continuous paid skilled work (1,560 hours) in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 primary occupation within the last 10 years
  • Work must match the NOC lead statement and most main duties; volunteer or unpaid internships do not count
  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities (English or French) on an approved test
  • Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a foreign credential plus an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSW selection factors (language, education, experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability)
  • Proof of funds unless you are legally able to work in Canada and have a valid job offer
  • Be admissible to Canada and plan to live outside Quebec (Quebec selects its own skilled workers)

Application Process

1

Confirm your primary occupation under NOC 2021 (TEER 0–3) and that your duties match the NOC description

2

Take an approved language test and, if educated abroad, get an ECA for immigration purposes

3

Check that you meet the 67-point FSW selection grid — this is not the same as your CRS score

4

Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool (profiles are typically valid for 12 months)

5

If invited (ITA), submit a complete permanent residence application within the deadline on the invitation

6

Pay IRCC processing and Right of Permanent Residence fees, give biometrics, and complete medical/police checks

7

Receive a decision — successful applicants become permanent residents

Processing Time

IRCC service standard is often ~6 months after a complete post-ITA application — pool wait is separate

Based on current DHA estimates

Application Costs

Express Entry profileNo IRCC fee
PR processing + Right of Permanent Residence FeeCheck IRCC fee list
BiometricsCAD $85 (CAD $170 family max)
Language test / ECA (if required)Third-party — variable

Key Tips

  • The 67-point FSW grid and the CRS (out of 1,200) are different systems — passing 67 does not mean you will get an ITA
  • As of 25 March 2025, CRS no longer awards points for a job offer; a valid offer can still help FSW selection-factor points and some PNP streams
  • IRCC holds general, program-specific, and category-based rounds (for example French or certain occupations) — cut-offs change each round
  • A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points and usually leads to a quick invitation
  • Verify current selection factors, proof-of-funds amounts, and fees on canada.ca before you apply