Federal Skilled Trade Class

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – Express Entry Pathway

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the key immigration pathways under Canada’s Express Entry system, designed to attract skilled professionals from around the world. It allows individuals with strong education, work experience, and language abilities to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for FSWP

To qualify under the FSWP, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Work Experience

Minimum 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous full-time skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the last 10 years.
The experience must be in an eligible NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (Managerial, Professional, or Technical/Skilled Trades jobs).
Work experience must be paid and legally obtained.

Language Proficiency

Meet the minimum language requirement of CLB 7 (IELTS: 6.0 in all sections) in English or French.
Language test results must be from an approved testing agency and less than two years old at the time of application.

Education

Hold a Canadian secondary (high school) diploma OR an equivalent foreign credential assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

Applicants must score at least 67 out of 100 points based on six selection factors:

Education (up to 25 points)
Language proficiency (up to 28 points)
Work experience (up to 15 points)
Age (up to 12 points)
Arranged employment in Canada (up to 10 points)
Adaptability (family ties, spouse’s education, etc.) (up to 10 points)

Settlement Funds

Applicants must show proof of funds to support themselves and their family in Canada (unless they are already working in Canada with a valid job offer).

Single applicant: $14,690 CAD
Family of two: $18,288 CAD
Family of three: $22,483 CAD
Additional funds required for larger families

FSWP Application Process

Create an Express Entry Profile

Submit details about work experience, education, language test scores, and other factors to receive a CRS score.

Enter the Express Entry Pool

Profiles are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency in a regular Express Entry draw.

Submit a Complete PR Application

After receiving an ITA, candidates must submit a full application within 60 days, including:

Passport & travel history
Work experience letters
Language test results
Education credential assessments
Police clearance certificates & medical exam results

PR Processing & Approval

IRCC processes the application within 6 months, after which successful applicants receive permanent resident status.

How to Improve Your CRS Score

Increase language scores: Higher IELTS/French scores boost CRS points.
Get additional education: More academic credentials lead to higher points.
Secure a job offer in Canada: A valid offer can add up to 200 CRS points.
Apply with a spouse: Spousal education, work experience, and language scores contribute to overall points.