Federal Skilled Worker Program
Managed through Express Entry: you apply only after an invitation. Read on IRCC’s page on November 9, 2026.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program gives permanent residence to skilled workers who can show they will become economically established in Canada. It is for people with at least one year of continuous skilled work experience, earned in Canada or abroad, who plan to live outside Quebec. Applications go through Express Entry.
Who is eligible
- At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation within the 10 years before you apply (IRPR s 75(2)(a)).
- You performed the lead statement and a substantial number of the main duties of that occupation as described in the National Occupational Classification.
- Language results at or above the minimum the Minister sets, from a designated test.
- Enough points on the selection grid (education, language, experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability). The pass mark is fixed by the Minister, not written in the Regulations — check IRCC’s page.
- Settlement funds of half the minimum necessary income for your family size, unless you have qualifying arranged employment (IRPR s 76(1)(b)).
Steps
- Take an approved language test and get an educational credential assessment for foreign education.
- Check your points on IRCC’s FSW page and enter the Express Entry pool.
- If invited, apply for permanent residence with full supporting documents.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Language test results.
- Educational credential assessment.
- Reference letters with duties, hours, salary and dates.
- Proof of settlement funds.
- Police certificates and medical exam after invitation.
What the law says
“the federal skilled worker class is hereby prescribed as a class of persons who are skilled workers”
Creates the federal skilled worker class, for people intending to live outside Quebec.
“within the 10 years before the date on which their application for a permanent resident visa is made, they have accumulated, over a continuous period, at least one year of full-time work experience”
The work-experience rule: one continuous year in the last 10 years, in a TEER 0–3 occupation.
“an amount equal to one half of the minimum necessary income applicable in respect of the group of persons consisting of the skilled worker and their family members”
The six selection factors and the settlement-funds requirement.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
- IRCC: Federal Skilled Worker Program — who can apply
- IRCC: Express Entry
- IRCC: Express Entry rounds of invitations (live cut-offs)
- IRCC fee list (current fees)
- IRCC processing times (live)
Common mistakes
- Counting non-continuous experience toward the one-year minimum.
- Listing a NOC code whose main duties don’t match what you actually did.
- Assuming the funds requirement is waived without qualifying arranged employment.
Frequently asked questions
How many points do I need for FSW?
The Regulations leave the pass mark to the Minister (IRPR s 76(2)). IRCC publishes the current number on its FSW page — check it there.
Does my experience have to be in Canada?
No. FSW counts skilled experience from anywhere, as long as it meets IRPR s 75(2).
Policy analysis
- Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan: what changed, and what it means if you’re already here
The 2027–2029 plan holds permanent admissions at 380,000 a year and new temporary arrivals at 370,000, and adds a one-time 2027 measure for up to 200,000 people already in Canada.
Related streams
- Express Entry Invitation-only
The online system IRCC uses to invite skilled workers to apply for permanent residence.
- Canadian Experience Class Invitation-only
Permanent residence for people with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program Invitation-only
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a certificate of qualification or a job offer.
- Provincial Nominee Program Open
A province or territory nominates you for permanent residence based on its own labour needs.