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Express Entry Program
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The FSW is the flagship Express Entry program for skilled professionals worldwide. If you have skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education, the FSW offers a direct path to Canadian permanent residence.
Processing
6 months or less
Recent Cutoff
525
Last Draw
1,500 ITAs
Max CRS
1,200 pts
Program Overview
About Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is designed for skilled professionals who want to immigrate to Canada based on their ability to contribute to the economy. It is one of three programs managed through the Express Entry system.
To qualify, you must meet minimum requirements in skilled work experience, language ability, and education. The program uses a points-based selection system where candidates are ranked by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Unlike the Canadian Experience Class, the FSW does not require Canadian work experience. This makes it ideal for skilled workers applying from outside Canada. Strong language scores, higher education, and younger age significantly boost your chances of receiving an invitation.
Key Benefits
No Canadian work experience required
Apply from anywhere in the world
Fast processing (6 months)
Include spouse and children
Clear points-based system
Path to Canadian citizenship
Free CRS Assessment
Find out your CRS score and chances of receiving an invitation for FSW. Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your profile.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Meet these requirements to qualify for Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Work Experience
At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience within the last 10 years. The work must be in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Language Proficiency
CLB 7 minimum in all four abilities (reading, writing, speaking, listening) for English or French. You must take an approved test: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or TEF Canada.
Education
Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, OR foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) showing Canadian equivalency.
Selection Factor Points
Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid, which assesses age, education, language, work experience, arranged employment, and adaptability.
Proof of Funds
Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds unless you have valid Canadian job offer. Single applicants need approximately $14,690 CAD; amounts increase with family size.
Admissibility
Pass medical examinations and security/criminal checks. No serious criminal or medical inadmissibility.
CRS Scoring
Comprehensive Ranking System
Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Age
110 pointsMaximum points at ages 20-29, decreasing after 30. No points after age 45.
Education
150 pointsPhD gives maximum points. Masters, bachelors, and other credentials receive proportionally lower scores.
Language (First)
136 pointsCLB 10+ in all abilities gives maximum points. Higher scores significantly boost CRS.
Language (Second)
24 pointsAdditional points for second official language (French or English) at CLB 5+.
Canadian Work Experience
80 pointsUp to 5+ years of skilled Canadian work experience. FSW applicants may have 0 points here.
Skill Transferability
100 pointsCombinations of education, language, and work experience can unlock bonus points.
Draw History
Recent Express Entry Draws
Track recent CRS cutoffs to understand your chances.
January 2026General
525
CRS Cutoff
1,500 invitations
December 2025General
520
CRS Cutoff
1,800 invitations
November 2025General
518
CRS Cutoff
2,000 invitations
How to Apply
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for Federal Skilled Worker Program.
1
Gather Documents
Collect passport, language test results, ECA, work reference letters, and proof of funds. Ensure all documents meet IRCC specifications.
2
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile online with details about education, work experience, language scores, and family information. The system calculates your CRS score.
3
Improve Your Score
While in the pool, work on boosting your CRS through better language scores, PNP nominations, additional education, or job offers.
4
Receive ITA
If your CRS meets the draw cutoff, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
5
Submit PR Application
Complete and submit your permanent residence application within 60 days of receiving your ITA. Include all supporting documents.
6
Medical and Biometrics
Complete medical examinations and provide biometrics at a designated location.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Federal Skilled Worker Program
What CRS score do I need for FSW?
CRS cutoffs vary by draw. Recent general draws have ranged from 450 to 530. Category-based draws for specific occupations may have different cutoffs. The higher your score, the better your chances.
Do I need a job offer for FSW?
No, a job offer is not required. However, a valid LMIA-supported job offer adds 50 to 200 CRS points depending on the NOC level, significantly boosting your chances.
How is FSW different from CEC?
FSW is for skilled workers worldwide with no Canadian experience requirement. CEC requires at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience. FSW has additional requirements like the 67-point selection grid.
What language score do I need?
Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities is required. However, higher scores (CLB 9+) significantly boost your CRS. Many successful candidates have CLB 9 or higher in most abilities.
Can I include my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application. Your spouse's education and language can add CRS points.
Ready to Apply for FSW?
Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants. We'll assess your profile and create a strategy to maximize your CRS score.