What jobs qualify for the FSWP?
Short answer: IRCC does not publish a closed "FSWP job list." The job must be TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the NOC, and it must be the primary occupation you use on the file. IRCC describes skilled workers as managers and supervisors, and people in jobs that usually need a university degree, a college diploma, or apprenticeship training. Find your NOC first, then confirm TEER. Your primary occupation may not be your most recent job. Choose the NOC that matches the work you actually did. IRCC says a mismatch delays processing and puts you against the wrong program.
Count 1,560 hours as: one full-time job at up to 30 hours per week for 12 months; part-time that adds up to 1,560 hours (for example 15 hours per week for 24 months); or full-time at more than one job totalling 30 hours per week for 12 months. Student work can count if it was paid, continuous, and otherwise eligible. Self-employed work can count toward selection-factor experience points. The occupation still has to be TEER 0-3.
| How you get 1,560 hours | IRCC example |
|---|
| One full-time job | Up to 30 hours/week for 12 months |
| Part-time | 15 hours/week for 24 months, or any mix that totals 1,560 |
| Several full-time jobs | 30 hours/week for 12 months across more than one job |
Arranged employment can add up to 10 points if the offer is continuous, paid, full-time (minimum 30 hours/week), not seasonal, for at least 1 year, in TEER 0-3, and you fit one of IRCC's four Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA-exempt situations. A job offer is not mandatory to enter as a Federal Skilled Worker.
Which skilled worker is in demand in Canada?
Short answer: The FSWP page does not name 2026 shortage occupations. Eligibility is the TEER 0-3 test plus the 67-point grid, not a government in-demand list. Express Entry also runs category-based rounds. Those categories are announced on the rounds of invitations pages, round by round. A category round can invite people already in the pool who match that category. It does not rewrite FSWP minimums. If a consultant shows you a 2026 "most in-demand jobs" graphic with no IRCC URL, treat it as marketing.
Language is often the practical bottleneck. Below CLB 7 in any of the four abilities, the first-official-language table says you are not eligible to apply. CLB 7 is 4 points per ability (16 if all four sit at 7). CLB 8 is 5 each. CLB 9 or higher is 6 each. Take a test IRCC lists on language test results.
Proof of funds is another gate. IRCC updated the settlement table on July 7, 2025, using 50% of the low income cut-off. You need proof of funds for FSWP and for the Federal Skilled Trades Program unless you are invited under CEC or you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. Keep the figure current in the profile. IRCC asked pool candidates to update no later than July 28, 2025.
| Family members | Funds you need (CAD), updated July 7, 2025 |
|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 |
Count yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, even if they are Canadian citizens or not travelling with you. Equity in real property is not proof. You need bank letters on letterhead with the details IRCC lists.