How the immigration process works with the FSWP:

If you have not lived in Canada before and are a professional, the FSWP will be your best immigration option. First, you need to see if you are eligible under the FSWP criteria.

You will receive a Comprehensive Classification System (CRS) score based on factors such as your age, education, language skills, and work experience. Typically every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts a draw inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. After submitting your completed application, you can expect to receive your permanent residence status within six months and then move to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

Foreign nationals can begin the immigration process under the Federal Skilled Worker Program by determining if they meet the minimum requirements of the program. The minimum requirements are:

1.One year of full-time or equivalent continuous paid work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation classified under skill level 0, A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC);

2.Validated language ability equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French in all skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking);

3.Report of Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma or degree) or foreign credential and evaluation of educational credentials (ECA). 

To be eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, prospective candidates must meet minimum requirements for work experience, language ability, education, and score at least 67 points under the program’s 100-point grid. The program’s selection factor grid evaluates candidates based on factors including age, education, work experience, organized employment, language ability, and adaptability.

IRCC determines the eligibility of applicants for the Federal Skilled Worker Program based on its grid of unique points. However, only the highest ranked candidates in the express entry pool receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.