Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry)
Canada Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry?
What is Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry?
Express Entry allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite eligible candidates to make an application for permanent residence.
These candidates have all made a formal ‘Expression of Interest’ to settle in Canada by creating an online Express Entry profile. Eligible candidates have their profiles accepted to the Express Entry pool where they are given a score and ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on the personal information they provided.
In addition to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the pool contains candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC). IRCC then invites candidates to apply during its Express Entry draws from the pool.
Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry Program advantages
For Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates there are two distinct advantages, and one possible disadvantage, under Express Entry.
Advantages:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class candidates do not require any connection to Canada in order to be eligible for the program. Minimum requirements for work experience, language proficiency, and education can all be completed outside of Canada, so the program is an excellent option for those living outside of Canada.
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program candidates receive the highest percentage of invitations to apply, with FSWC candidates receiving more than half of all invitations issued in 2018.
Potential disadvantage:
- Even if you are eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Class, there is no guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply. If your CRS score is below the cut-off required to receive an invitation, consult our guide on how to increase your CRS score.
Let’s go over the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Class, as it is not enough just to have skilled work experience.
Eligibility Requirements – Federal Skilled Worker Class
In order to be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class, you must meet several minimum eligibility criteria:
- Work Experience: You must have a minimum of 12-months of full-time, skilled work experience, or an equivalent amount in part-time experience. This experience must be continuous and in a single occupation. To be considered “skilled” experience, you must have been working in an occupation at National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- Language Proficiency: You must take an approved language test showing you are proficient in either English or French. The minimum score for FSWC is equal to the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 7 (CLB 7), although the higher you score, the better your chances of success.
- Education: You must have completed a minimum education equal to the completion of a Canadian high school diploma. If your education was completed outside of Canada, you will need an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) attesting to the value of your education by Canadian standards.
- Federal Skilled Worker Points Grid: All FSWC candidates must score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP points grid. Details are below.
- Settlement Funds: You must have enough funds to support your settlement in Canada. Details are below.
If you meet these minimum requirements, you may be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile. However, please note that being eligible does not guarantee that you’ll be invited to submit an official application for Canadian permanent residence. Express Entry is a competitive immigration selection system, so only the highest ranking FSWC candidates will be invited to apply.
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Federal Skilled Worker Points Grid
In order to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Class, candidates must score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on this points grid. Please note that this is a completely separate points system from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used to ranking all Express Entry profiles.
Six factors are considered under the Federal Skilled Worker Program points grid. Click on any of the slides below to learn more.
1Language ability: up to 28 points
First language ability
Second language ability
Spouse / common-law partner’s language ability (first language only)
2Education: up to 25 points
Federal skilled worker points for level of education are assessed on the following basis:
3Work experience: up to 15 FSW points
Some notes on work experience and the Federal Skilled Worker Class:
- Only skilled work experience is counted. Skilled work experience for federal skilled workers is work experience in an occupation that falls under a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code at 0, A or B level.
- A minimum of nine points must be obtained under the work experience in order for a candidates to be eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.
Federal skilled worker points work experience are available on the following basis.
4Age: up to 12 FSW points
Federal skilled worker points for age are available on the following basis:
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to 35 (inclusive) | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| 38 | 9 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 6 |
| 42 | 5 |
| 43 | 4 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 45 | 2 |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47 and over | 0 |
5Arranged employment: up to FSW 10 points
Having ‘arranged employment’ in Canada can result in 10 points being awarded. This is when a federal skilled worker candidate receives a qualifying offer of full-time employment in Canada under one of the following scenarios:
The candidate is currently working in Canada on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based work permit in a skilled occupation.
- The work permit must be valid when the application is made.
- The employer has made a full-time job offer in a skilled occupation to the candidate.
OR
The candidate is currently working in Canada on a LMIA-exempt work permit or a work permit issued under a provincial/territorial agreement.
- The work permit must be valid when the application is made.
- The employer has made a full-time job offer in a skilled occupation to the candidate.
OR
The candidate holds a valid Canadian work permit or is otherwise authorized to work in Canada, but does not fall into either of the above scenarios.
- The work permit authorization is valid when the application is made.
- A prospective employer has offered a permanent, full-time job to the candidate.
- This job offer is supported by a positive LMIA.
OR
The candidate does not hold a valid Canadian work permit.
- A prospective employer has offered a permanent, full-time job to the candidate.
- This job offer is supported by a positive LMIA.
In any of the above scenarios, 10 FSW points may be awarded under the arranged employment factor. A further five FSW points may be awarded for arranged employment under the adaptability factor (see below).
6Adaptability: up to 10 points
Federal Skilled Worker Class candidates may obtain up to 10 points under the adaptability factor, which assesses individuals’ and families’ ability to become established in Canada from an economic and social point of view.
Though the table below shows the various ways whereby a candidate may be awarded points under this factor, please note that you ‘max out’ once you receive 10 points for adaptability.
*The relative must be at least 18 years of age and may be the relative of the candidate or his or her spouse/common-law partner. The relative may be a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, and the relative must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry Settlement Funds
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) candidates without a valid offer of arranged employment must declare sufficient settlement funds upon entering the Express Entry pool. This declaration must then be proven when an application for permanent residence is made.
The requirement increases depending on family size.
These funds must be available and transferable, and unencumbered by debts or other obligations. The settlement funds requirement must be met at the time the application is made, as well as when the permanent resident visa is issued.
Which skilled workers does Canada need?
Canada has opened up the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) to a diverse range of workers, including workers with experience in any skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B). If you are unsure whether or not your work experience is considered skilled, use this tool to learn more.
Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Occupations
There are hundreds of occupations that are considered skilled.
- Skill Type 0 (zero): management jobs, such as restaurant managers, retail and wholesale trade managers, managers in food service and accommodation, and more.
- Skill Level A: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university, including a range of Information Technology (IT) occupations, engineering and construction occupations, legal occupations, and more.
- Skill Level B: technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice, such as chefs, plumbers, general office workers, retail salespersons, and more.
How to apply for FSW – Step-by-step instructions
- Check your eligibility.
- Obtain the documents your need to create a profile.
- Create an Express Entry profile
- Improve your profile and ranking under the CRS
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Complete a medical exam, provide security background checks, and submit an e-application
- Your e-application is reviewed
- Receive confirmation of permanent resident status and complete your landing
- Get your PR card
How to Improve Your CRS Score for Express Entry:
One popular method of increasing your CRS score is to re-take your language tests. If your scores could be improved, it may be worthwhile to take some time to study and then sit the exam again.
There are other potential ways to improve your ranking, such as completing additional work experience or seeing if you are eligible under one of the Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program streams, particularly those in the province in which you work(ed). Your experience and skills may be in demand in the province, and so there could be a 600-point bonus waiting for you.
Everything is summarized in the table below.
1CRS Score table for Express Entry
| Factor | Sub-factor | Additional information | Proof required | Potential points increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sibling in Canada | N/A | Sibling must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada | Passport/PR card; proof of residence in Canada; proof of relation between siblings | 15 points |
| Education | Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | Applicable to CEC and FSTC candidates only | ECA document | 250 points (Up to 150 for education alone; Up to 100 within skills transferability) |
| Previous study in Canada (1 or 2-year study program) | Must have completed the study program | Degree / diploma / certificate | 15 points | |
| Previous study in Canada, either 3 years or longer in duration / Master’s degree / entry-to-practice professional degree / Doctorate. | Must have completed the study program | Degree / diploma / certificate | 30 points | |
| Language | Prove a higher first language ability | Re-take a language test and improve your results | IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF | 162 points (Up to 112 points for improved results; Up to 50 within skills transferability) |
| Prove ability in a second official language | French speakers obtain additional bonus, as well as points for second language | IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF | 74 points (Up to 24 for second language ability; 25/50-point bonus for French speakers) | |
| Work | Complete extra skilled work experience outside Canada | Accumulate points under skills transferability in combination with language ability and/or Canadian work experience | Self-declared (must be proven later by a reference letter) | 100 points |
| Complete skilled work experience in Canada | For every year (up to 5 years), you accumulate points; even 1 year can bring lots of points | Employment records; tax documents | 180 points (80 for Canadian work alone; up to 100 within skills transferability) | |
| Job offer | Skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B) | A job offer in a professional, managerial, or technical position | LMIA / job offer letter from current employer in Canada while on a closed work permit (other conditions apply) | 50 points |
| Senior Managerial Position (NOC Major Group 00) | These positions are generally for highly skilled, experienced candidates in select occupations | LMIA / job offer letter from current employer in Canada while on a closed work permit (other conditions apply) | 200 points | |
| Provincial nomination | N/A | Provinces & territories can nominate candidates in the pool through the PNPs – the single most valuable factor under the CRS! | Provincial Nomination Certificate | 600 points |
| Spouse / Partner factors | Education | This can be outside or inside Canada | ECA / proof of study in Canada | 10 points |
| Language | N/A | IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF | 20 points | |
| Canadian work experience | Even 1 year gives you 5 extra points | Employment records; tax documents | 10 points | |
| Make the spouse / partner the principal applicant | Double-check who would have the higher CRS score | Submit a new Express Entry profile | Variable |
Where is Canada?
Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres ...
population: 38,005,238
Area: 9,984,670 km
language: English
Government: Federal
currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)
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