The Minimum Requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP or FSW) is one of Canada’s immigration options under the Express Entry system. FSWP targets people who may economically establish themselves in Canada because of their job experience, knowledge of English or French languages, age, education, and adaptability to Canada. To apply under this program, you need to meet the minimum requirements and receive at least 67 points of the existing 100 points allocated to this program.
The following table shows the minimum requirements to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you do not meet these requirements, you will be refused immediately.
Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
Work Experience |
|
Language Skills |
|
Education |
|
Important: Changes may apply due to the latest version of NOC, NOC 2021, which replaces the old skill levels with TEER categories.
Subsection 75(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) outlines these requirements. Do not apply if you do not meet the minimum requirements, as the immigration officer will refuse your application immediately under subsection 75(3) of IRPR. Make sure to receive your ECA and take a language test before opening an Express Entry account. Also, contact your employer(s) and get reference letters, employment contracts, etc., to make sure you meet the work experience requirements. Do not forget that you need to receive at least 67 out of 100 points to be eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program on top of the minimum requirements. Depending on whether you have a valid job offer to Canada or not, you may also need to show that you have access to some funds.
You may also read the following article for more information.
Federal Skilled Worker Program & Express Entry
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is managed under the Express Entry system since January 2015. For more information, read the following articles.
- Express Entry Immigration to Canada
- Express Entry vs. the Old Federal Skilled Worker Program to Canada
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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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