Canada•North AmericaFSWP — Federal Skilled Worker Program
At a Glance
6 months
CAD $1,675
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK

Living in Canada
Overview
Express Entry pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign professionals scoring at least 67 points on Canada's selection grid.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is Canada's Express Entry pathway to permanent residence for skilled professionals with foreign work experience. Candidates are scored on age, education, work experience, and language ability, and must reach a minimum of 67 points on the selection grid.
qualifying applicants need one year of skilled work in NOC TEER 0–3 and CLB 7 in English or French. In the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System; those with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply. Processing typically takes 6 months.
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals outside Canada who want a direct, permanent route to Canadian residency without needing a job offer.

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Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Annual Cap & Quota
Managed via Express Entry targets
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Minimum of one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years
Work experience must be in a job classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
Meet the minimum language threshold of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four categories (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
Possess a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
Score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP selection grid (based on age, education, experience, language, and adaptability)
Prove sufficient settlement funds (unless currently authorized to work in Canada or have a valid job offer)
Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or security issues)
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Experience
1+ years
Min. Savings
15,263 CAD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport or travel document
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts, pay stubs)
Police certificates from all countries lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Medical examination results
Proof of funds (bank statements)
Birth certificates or other civil status documents
Two passport-sized photos
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Direct path to Permanent Residence
- No job offer required
Worth Knowing
- Highly competitive
- Requires high language and education standards
Application Process
Create Express Entry profile
Receive ITA
Submit full PR application
Related visas
More visas in Canada
- Single-Entry Immigrant Visa
Residency
- Provincial Nominee Program
Residency
- Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
Residency
Residency visas in other countries

Living in Canada
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