Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), like Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program for skilled workers under Canada's Express Entry system. FSWP was the world's first program to evaluate candidates objectively using a point based system.
To be eligible for FSWP, the candidate must meet the minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language ability and education.
Canada launched the FSWP in 1967 to select immigrants from all over the world. Prior to the introduction of the program, the candidates for Canada's Permanent Residency (PR) were selected subjectively, based on the discretion of the immigration officer who made a judgment on whether they thought the applicant could integrate into the Canadian job market.
This approach was considered to be problematic and the world's first points-based immigration system was introduced to select candidates. With the use of objective criteria to evaluate all candidates the same way based on age, education, language skills, work experience, occupation, and other factors.
What is the process to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Before you begin:
It is advisable to give a Language Assessment exam for English and/or French (i.e. IELTS General, TEF Canada, and/or TCF Canada).
Step 1:
Find out if you meet the FSWP's eligibility criteria and qualify to apply. Advocates Immigrations Office (AIO) offers a seasoned and experienced team to assess and evaluate your application regarding your eligibility free of charge along with a free consultation.
Step 2:
Gather all your documents required for your application for immigration to Canada as a Permanent Resident.
Step 3:
If you are eligible for the FSWP, submit your FSWP Express Entry profile to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Note: You can still increase your points in the Express Entry Pool while you wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to Canada from IRCC. Click here to check the latest Express Entry Draws.
Step 4:
After receiving an ITA, you go ahead and submit your completed PR application to IRCC. (This step also includes your medical exam, if applicable, police clearance certificate, and biometrics registration.)
Step 5:
After a successful PR application, you will be issued a confirmation of permanent residency (CoPR) and an entry visa.
Step 6:
Move to Canada & start your new life as a Canadian Permanent Resident!
Eligibility for FSWP
The candidates applying to FSWP are required to have some minimum qualification requirements for
Skilled work experience,
Language ability, and
Education.
All the minimum requirements must be met to be eligible for this program.
The applications are assessed and selected on a 100-point grid basis. The points and decisions are made on the basis of the following factors:
Age;
Education;
Work Experience;
A Valid Job Offer;
Language Skills in English and/or French; and
Adaptability (that is, how well a candidate is likely to settle in Canada.)
Like the other programs in the Express Entry system, FSWP follows a point-based system to rank candidates. The current immigration requirement is to obtain at least 67 points under the program's 100-point grid in addition to satisfying all other minimum requirements.
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The minimum requirements for the applicant, to qualify for FSWP, also include:
At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level O, A, or B;
The NOC job groups mentioned above are Managerial jobs (skill type O), Professional jobs (skill type A), and Technical jobs and skilled trades (skill level B).
Any unpaid work experience is not considered.
A minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in the approved language tests in English and/or French; and
Canadian educational credential (certificate, diploma, or degree) or foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
At least 67 points out of 100 points in the FSWP point grid.