Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) has been one of the most popular immigration programs. 

Skilled worker is a person who can compete and succeed in the country’s knowledge-based economy and has the ability to be self supporting upon the arrival in Canada. In order to qualify, the applicant must score a minimum of 67 points out of the possible 100 points.

As of January of 2015, since the introduction of the Express Entry system, the 2014 accepted occupation list no longer applies and there are no limits on how many applicants are accepted under each occupation.

All applicants must meet the following minimal requirements to apply as a skilled worker:

  • You must have at least one year of continuous full-time, paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment
  • You must have had this experience within the last 10 years
  • Your work experience must be Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations) or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or B (technical occupations and skilled trades) on the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC)

What are the selection factors?

Your application to come to Canada as a skilled worker will also be assessed against a point system consisting of six selection factors. The six selection factors are:

Factor 1 Education Maximum 25 points
Factor 2 Ability in English and or French Maximum 28 points
Factor 3 Experience Maximum 15 points
Factor 4 Age Maximum 12 points
Factor 5 Arranged employment Maximum 10 points
Factor 6 Adaptability Maximum 10 points
Total Maximum 100 points
Pass Mark 67 points

Below is a detailed description of all factors that are to be assessed.

Factor 1 – Education

(maximum of 25 points)

Points are awarded for earned educational credentials as well as the number of years of full‑time studies or full‑time equivalent studies. To be awarded points, you must meet both stated criteria.

Full‑time studies: At least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. This includes any period of workplace training that forms part of the course.

Full‑time equivalent studies: If you completed a program of study on a part‑time or accelerated basis, count the length of time it would have taken to complete the program on a full‑time basis.

Use the chart below to determine your points. If you have not completed the number of years of study that correspond to your highest educational credential, award yourself points based on the number of years of study.

Doctoral level 25
Master’s level or professional degree 23
Two or more post-secondary credentials, one of which is a three-year or longer post-secondary credential 22
Three-year or longer post-secondary credential 21
Two-year post-secondary credential 19
One-year post-secondary credential 15
Secondary school (also called high school) 5

Factor 2 – Ability in English and/or French

(maximum of 28 points)

The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important to you as a skilled worker. Proficiency in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.

You will be awarded up to 28 points for your basic, moderate or high proficiency in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:

  • listen
  • speak
  • read
  • write

Proof of language proficiency

Use your language test results from a designated testing agency, to determine how many points you will be awarded for language proficiency.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Use the following table to determine how many points you will be awarded for your test scores with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

Level Points (per ability) Test results for each ability
Speaking Listening Reading (General Training) Writing (General Training)
CLB9 6  7.0 8.0 7.0 7.0
CLB8 5 6.5 7.5 6.5 6.5
CLB7 4 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
CLB6
and lower 
0
(not qualified)
Less than 6.0 Less than 6.0 Less than 6.0 Less than 6.0

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)

Use the following table to determine how many points you will be awarded for your test scores with the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP):

CLB Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking
10 10 10 10 10
9 9 9 9 9
8 8 8 8 8
7 7 7 7 7
6 6 6 6 6
5 5 5 5 5

Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)

Use the following table to determine how many points you will be awarded for your test scores with the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF):

Level Points (per ability) Test results for each ability
Speaking (expression orale) Listening (compré-hension orale) Reading (compré-hension écrite) Writing (expression écrite)
CLB9 372+ 298+ 248+ 372+
6
CLB8 5 349-371 280-297 233-247 349-371
CLB7 4 309 248 206 309
CLB6 or
lower
0 (Not qualified) 271 or lower 217 or lower 181 or lower 271 or lower

Second Official Language: Maximum 4 points – CLB 5 in all abilities

Factor 3 – Work experience

(maximum of 15 points)

You will earn points for the number of years you have spent in full-time (37.5 hours per week), paid work.

Minimum work experience requirements

You must meet the following minimum work experience requirements to be eligible to apply as a skilled worker:

  • You must have at least one year of full-time, paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time employment.
  • Your work experience must be in an occupation of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B of the Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC).
  • You must have had this experience within the last 10 years.
Experience Maximum 15 points
1 year 9
2-3 years 11
4-5 years 13
6 or more years 15

Factor 4 – Age

(maximum of 12 points)

Points are given for your age on the date that your complete application is received.

Age Points
18 to 35 12
36 11
37 10
38 9
Less one point per year
46 1
47 and over 0

Factor 5 – Arranged employment

(maximum of 10 points)

In some cases, you can get points if you have a permanent, full-time job offer from a Canadian employer. The job must be arranged before you apply to come to Canada as a federal skilled worker.

A valid job offer has to be:

  • for full-time, permanent and not seasonal work, and
  • in an occupation listed as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Find your points based on the chart below.

If And Points
You currently work in Canada on a temporary work permit. Your work permit is valid both when you apply and when the visa is issued (or you are authorized to work in Canada without a work permit when your visa is issued).andCIC issued your work permit based on a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Your employer would have applied for the LMIA, which you then had to attach to your application to CIC.andYou are working for an employer named on your work permit who has made a permanent job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker. 10
You currently work in Canada in a job that is exempt from the LMIA requirement under:

  • an international agreement (such as, the North America Free Trade Agreement) or
  • a federal-provincial agreement.
Your work permit is valid both when you apply and when the visa is issued (or you are authorized to work in Canada without a permit when your visa is issued).
andYour current employer has made a permanent job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker.
10
You currently do not:

  • have a work permit, or
  • plan to work in Canada before you get a permanent resident visa.

OR

You are currently working in Canada and a different employer has offered to give you a permanent full-time job.

OR

You are currently working in Canada in a job that is exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment, but notunder an international or federal-provincial agreement.

An employer has made you a permanent job offer based on you being accepted as a skilled worker.andThe employer has a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from ESDC.

Factor 6 – Adaptability

(maximum of 10 points)

Adaptability Maximum 10 points
Your spouse or partner’s language level
Your spouse or common-law partner has a language level in either English or French at CLB 4 level or higher in all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading and writing).To get these points, you must submit test results from an approved agency when you apply. Results can not be more than two years old on the day you apply.
5
Your past study in Canada
You finished at least two academic years of full-time study (in a program at least two years long) at a secondary or post-secondary school in Canada.Full-time study means at least 15 hours of classes per week, and you must have stayed in good academic standing (as set out by the school) during that time.
5
Your spouse or partner’s past study in Canada
Your spouse or common-law partner finished at least two academic years of full-time study (in a program at least two years long) at a secondary or post-secondary school in Canada.Full-time study means at least 15 hours of classes per week, and your spouse or partner must have stayed in good academic standing (as set out by the school) during that time.
5
Your past work in Canada
You did at least one year of full-time work in Canada:

  1. in a occupation listed in Skill Type O or Skill Levels A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and
  2. with a valid work permit or while authorized to work in Canada.
10
Your spouse or common-law partner’s past work in Canada
Your spouse / partner did at least one year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit or while authorized to work in Canada.
5
Arranged Employment in Canada
You earned points under Factor 5: Arranged Employment.
5
Relatives in Canada
You, or, if it applies, your spouse or common-law partner, have a relative, either a

  • parent,
  • grandparent,
  • child,
  • grandchild,
  • child of a parent (sibling),
  • child of a grandparent (aunt or uncle), or
  • grandchild of a parent (niece or nephew), who is
    • living in Canada
    • 18 years or older and
    • a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

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One of our licensed immigration consultants can speak with you in person, online or on the phone about your unique immigration situation and give you a breakdown of your options.
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92 thoughts on “Federal Skilled Worker Program

  1. Hi sir,
    Please, can you explane “Accompanying spouse/partner’s official language”.? In Adaptability criteria… Do you mean if my wife good in english I will have 5 points? If yes, what is the language level to have 5 points?

  2. i would like to know which all relative are eligible to give support to qualify for 5 points of adaptability.

    • I have the same question. Can we get 5 Points for a cousin of second grad from my spouse? Please can someone answer!
      Thank you in advance

  3. I’m from Leyte, I want to apply as federal skilled immigrant in Canada. I am presently working as marketing/membership development in OCCCI Albuera Leyte.Hope you could give me an opportunity to apply because it gives me a big help for my family to recover our loss during typhoon yolanda

  4. Hi sir,
    Please, can you explane “Accompanying spouse/partner’s official language”.? In Adaptability
    criteria… Do you mean if my wife good in english I will have 5 points? If yes, what is the language level to have 5 points?

    Pls. Reply.

  5. Hi sir,
    Please, can you disclose how much I shall have to pay for immigrating into the Canada.

    Pls. Reply.

  6. Pingback: Federal Skilled Worker Program Cap/Quota Counter Released | CICS News – Canada's immigration news source

  7. My husband’s qualification is Master Public Relation (Human Resources). Its a MBA equivalent degree. He has a work experience of 6 years as Purchasing Manager for marble blocks and general items. Does he require any diploma or any other degree to qualify for the NOC 0113? Does this purchasing come in units specialized materials or industrials products?

  8. I am working 17 hours/ week as a full time lecturer for last 7 years. What is the max. point can I get experience part.

  9. sir.
    please, can I require more info about the quilified personal in the health care sistem
    of canada?
    in my case like an specialist in medical equipment with university degree

  10. Sir can u plz tell me that one year experience required fr early childhood assistant should be continuous at one place or it can be combine experience of working at two different places .

  11. Hi there,
    I am currently in the process of applying for the federal skill workers program.
    http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who.asp

    I have been to a lawyer and she said this was the best option for me. I am having a little trouble with the NOC codes. My college degree and my work experience fall under a unit group –
    2171 Information systems analysts and consultants

    on this page : http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/ProfileQuickSearch.aspx?val=2&val1=2171&val65=*

    However, even though my degree and experience fall under this category my particular job title is not there. I am wondering if I can still apply under this NOC Code??

    I have checked all other NOC codes and this is the one which matches my experience and degree qualifications the most.

    Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanking you,
    Aidan Sheehan

  12. Dear sir
    I am from IRAN and like to immigrat to canada .i am 39 year old nad have 2 children under 12 years . My job is construction maneger, have more than 7 years experience , my education is ass. of arts in civil and construction technologe (3 years study in college ) and have work experience in oil and gas refinery as civil superviser , with TOYO and HYUNDAI ,… company i want to know about my chance to immigrat to canada
    how about your servise and fees?
    the time also so important for me start up to finalize ?
    THANKS

  13. Hello,

    With respect to “Documents List” on IMM 5612 (08-2014) E, should the following documents be certified as “a true copy of the original document”?

    1. passports
    2. Status documents and entry stamps in the passport
    3. Employment certificate
    4. Proof of Funds
    5. Birth Certificate
    6. Marriage Certificate

    In other words, Does “copy” in the formal column on the form IMM 5612 (08-2014) E mean just a photocopy without being certified or a photocopy with being certified by designated people?

    Your comment on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

  14. Hi,

    I have a confusion,i want to apply in fsw with arranged employment.I am already working in canada with arranged employment LMO based in NOC 0621 from last 5 months.

    But my experience which is in NOC B is not the same as of arranged employment and not in the Eligible 50 occupations.

    I want to know should the arrange employment matches with the work experience,Because it is not written anywhere on cic website.

  15. I did 2 Years MBA in Finance Full Time and 3 Years B.com Full time with 17 Years full time education from India, How many points I will Be Get either 23 or 22
    Thanks
    Serve Mitter

  16. Hi,

    I’ve got the followings as my TEF french examen.
    Please let me know if I got the minimum requirement for language skill or not:

    Speaking: C2
    Writing: C2
    Listening: C1
    but Reading: B2 (205 of 300 while the minimum required point is 206 or 207).

    Thanks and regards

  17. I have helped running a private family healthcare clinic (small sized) for 10 years… however, I DO NOT have a ‘relevant’ certification or degree for Healthcare management…. though I have a master degree in another discipline.

    I make budgets, , patient liaison, organise meetings between doctors and pharmaceutical companies, hiring medical staff, liaison between government healthcare policies/ppl and medical staff, accounting etc.

    “Several years of experience in the relevant profession, including supervisory experience, are usually required.
    Certification in the relevant profession is required.”

    AM I still eligible to apply for the category (0311) Manager in Healthcare?? Anyone have applied for this category with a “relevant” degree?

    PLS Help!

    Many thanks!!​

  18. I want to apply for federal skill worker program from India but I don’t have birth certificate with me and it seems very difficult to get the one soon. Please suggest me an alternate option to birth certificate, if valid and accepted by Canada Embassy.

    Thank You
    Pooja

  19. i got a 4.5 bands in score ielts listening 5 reading 3.5 writing 4 and speaking 6
    about diploma iam technician of electrical with 3 years the experience my age is 30 years old . my questions is can i get province accepteMy qualifications ?

  20. Hello sir my ielts. Score. Ha 4.5bands allover. L5.5 r4.5 s3.5 w4.5 I can apply pr canada I have welder experience. Three to four. Years

  21. Pingback: Express Entry Update: Encouraging Minimum Score Released

  22. Hi!

    I am Sr. Network Administrator and want to apply under FSWP EE, my IELTS scores are Listening 7.5, Reading 8.0, Writing 6.5, Speaking 6.0. I want to increase my points by appearing for TEF, How much score do i require to qualify for minimum points in second language.

    Thanks & Regards,

    Jasbir Singh

  23. Hi,
    I really appreciate your support,I appeared ON 18th Oct and got scores

    Reading 6
    Listening 8.5
    writing 5.5
    speaking 8.5

    Over All 7.0
    will this be enough for me to apply under express entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program

    Please reply.

    Thanx & Regards,
    Ambarish Golawar

  24. I want to apply for federal skill worker program from India but I scored
    Reading 5
    Listening 6
    writing 5.5
    speaking 6

    I have 9 years of experience in IT.will this be enough for me to apply under express entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program

  25. Pingback: Top 6 Questions Asked About Express Entry |

  26. Hi,
    I got 6 in Listening, 6 in Reading, 6.5 in Writing and 6 in Speaking. I fall under the Skill Level A. I want to know whether I am eligible for Express entry in that category? And also I have 1+year experience as a software Engineer. I referred in one consultancy. They told that in all the sections I need to take 7 and particularly 8 in listening. But I got low marks only.
    Am I eligible for Express Entry sir? Could you please say me sir?

    Thanks,
    Deepika

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