Express Entry - Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 6 months from Invitation to Apply
- Fee
- CAD $1,525 (processing) + $575 (RPRF) = CAD $2,100 per principal applicant
- Validity
- Permanent residence
- Entry
- Single entry
Permanent residence pathway under Express Entry. Must score 67+ on FSW selection grid (out of 100). Ranked in Express Entry pool using Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Invited candidates have 60 days to submit complete application. As of March 25, 2025, job offer points removed from CRS. Must plan to live outside Quebec. Spouse/partner fee: CAD $1,525 processing + $575 RPRF. Dependent child fee: CAD $260.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within last 10 years. Must be paid work (not volunteer or unpaid internship).
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds based on family size unless currently authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer. Funds range from CAD $14,690 (single) to higher amounts for larger families.
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Criminal record
Must not be inadmissible to Canada on security, criminal, or other grounds. Police certificates required from all countries of residence.
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Health
Must pass immigration medical examination by designated panel physician. Must not pose a danger to public health or safety.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, investment certificates, proof of assets convertible to cash; Minimum amount: Varies by family size: 1 person CAD $14,690; 2 persons CAD $18,288; 3 persons CAD $22,483; 4 persons CAD $27,297
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Police clearance
Countries required: All countries where applicant lived 6+ months since age 18; Validity months: 12
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre or Application Support Center
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Credential assessment
Accepted agencies: WES, IQAS, CES, MCC, PEBC, ICAS (any IRCC-designated organization); Validity months: 60
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Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes, must use IRCC-designated panel physician; Validity months: 12
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Points assessment
Assessment system: FSW 67-point selection grid plus Express Entry CRS ranking; Minimum points: 67
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Language test score
Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General (English); TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French); Minimum score: CLB 7 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) for first official language
How to apply
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Document gathering
Take language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF), obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), gather employment reference letters with job duties and hours, and collect proof of funds.
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Online application
Create Express Entry profile online. Enter education, work experience, language scores, and other details. System calculates CRS score and places you in the pool.
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Document submission
After receiving ITA, submit complete application within 60 days. Include police certificates, medical exam results, proof of funds, all supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay CAD $1,525 processing fee per adult applicant plus CAD $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) per adult. Dependent children: CAD $260 each.
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Biometrics
Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at designated collection point if not previously provided within the last 10 years.
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Processing wait
IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months of receiving complete application. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issued upon approval.