Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is managed through Express Entry, a competitive, points-based online system. You do not apply directly for permanent residency; instead, you submit a profile to a pool of candidates and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your score.

Step 1: Preparation and Qualification

Before you can create a profile, you must prove you meet the minimum entry requirements.

• Language Testing: Take an approved English (IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE) or French (TEF or TCF) exam. You must score at least a CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in all four categories.
• Education Assessment: If your degree is from outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization like WES or IQAS to prove your education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
• The 67-Point Grid: Calculate your score on the FSWP selection grid. You must score at least 67 out of 100 points based on your age, education, work experience, and language skills to be eligible to enter the pool.

Step 2: Submit Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have your test results and ECA, create an account on the IRCC online portal.

• You will enter details about your work history, education, and family.
• The system will automatically calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This is the score used to rank you against other candidates in the pool.
• Your profile remains active for 12 months.

Step 3: The Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC holds regular "draws" from the pool. If your CRS score meets the cutoff for a specific draw, you will receive an ITA.

• General Draws: Open to all programs.
• Category-Based Draws: IRCC often prioritizes specific sectors. In 2026, these include Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, Agriculture, Education, and French-language proficiency.

Step 4: Submit the Final Application

Once you receive an ITA, you have exactly 60 days to submit your full electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR).

• Work Reference Letters: You must provide letters from past employers. These must list your specific job duties to ensure they match your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.
• Proof of Funds: You must upload bank statements showing you have the required settlement funds (e.g., $15,263 CAD for a single applicant).
• Police Certificates: You must provide criminal record checks from every country where you have lived for six months or more since age 18.

Step 5: Medical Exams and Biometrics

After submitting your application, you will receive instructions to:

• Complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
• Visit a local visa application center to provide your Biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

Item	Cost
Processing Fee (Principal Applicant)	$950 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)	$575 CAD
Spouse or Partner Processing Fee	$950 CAD
Spouse or Partner RPRF	$575 CAD
Dependent Child Fee (per child)	$260 CAD
Biometrics Fee (Individual)	$85 CAD
Biometrics Fee (Family Rate)	$170 CAD

Total Estimate: Approximately $1,610 CAD for a single applicant or $3,220 CAD for a couple (excluding children).

Does not include: Language testing fees ($300), Educational Credential Assessment ($250), medical exam fees (~$250–$500), or costs for obtaining police certificates and translations.

• Profile Validity: Your Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months in the pool.
• Application Submission: You have 60 days to submit your full application after receiving an ITA.
• IRCC Service Standard: 6 months from the date you receive your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
• Current Reality: Most FSWP applications are finalized within 6 to 7 months.
• Variations: Category-based draws (such as Healthcare or STEM) may occasionally experience faster processing times than general draws.

Document Validity: Ensure your language test results are less than 2 years old and your ECA is less than 5 years old at the time you submit your final application.