Canada•North AmericaExpress Entry - Federal Skilled Worker Program
At a Glance
Processing Time
~180 days
Application Fee
1,525 CAD
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
No
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Points-based permanent residency program for skilled workers with foreign work experience. Assessed via Comprehensive Ranking System based on age, language, education, and experience.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada's primary economic immigration pathway for skilled workers with foreign work experience. It uses a points-based system (Comprehensive Ranking System) to rank candidates and issue invitations to apply for permanent residency.
Annual Visa Allocation
110,770 visas per year
The quota represents the target for all Federal High Skilled categories (FSWP, FSTP, CEC) as per the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
High School or higher
Professional
Experience
1+ years
Language
English
Intermediate
French
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Language test results
IELTS, CELPIP, or TOEFL for English; DELF, DALF, or TEF for French
Education credentials
Degree certificates, diplomas, transcripts
Credential evaluation
WES, IQAS, or other approved evaluator if educated outside Canada
OptionalPassport
Valid identification
Proof of work experience
Employment letters, reference letters, pay stubs
Police certificate
Criminal record check from all countries lived in
Medical exam
From approved IRCC doctor
Proof of funds
If applicable, demonstration of financial ability to settle
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Direct path to permanent residency
- Points-based system is transparent and objective
- Regular selection draws increase chances
- No job offer required
- Can include spouse/partner and dependent children
- Work experience counts toward qualification
Considerations
- Competitive - high CRS scores required
- Requires language test and education assessment
- Age disadvantage in points system
- Medical and police checks mandatory
- Limited spots available per year
- Current CRS cutoff very high (typically 500+)
Application Process
Language test
Take approved language test (IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP for English; DELF, DALF, TEF for French)
Education assessment
Get credential evaluation from recognized body if educated outside Canada
Create Express Entry profile
Submit online profile with personal, education, and work experience information
Receive Comprehensive Ranking Score
IRCC calculates your CRS based on factors like age, language, education, experience
Await invitation
Wait for invitation to apply in regular or category-based draws
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected in draw, receive ITA with 60 days to apply
Complete full application
Submit complete application with all documents and police/medical certificates
Receive approval
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and PR card
Application Forms
Comprehensive Ranking System
Ready to Apply?
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