Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is Canada's primary points-based immigration route for skilled professionals. Here are the exact requirements, points breakdown, and settlement funds needed.
Key Requirements
What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
The FSWP is one of three programs managed under Canada's Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to become permanent residents.
You enter a pool, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and are invited to apply when your score meets the current draw cutoff.
Key requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum selection points | 67 out of 100 (six-factor grid) |
| Minimum work experience | 1 year continuous full-time (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) |
| Settlement funds (family of 1) | CAD 14,690 |
| Language minimum | CLB 7 (IELTS: 6.0 each band) |
| Education | Secondary school minimum; higher education earns more points |
| Age range for max points | 18–35 |
The six selection factors
Points are awarded across six factors (maximum 100):
| Factor | Max points |
|---|---|
| Language skills | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Work experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged employment in Canada | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
Reaching 67 points qualifies you for the Express Entry pool. Your CRS score (a separate, higher-resolution calculation) then determines when you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Settlement funds required
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. These funds are separate from any job offer.
| Family size | CAD required |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14,690 |
| 2 | 18,288 |
| 3 | 22,483 |
| 4 | 27,297 |
Funds are exempt if you have a valid job offer in Canada.
What this pathway does not cover
This page covers the FSWP eligibility and funds requirements. It does not cover:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can add 600 CRS points
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — a separate Express Entry stream
- Current draw cutoff scores (these change with every draw — check IRCC directly)
For the full picture, read the Canada country audit or use Find MyPathway to filter work routes.