Good fit
Skilled workers with qualifying experience, an approved language test, recognized education, and a competitive Express Entry profile who intend to settle outside Quebec.
Canada · Skilled Worker
Federal Skilled Worker Program
A federal permanent-residence pathway for skilled workers with foreign work experience. Candidates must satisfy the Federal Skilled Worker minimum requirements and score at least 67 out of 100 selection-factor points before competing for an invitation through Express Entry.
Status note. The program accepts profiles through Express Entry. Meeting the program minimums permits entry to the pool but does not guarantee an invitation to apply.
Decision fit
Who this pathway serves
Important limits
People who cannot meet the language, skilled-work, education, admissibility, or settlement-fund rules. Passing the 67-point Federal Skilled Worker threshold does not itself guarantee an invitation because Express Entry invitations are competitive.
Minimums · 8 of 9 fields sourced
Eligibility
Age
AgeThere is no stated hard maximum age, but selection-factor points decline after age 35 and reach zero at age 47.
ContextThere is no stated hard maximum age, but selection-factor points decline after age 35 and reach zero at age 47.
Work experience
Minimum1 years
ContextAt least 1,560 hours of qualifying paid skilled work are required. The work must align with an eligible National Occupational Classification occupation and satisfy the program's continuity and timing rules. Self-employed and qualifying student work may count under the stated conditions.
Language
LanguageCLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four abilities
ContextApproved results must be less than two years old when the Express Entry profile and permanent-residence application are submitted.
Education
Minimumsecondary
AssessmentNot applicable
ContextA Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential qualifies. Foreign education requires an immigration-purpose Educational Credential Assessment showing equivalence to a completed Canadian credential.
Selection threshold
Points67
Competitionhigh
Health and character
Medical examYes
Police certificateYes
Costs · 2 of 2 fields sourced
Funds and fees
Settlement funds
| Family size | Minimum funds |
|---|---|
| 1 | 15263 CAD |
| 2 | 19001 CAD |
| 3 | 23360 CAD |
| 4 | 28362 CAD |
| 5 | 32168 CAD |
| 6 | 36280 CAD |
| 7 | 40392 CAD |
| Each member after 7 | 4112 CAD |
ContextProof of funds is not required when the applicant is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid Canadian job offer. Family size includes the applicant, spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, including family members who are not accompanying the applicant.
Application fees
- 1590 CADPrincipal applicant, including right of permanent residence fee
- 990 CADPrincipal applicant, without right of permanent residence fee
- 1590 CADSpouse or partner, including right of permanent residence fee
- 270 CADDependent child
Outcomes · 6 of 7 fields sourced
Residence, work, and family
Permanent residence
WorkYes
StudyYes
ContextA successful application grants Canadian permanent residence directly.
Family
PartnerYes
ChildrenYes
ContextA spouse or common-law partner and dependent children must be declared and may accompany the principal applicant. Each family member must satisfy the applicable admissibility and document requirements.
Citizenship
ContextPermanent residence can lead to citizenship after the separate citizenship requirements are met.
Processing time
ContextProcessing time is dynamic and depends on the application and current IRCC inventory. Use the cited official processing-times tool for the current estimate.
Sources
Official sources
Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program
Express Entry: Proof of funds
Express Entry: Language test results
Express Entry: Educational credential assessment
Citizenship and immigration application fees
Express Entry: Rounds of invitations
Canadian citizenship: Who can apply
Permanent resident right to live, work or study in Canada
Who to include on a permanent residence application
Express Entry: Police certificates
Medical examination for permanent residence applicants
Check current IRCC processing times
Citations
Field provenance
Federal Skilled Worker Program
"The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers who have foreign work experience and want to become permanent residents."
Minimum requirements
"We choose skilled workers based on education, work experience, language skills, and other criteria."
How the rounds work
"We identify the highest-ranking candidates from the pool who are eligible for the chosen round type."
Permanent resident rights
"As a permanent resident, you have the right to live, work or study anywhere in Canada."
Information only, not legal advice. Rules, fees, and processing times change. Confirm the linked official pages before acting.