Skilled work
Review at least one continuous year of qualifying paid work in your primary occupation within the past ten years. It must meet the relevant TEER 0–3, duties, and hours requirements.
IMMIGRATION GUIDE
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Review your skilled work, education, and language evidence together. Eligibility starts with the whole profile, not one credential.
PLAIN-LANGUAGE OVERVIEW
Understand the starting point.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is an Express Entry pathway that can use qualifying skilled work gained abroad or in Canada. It has minimum requirements and a separate selection-factor assessment. Those eligibility points are different from the CRS score used to rank eligible candidates.
Who this guide may suit
- Skilled workers with qualifying experience outside Canada.
- Candidates reviewing foreign education and language results alongside their work record.
- People comparing FSW selection factors with their Express Entry ranking.
Eligibility factors to review
Immigration rules change frequently.
These are key factors, not a complete eligibility test. Check the current official instructions and your individual circumstances before applying.
Language and education
Check approved language results meeting at least CLB/NCLC 7 in each skill. Education must meet the program rules; foreign credentials need the appropriate Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Selection factors
A minimum of 67 out of 100 selection-factor points is required alongside the minimum requirements. These points are not your CRS score.
Settlement and personal circumstances
Review the current funds requirement and any exception, admissibility, and intention to settle outside Quebec. A qualifying job offer can matter to eligibility even though it no longer adds CRS job-offer points.
A careful, step-by-step approach
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Review the primary occupation
Identify relevant work, duties, and the continuous period supported by your records.
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Assess the complete profile
Review language, education, selection factors, and any funding or personal issues.
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Create an accurate profile
Prepare the information needed for Express Entry and review the CRS calculation separately.
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Maintain and prepare
Keep the profile current. If invited, organize the supporting permanent residence application within the stated instructions.
Your document starting point
The exact checklist depends on your route, stage, and circumstances. This list helps prepare the discussion; it does not replace IRCC’s personalized document requirements.
- Passport and relevant identity or immigration records.
- Employment records detailing duties, continuous dates, hours, and pay.
- Approved language test results.
- Canadian education evidence or foreign credentials and the applicable ECA.
- Funds evidence where required and job-offer records where relevant.
- Other supporting family, background, and application-stage documents.
Refusal risks and preparation pitfalls
Eligibility and evidence both matter. The following points deserve attention; this is not an exhaustive list or a prediction of a decision.
- Confusing the 67-point eligibility assessment with CRS ranking.
- A primary occupation or continuous work period not supported by the evidence.
- Missing education assessment or unusable language evidence.
- Claiming an exemption from financial evidence without meeting its conditions.
Common questions
Is 67 points enough for an invitation?
No. It relates to FSW eligibility. Invitation decisions involve Express Entry ranking and the rules of the relevant round.
Do I need Canadian work experience?
Not necessarily. Qualifying foreign skilled work can be relevant to this program.
Does foreign education need an assessment?
FSW requires the applicable ECA for foreign education. Review the credential and assessment used in your application.
Do job offers still give CRS points?
IRCC removed CRS job-offer points in March 2025. A qualifying offer can still be relevant to some eligibility or selection-factor rules.
Related guides
Go to the official source
Use these links for current government requirements and application instructions.
- IRCC: FSW requirements and selection factors
- IRCC: language evidence
- IRCC: settlement funds
- IRCC: CRS criteria and job-offer changes
Last reviewed: September 2026.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. It does not assess your eligibility or guarantee an outcome. A review of your full circumstances and current rules is needed before taking action.
PERSONAL GUIDANCE. PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS.
A clearer plan begins
with the right conversation.
Discuss your circumstances with Balpreet Singh, RCIC #R525492.