Potential immigrants to Canada can apply for permanent residency through over 100 distinct economic class immigration programmes. The Federal Talented Worker Program (FSWP) was founded in 1967 and has proven to be one of the most popular alternatives for skilled individuals interested in migrating to Canada.
What exactly is the FSWP?
The FSWP is intended to provide a path for people with skilled job experience who desire to permanently immigrate to Canada. It was the first such programme in the world to use a points system to objectively evaluate candidates, and it has influenced other countries such as Australia and New Zealand to follow suit.
What people are eligible for the FSWP?
The FSWP is a multi-step process for entering Canada. To begin, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum of one year of competent job experience
- A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark of 7 in either English or French
- At least one educational qualification
- Show proof of funding (if applicable)
- Obtain at least 67 points out of a possible 100 on the FSWP scoring grid.
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Work experience
To be qualified for the FSWP, you must have at least one year of skilled work experience in an occupation specified in Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
In summary, the NOC is a technique used by Canada to evaluate the degree of experience and education required for an employment or vocation in the same industry. There are three NOC categories that are eligible for FSWP and any Express Entry programme:
- NOC 0: Positions in management
- NOC A: Jobs that normally need a university diploma
- NOC B: Skilled crafts professions
Education
To meet the academic requirements, you must have completed at least high school education in Canada or abroad. If you finished your education outside of Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) demonstrating that your education is equivalent to a Canadian diploma, degree, or certification.
Language
It is essential to be able to demonstrate fluency in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French). Candidates for the FSWP must have a minimum score of 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Reading, writing, speaking, and listening will all be graded.
Evidence of funding
Candidates must also provide confirmation of sufficient means to maintain themselves and their families if necessary. If an applicant is already working in Canada or has a legal employment offer, this does not apply. The required amounts will vary based on the number of applicants. A letter from the bank or financial institution where you keep your money might serve as proof of funds. Any outstanding bills, account numbers, loans, and the average sum for the last six months must be listed in the letter.
| Number of family members | Funds required in CAD |
| 1 | $13,310 |
| 2 | $16,570 |
| 3 | $20,371 |
| 4 | $24,733 |
| 5 | $28,052 |
| 6 | $31,638 |
| 7 | $35,224 |
| Each additional family member | $3,586 |
FSWP points grid
In addition to the foregoing requirements, you must score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSWP points grid. The grid evaluates the six factors listed below.
| Factors | Points |
| Education | Up to 25 |
| Language Skills | Up to 28 |
| Work Experience | Up to 15 |
| Age | Up to 12 |
| Arranged employment | Up to 10 |
| Adaptability | Up to 10 |
What should I do now that I am eligible for the FSWP?
The FSWP is one of Express Entry’s three economic immigration channels. The Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program are the other programmes.
If you are qualified for any of these three programmes, you may set up a profile on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s website (IRCC). A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will be assigned to you based on human capital variables such as age, language skills, job experience, and education, among others. Candidates’ results are compared to those in the pool, and the top scorers receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Every two weeks, an ITA is issued. If you obtain an ITA, you have 60 days to apply to IRCC for permanent residency.
Invitations to the FSWP will resume in early July 2022
Due to the pandemic, the FWSP was immediately suspended in 2021 as the federal government tried to prioritise in-Canada applications in order to meet its objective of landing over 400,000 permanent residents by that year.
IRCC has stated that it would begin accepting new candidates for all three Express Entry-managed programmes, including the FSWP, in early July of this year. According to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, IRCC would strive to complete all new Express Entry applications within six months. Express Entry will become increasingly popular in the future years as Canada attempts to attract more qualified people to support its economy. Through Express Entry, Canada hopes to accept over 110,000 immigrants by 2024.
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