The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the most popular Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers and their families.
In order to apply for the FSWP, a skilled foreign worker must generally satisfy the eligibility requirements, create an online Express Entry profile, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), submit the application for Canadian permanent residency, provide the required documents, and pay the governmental fees.
Immigrants who are approved for Canadian permanent residency through the FSWP will be authorized to live, study and work in Canada for an unlimited time period and can enjoy other benefits, including the opportunity to become citizens of Canada.
This article will provide an overview of the Federal Skilled Worker Program and discuss the fees to apply for the FSWP, so continue reading to learn the essential information!
Table of Contents
Overview of The FSWP
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a Canadian immigration program for skilled foreign workers and their families.
Eligibility requirements for the FSWP include:
- Having at least one year of full-time paid work experience during the past 10 years in an eligible occupation.
- Occupations that are eligible for the FSWP are listed in the 2021 NOC as TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3.
- A minimum of 67 out of 100 points are needed from six selection factors: English/French language skills, education, work experience, age, qualifying Canadian job offer, and adaptability for immigration.
- Applicants must show that they have language skills equivalent to at least CLB 7 for English or NCLC7 for French by achieving a passing score on an approved language evaluation exam such as the IELTS for English or TEF for French.
- Applicants who received their education outside of Canada need a favorable Education Credential Assessment (ECA).
- The applicant must provide Proof of Funds to support himself or herself and family in Canada.
- The main applicant and all family members must satisfy the good health and good character criteria.
- The applicant must create an online Express Entry profile which includes his or her relevant details.
- An Invitation to Apply (ITA) must be received in order to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
- The Canadian permanent residency application must be filed within 60 days after the ITA is issued.
- The processing fee(s) to apply for the FSWP and other governmental fees will also need to be paid.
A decision is usually made within six months after the application for Canadian permanent residency through the FSWP is filed using the Express Entry system.
If approved for immigration to Canada, a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) will be issued by the Canadian immigration agency and the new immigrant must move to Canada while the COPR is still valid.
In the event that the new immigrant is from a country that requires a visa to Canada, a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa will be placed in the passport of the immigrant.
The new immigrant will also pay a government fee to receive a plastic Canadian Permanent Resident Card, which he or she will carry as official identification while living in Canada.
Benefits of Canadian permanent residency through the FSWP include:
- Live in Canada for an unlimited time period
- Work in Canada for an unlimited amount of time
- Access world-class education programs in Canada
- Receive free or subsidized public healthcare in Canada
- Get the opportunity to buy a home and start a business in Canada
- Travel to and from Canada according to the regulations
- Sponsor eligible family members for a Canadian visa
- Enjoy equality and freedom in an immigrant-friendly country
- Visit beautiful beaches, forests, mountains, lakes and other outdoor scenery
- Apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for 3 out of 5 years and meeting other criteria
The Fee to Apply For FSWP
- Principal Applicant
- Application Processing Fee = $850 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee = $515 CAD
- Spouse or Common-law Partner
- Application Processing Fee = $850 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee = $515 CAD
- Dependent Child = $230 CAD per dependent child
Please note that another fee to apply for the FSWP is the Biometrics Fee ($85 CAD for one person or $170 CAD for a family).
Additionally, there is a fee of $50 CAD per person to receive the plastic Canadian Permanent Resident Card (after being approved for permanent residency in Canada).
Conclusion - How Can CVE Help You?
There are several eligibility requirements and multiple steps involved when applying for Canadian immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
If the FSWP procedure seems rather complicated, don’t worry!
Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility for immigration to Canada and guide you step-by-step through the application process if you qualify.
These beneficial services that are offered by Canadian Visa Expert can simplify the complex procedure for you and your family, make sure that the forms are completed and filed correctly, and you can receive answers to questions about your particular case.
The first step of the procedure is find out if you are eligible for the FSWP or another Canadian immigration program.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
How much does it cost to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
The processing fee to apply for the FSWP is $850 CAD for the main applicant and $850 CAD for a spouse/partner. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is $515 CAD for the main applicant and $515 CAD for the spouse/partner. The dependent child fee is $230 CAD for each dependent child. The biometrics fee (for fingerprints and a digital photo) is $85 CAD for one person or $170 CAD for a family of two or more people. After being approved for Canadian immigration, there is a fee of $50 CAD per person to receive the plastic Permanent Resident Card.
How much does Canada Express Entry cost?
There is no fee to create an online Express Entry profile, however, if a skilled foreign worker receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency, then there are various governmental fees and other expensed that must be paid. The processing fee to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is $850 CAD for the main applicant and $850 CAD for a spouse/partner. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is $515 CAD for the main applicant and $515 CAD for the spouse/partner. The dependent child fee is $230 CAD for each dependent child. The biometrics fee (for fingerprints and a digital photo) is $85 CAD for one person or $170 CAD for a family of two or more people. After being approved for Canadian immigration, there is a fee of $50 CAD per person to receive the plastic Permanent Resident Card. There are also non-governmental expenses to pay at different stages of the Express Entry process when applying through the FSWP, such as the English and/or French language evaluation fee(s), the fee for the Education Credential Assessment (ECA), cost of having documents translated into English or French (if relevant), cost of moving to Canada, living expenses after arriving in Canada, etc.
What is the lowest score for the Federal Skilled Worker?
The minimum score needed for the points-based Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is 67 out of 100 points. Applicants can receive points for six selection factors: English and/or French language skills, education, work experience, age, having a qualifying Canadian job offer, and adaptability for immigration to Canada. The Express Entry system also issues a score for various factors through its Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and 1200 points are possible. The lowest Express Entry CRS score needed to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for FSWP applicants will fluctuate from time to time, but it is generally around 489-500.
How long does it take to get a Skilled Worker Visa?
Canadian immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) generally takes about 12-18 months from start to finish, depending on how quickly the applicant does what is necessary, how long the applicant remains in the Express Entry pool of candidates before receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), how fast Canada’s immigration officials can process the application, and other factors. In general, a decision is usually received within six months after the application for Canadian permanent residency has been correctly filed with all of the documents and fees through the Express Entry system.
