Federal Skilled Worker Program Processing Time

The FSW Express Entry process generally takes about 8-12 months, depending on various factors, such as how long it takes an applicant to do what is required, how busy the Canadian immigration agency is with processing applications, etc.

The minimum score that an applicant must receive for the Federal Skilled Worker Program is 67 out of 100 points. These points can be received for six FSWP selection factors: English and/or French language skills, education, work experience, age, qualifying Canadian job offer, and adaptability.

There is no fee to create an online Express Entry profile, however, there are costs associated with taking the English and/or French evaluation exam, receiving the Education Credential Assessment (ECA), getting the required medical exam(s), etc. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will need to pay the Canadian permanent residency processing fee of $850 CAD for yourself and a separate fee for your spouse/partner (if relevant); the right of permanent residence fee of $515 CAD for yourself and a separate fee for your spouse/partner (if relevant); the dependent child fee of $230 CAD for each dependent child (if relevant); and the Permanent Resident Card fee of $50 CAD per family member.

In order to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for immigration to Canada, you must satisfy the eligibility requirements and complete the application process successfully. In general, you will need to get at least 67 out of 100 points for six FSWP selection factors; have at least one year of full-time paid work experience during the past 10 years in an occupation categorized by the 2021 NOC as TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3; get a score equivalent to CLB 7 for reading, writing, speaking and listening on an authorized English or French language evaluation test; receive a favorable Education Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was obtained outside of Canada; file an online Express Entry profile; and satisfy the good character, good health, proof of funds and other criteria.

The process to get a skilled worker visa is not easy, but it is not difficult either. Hundreds of thousands of skilled foreign workers and their family members are approved for Canadian immigration each year, so it is definitely achievable if you meet the requirements. Receiving a skilled worker visa is a lengthy process involving several steps, but if you focus on one step at a time and do what is necessary, it is possible to complete the process in about 8-12 months.

The amount of time required to become a skilled worker in Canada depends on a person’s occupation, which Canadian immigration program he or she is applying for and other variables. It can take several weeks to apply for a temporary work permit or several months (i.e., about 8-12 months) to apply for Canadian permanent residency as a skilled foreign worker (such as through the FSWP). Some occupations (for example, physicians, nurses, psychologists, veterinarians, skilled trades, etc.) require a license or other certification before an individual can work in Canada in that profession, so the amount of time needed for this must be considered (if relevant).

A person who satisfies the requirements for a skilled worker visa may nonetheless be inadmissible to enter Canada for health or safety issues, having a criminal record or other reasons. Someone who does not have sufficient financial resources to support himself and his family while living in Canada could also be refused a skilled worker visa. Aside from being deemed inadmissible, an applicant who satisfies all of the requirements for a skilled worker visa and completes the application process correctly can generally expect to be approved. The final decision, however, on whether to allow a foreign national to enter Canada is usually made by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer or other Canadian government official at the port of entry.