Fact Sheet — Federal Skilled Worker Program

Overview

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the Government of Canada’s main avenues to permanent immigration. Applicants are selected based on a grid of 100 points that assesses the candidate’s overall capacity to adapt to Canada’s labour market. The grid takes into consideration factors such as education, work experience, knowledge of English or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help FSWs become economically established in Canada.

CIC has recently proposed regulatory changes to the FSWP in order to better position prospective immigrants to be able to “hit the ground running” once they arrive in Canada. These changes are expected to take effect in early 2013.

Advantages to Employers

New FSW applications are processed within 12 months of receipt. Priority is given to applicants with a qualifying job offer, allowing employers to staff positions quickly.

CIC’s evaluation of the FSWP in 2010 showed that it was working well and that it selected immigrants who successfully established in Canada. The report found that 89% of FSWs were employed or self-employed three years after landing. Moreover, 95% of the employers surveyed indicated that FSWs were meeting or exceeding their expectations.

How It Works

Employers can significantly improve the chances of having an FSW application approved by making a qualifying job offer to a foreign national in a skilled occupation. For more information, please see the separate fact sheet on Arranged Employment.

As of July 2012, in order to be eligible, FSW applicants must have valid third-party language test results AND a qualifying job offer or be applying under the PhD stream (which is capped at 1,000 candidates).

All applicants are assessed against the FSW selection grid and must meet the pass mark of 67 out of 100 points. Successful applicants must also meet admissibility requirements.

Facts and Figures

• In 2011, more than 57,000 newcomers were admitted under the FSWP, including principal applicants, spouses and dependants.
• Under the 2012 Immigration Plan, CIC plans to welcome 55,000 to 57,000 permanent residents under the FSWP.

For more information, see the CIC website.

Last updated: October 1, 2012