FSW vs CEC vs FST: which Canadian visa is right for you?
The three federal Express Entry programs. They share the CRS ranking but differ on whether you need foreign skilled work, Canadian experience, or a skilled trade.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada. | People with recent skilled work experience gained in Canada who want permanent residence. | Qualified people in skilled trades (e.g. electricians, welders, chefs) seeking permanent residence. |
| Government cost | ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF) | ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF) | ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | ~6 months after an invitation to apply | ~6 months after an invitation to apply | ~6 months after an invitation to apply |
| Length of stay | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Where to apply | Online via Express Entry | Online via Express Entry (apply from inside or outside Canada) | Online via Express Entry |
| Work rights | Full work rights as a permanent resident | Full work rights as a permanent resident | Full work rights as a permanent resident |
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pathway to PR | Grants permanent residence directly; citizenship is available after meeting residency requirements. | Grants permanent residence directly; a common route for graduates and temporary workers already in Canada. | Grants permanent residence directly to qualified tradespeople. |
Which is right for you?
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada.
Full FSW guide →Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
People with recent skilled work experience gained in Canada who want permanent residence.
Full CEC guide →Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Qualified people in skilled trades (e.g. electricians, welders, chefs) seeking permanent residence.
Full FST guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, FSW or CEC or FST?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is the lowest at ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, FSW or CEC or FST?
Indicatively Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is the quickest at ~6 months after an invitation to apply. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. FSW: Grants permanent residence directly; citizenship is available after meeting residency requirements. CEC: Grants permanent residence directly; a common route for graduates and temporary workers already in Canada. FST: Grants permanent residence directly to qualified tradespeople.
What's the main difference between FSW and CEC and FST?
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for people with recent skilled work experience gained in Canada who want permanent residence. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is for qualified people in skilled trades (e.g. electricians, welders, chefs) seeking permanent residence.