Federal Skilled Worker Program
Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a Canadian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF)) and processing time (~6 months after an invitation to apply), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Federal Skilled Worker Program is for
Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada.
Grants permanent residence directly; citizenship is available after meeting residency requirements.
Federal Skilled Worker Program - eligibility criteria
- At least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0,1,2,3)
- Score at least 67/100 on the FSW points grid
- Language test result of CLB 7 or higher
- Education assessed by an ECA if obtained abroad
- Proof of settlement funds (unless legally working in Canada)
Federal Skilled Worker Program cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (Canada) is ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF), with an indicative processing time of ~6 months after an invitation to apply. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Points-based |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online via Express Entry |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Full work rights as a permanent resident |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | ~6 months after an invitation to apply |
| Route to PR | Grants permanent residence directly; citizenship is available after meeting residency requirements. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants permanent residence directly; citizenship is available after meeting residency requirements.
Many applicants also compare Express Entry · Express Entry (Economic Immigration System), CEC · Canadian Experience Class, FST · Federal Skilled Trades Program. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Federal Skilled Worker Program pitfalls we fix
Federal Skilled Worker Program - frequently asked questions
How much does the Federal Skilled Worker Program cost?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program government fee is ~CA$1,525 (CA$950 processing + CA$575 RPRF). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Federal Skilled Worker Program take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~6 months after an invitation to apply. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Federal Skilled Worker Program lead to permanent residence?
Grants permanent residence directly; citizenship is available after meeting residency requirements.
Can I work on the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Work rights: Full work rights as a permanent resident.
Who can apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate permanently to Canada.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority