Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program: one year of skilled work in the last ten, CLB 7 in all four abilities, an ECA for foreign education, and 67 selection-factor points — but meeting these only enters the pool.
Core requirements
At least one year continuous, or 1,560 hours total at 30 hours a week, within the last ten years, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count.
You must score 67 points or higher on the selection-factor grid.
CLB or NCLC 7 in all four abilities in the first official language. The requirement applies to each ability separately, so a shortfall in one is disqualifying.
If a second official language is counted, CLB or NCLC 5 is needed in all four abilities.
Foreign education requires a completed Educational Credential Assessment before it can be used for this program.
Proof of funds is required: CAD 15,263 for one person, 19,001 for two, 23,360 for three, plus 4,112 for each additional person. These are the amounts IRCC published on 7 July 2025 and are updated annually.
Proof of funds is waived if you are authorized to work in Canada and hold a valid job offer, with an explanatory letter uploaded instead.
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
Meeting these conditions only enters the pool. An invitation depends on the Comprehensive Ranking System score in a given round, and rounds are general, program-specific or category-based.
Official sources
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: Who can applyImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Express Entry language requirementsImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Proof of funds for Express EntryImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Express Entry rounds of invitationsImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Reviewed 2026-09-06
How immigration works in Canada — the process in order, the current figures with their dates, and what commonly blocks an application.
General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-06.