Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) underwent dramatic regulatory changes in 2012, and then again in 2015. While an applicant may have studied the Federal Skilled Worker in the past, we encourage all prospective clients to get reacquainted with the new program criteria.

A FSWP applicant must hold a minimum level of English or French proficiency, pass a points-assessment based on several factors (education, language, experience, age and adaptability), have at least one year of full-time experience in an occupation that is considered managerial (NOC 0), professional (NOC A) or technical (NOC B) and a certain amount of liquidity referred to as “settlement funds”. An example of a NOC 0 professional would be a Financial Manager. Professionals are generally occupations that require a bachelor degree such as a Systems Analyst, a Civil Engineer or Registered Nurse. Finally, a technical occupation is more vocational such as an electrician or welder.

In a recent regulatory change, FSWP applicants now require an “invitation” after uploading an “Expression of Interest” called “Express Entry” in a preliminary round.

An unmarried 35-year old civil engineer with a high level of English proficiency, a bachelor degree, and four years of experience will likely score 70 points on his Federal Skilled Worker Program points assessment. The passing score is 67. If he has over $15,000 in liquid assets, he should have no trouble meeting the program requirements (assuming he receives an invitation to apply under the Express Entry round).

Our FSWP Deliverables

As with any immigrant stream, program eligibility is only one of the many considerations when preparing a federal skilled worker application. Possibly more important than assessing FSW points is the assembly of relevant supporting documents, preparation of accurate government forms, validation of an Express Entry invitation, and, most important of all, review (or preparation) of a valid and compliant employer verification letters. Stated differently – it is one thing to reach the “points”, but presentation of credible documents backing up your application is another and arguably more important challenge.

A good application will not only prevent an applicant from being refused, but will minimize processing times as the need for an interview is unlikely when an application is adequately prepared.