Federal Skilled Worker / Canadian Experience Class via Express Entry
Category: Work · Processing time: 6 months after Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Apply through official authority
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.
Visa type
Work
Processing time
6 months after Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Fees
SpouseFee: CAD 950 + CAD 1,050
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
Save this visa to My Plan
Overview
Points-based system that selects skilled workers for Canadian permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs.
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: Yes
- Minimum education: Generally bachelor's for FSW; secondary acceptable for skilled trades
Estimated Costs
- - SpouseFee: CAD 950 + CAD 1,050
- - BiometricsFee: CAD 85 per adult
- - ApplicationFee: CAD 950 (principal) + CAD 1,050 right-of-PR fee
- - DependentChild: CAD 260 each
Required Documents
- - Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- - Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF)
- - Proof of funds
- - Police certificates from every country lived in 6+ months
- - Reference letters covering work experience
- - Valid passport
Application Steps
- Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Take language test
- Create Express Entry profile online
- Wait for round of invitations and CRS cut-off
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit complete application within 60 days
- Pass medicals, security, and background checks
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in Canada (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
Track your Express Entry — Skilled Worker preparation
Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.
Get visa checklist updates
Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Express Entry — Skilled Worker in Canada.
Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Permanent residency for principal + family
- - Right to live and work anywhere in Canada
- - Path to Canadian citizenship after 3 of 5 years
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your right to stay in Canada depends on the exact visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you hold. Do not assume a pending application, job offer, or school admission aut
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In Canada, a visa that allows entry does not always allow work. Paid employment, freelancing, remote work, internships, and trial shifts may each have different permission rules.
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Living in Canada for long enough, working locally, or registering as a resident may trigger tax-residency or income-reporting duties even if your income is paid from abroad.
- Employment Standards Act
Employment · Severity: Critical
You are entitled to minimum wage, 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year, and up to 3 days paid sick leave. Your employer cannot take these rights away by contract — they are protected by law.
Active scam alerts
Some agents overcharge newcomers for translations, notarisation, apostilles, or courier services for Canada, and may produce documents that are not accepted by official authorities.
Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents and claim you must pay a special fee to enter Canada, avoid questioning, release documents, or fast-track border che
Fraudsters offer admission, scholarships, or student visa packages for Canada through unofficial agents. Victims may receive fake acceptance letters that fail verification during visa process
Scammers advertise fake apartments in Canada, pressure newcomers to transfer a deposit before viewing, and disappear after sending a fake lease or copied property photos.
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Express Entry — Skilled Worker. It does not replace official legal assessment.
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consultation
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Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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