Moving Abroad

Federal Skilled Worker Program: Minimum Requirements Explained

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Who is the program for?
  3. How is the experience judged?
  4. Education
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Does it include proof of funds?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to become Canadian permanent residents through Express Entry. This guide summarises the minimum requirements from IRCC so you can check them before building a profile.

Quick answer

  • Your skilled work must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.
  • It must be paid, within the last 10 years, in Canada or abroad.
  • You need at least 1 year of continuous work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week).
  • You must pass approved English or French tests in all four abilities.
  • Foreign education needs an educational credential assessment.

Who is the program for?

IRCC says it selects skilled workers using education, work experience, language skills and other criteria. They include managers and supervisors, and people in jobs that usually need a university degree, a college diploma or apprenticeship training.

How is the experience judged?

The work must share the same NOC as the job you use for your application (your primary occupation), which may not be your most recent job. You must show you performed the actions in the lead statement of the NOC and most of the main duties.

Way to reach 1,560 hours Example
Full-time, one job 30 hours a week for 12 months
Part-time 15 hours a week for 24 months
Several jobs 30 hours a week combined for 12 months

Hours above 30 a week are not counted. Work gained while studying may count if it was paid, continuous and meets the other rules.

Education

If you studied in Canada you need a Canadian certificate, diploma or degree. Foreign education requires a completed educational credential assessment.

Common mistakes

  • Using the wrong NOC.
  • Counting hours above 30 a week.
  • Skipping the language test.

FAQ

Does it include proof of funds?

The IRCC page lists a proof of funds section. Check it for the current amount rather than relying on an old figure.

Key takeaways

  • Check TEER, hours and the 10-year window.
  • Book language tests early.
  • Assess your foreign education before applying.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm details with IRCC.

Sources

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (canada.ca): Federal Skilled Worker Program

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