Canada — Work (Express Entry (FSW + category-based draws))

Main requirements

Per the official source, FSW needs at least one year of continuous full-time work (or 1,560 hours) in a TEER 0-3 job within the last 10 years, at least CLB 7 in all four skills, an assessed credential (ECA), and 67 points on the FSW grid (age, education, language, experience, job offer, adaptability). You then enter the pool and are ranked by CRS. From 2026 the healthcare, STEM, trades, education and transport categories need 12 months of full-time experience in an eligible occupation within 3 years; foreign experience counts.

So far in 2026 there has been no general or FSW-only draw. Draws: CEC (cut-offs about 507-523, Canadian experience only), PNP (700+, i.e. with a nomination), French (about 382-420), healthcare and social services (467-475), trades (476-477) and transport (470). STEM and education categories exist but had no 2026 draw yet. The new 2026 categories for physicians, senior managers and researchers only count work experience inside Canada. (Draw data up to 13 October 2026.)

Documents

Passport, language results (under 2 years old), ECA (under 5 years) from WES, ICAS, IQAS, CES or ICES, reference letters with duties, proof of funds, police certificates, medical exam after the invitation.

Language

Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP, PTE Core; French TEF Canada or TCF Canada. CLB 7 = IELTS General 6.0 in each skill; CLB 9 = listening 8, others 7. Language has the largest effect on CRS.

Costs and proof of funds

Per the official source, PR fees are CAD 1,590 for the principal applicant (including the right of PR fee), CAD 1,590 for a spouse and CAD 270 per child; biometrics CAD 85. FSW proof of funds per the official table (last updated July 2025): 1 person CAD 15,263, 2 CAD 19,001, 3 CAD 23,360, 4 CAD 28,362. With a valid job offer and work authorisation no funds are required.

Steps and timeline

Language test; ECA; profile; wait for an invitation (ITA); full application; biometrics and medical; approval and landing. Pool waiting time is unpredictable and depends on draws. After you submit, IRCC shows about 7 months for FSW (October 2026); Iran-linked files may take longer because of security assessments.

Notes for Iranian applicants

An example worked out from the official CRS grid: single, 30, master's, IELTS at CLB 9 and 3 years of foreign experience scores about 460 CRS (age 105, education 135, language 124, transferability 100), so you only have a chance if your occupation is in an active category and your language is higher. Job offer points were removed from CRS on 25 March 2025. IRCC applies comprehensive security assessments to Iran-linked files; declare military service (especially in the IRGC) and government work fully. Biometrics are outside Iran. A 2026 reform proposal (merging FSW, CEC and FST and restoring job-offer points only for high-wage jobs) went to public consultation; it closed on 24 May 2026 and no decision or new rules have been published yet.

After arrival (work while studying, post-study stay, PR path)

You land as a permanent resident: free to work and study, provincial health coverage, and later citizenship. The 2026 levels plan targets about 109,000 admissions under Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) programs.