Main differences
| Item | FSW | CEC |
|---|---|---|
| Points grid | 67 or more on six selection factors: language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability | None |
| Work experience | 1 continuous year in the same occupation in the last 10 years, TEER 0 to 3, in or outside Canada | 1 year (1,560 hours, full-time or part-time) in Canada in the last 3 years, TEER 0 to 3, while authorized to work under temporary resident status |
| Language | CLB 7 in all four abilities (IELTS General 6.0 in each) | CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs |
| Education | Secondary education required | Not required |
| Settlement funds | Required, unless you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer | Not required |
Settlement funds
| Family members | Minimum funds |
|---|---|
| 1 | C$15,263 |
| 2 | C$19,001 |
| 3 | C$23,360 |
| 4 | C$28,362 |
- These amounts apply from 2025-07-07.
- Bank letters list each account's opening date, current balance and average balance for the past 6 months, and any outstanding debts.
- You cannot borrow the money from another person or use equity in real property; the funds must be available when you apply and when the permanent resident visa is issued.
- CEC applicants, and applicants authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer, do not need proof of funds; they upload a letter explaining why.
Work that does not count
- Work while studying: FSW counts paid, continuous student work that meets the other requirements; CEC does not count work done while studying full time, including co-op terms.
- Self-employment: does not count for CEC, except for some physicians providing publicly funded medical services.
- Remote work: counts for CEC only if you were physically in Canada working for a Canadian employer.
- Volunteer work and unpaid internships count for neither.
Eligible for both
If you qualify for more than one program, the system invites you under one, in this order: CEC, FSW, FST. Qualifying for CEC and FSW means an invitation under CEC. You cannot choose the program; if you decline, you are not re-invited under the next program, and any later invitation follows the same order.
Which one fits
- Applying from abroad: with no Canadian work experience, FSW is the route; check the 67 points first and prepare the settlement funds.
- Graduates and workers in Canada: after 1 year of TEER 0 to 3 work in Canada, you can enter the pool under CEC with no proof of funds.
CRS points: CRS scoring. Provincial nomination: BC PNP requirements.