Canada
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) processing time
IRCC service standard for Federal Skilled Worker under Express Entry is 5–8 months from AOR.
Typical window
5 months – 8 months
Government fees
CAD 1,525 principal applicant (includes RPRF).
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) sits in the skilled migration category. Typical duration: Permanent residence.. Indicative government fees: CAD 1,525 principal applicant (includes RPRF)..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Skilled workers outside Canada, Professionals with strong language and education credentials.
Primary source
IRCC — Check processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) take to process?
IRCC service standard for Federal Skilled Worker under Express Entry is 5–8 months from AOR. These figures come from IRCC — Check processing times and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.