Overview
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the three federal permanent-residence programs managed through Express Entry. To be eligible, you must meet its minimum work, language and education requirements, and then score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSWP selection grid.
The 67-point grid only decides whether you are eligible for FSWP. It is not the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that ranks you in the Express Entry pool. Meeting FSWP lets you enter the pool; it does not guarantee an invitation.
Work experience
1 year continuous (or 1,560 hours) in one primary occupation, TEER 0 to 3.
Time period
Within the last 10 years, in Canada or abroad.
Language
CLB / NCLC 7 in all four abilities.
Selection grid
At least 67 of 100 points.
Minimum requirements
- Skilled work: at least 1 year of continuous paid work, or 1,560 hours in total, in the same primary occupation, within the last 10 years. The occupation must be in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Your primary occupation does not have to be your most recent job.
- Duties: you must show that you performed the lead statement and most of the main duties of that NOC.
- Language: CLB / NCLC 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing on an approved test, with results less than 2 years old.
- Education: a Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a completed foreign credential with an educational credential assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes.
- Selection grid: at least 67 of 100 points across six factors.
- Proof of funds: required, unless you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer.
- Admissibility and settlement: you must be admissible to Canada and plan to live outside Quebec.
Lowest test scores that meet CLB / NCLC 7
Each of the four abilities must reach at least these scores on an approved test:
| Approved test | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CELPIP-General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| PTE Core | 68 | 60 | 60 | 69 |
| TEF Canada | 310 | 249 | 207 | 310 |
| TCF Canada | 10 | 458 | 453 | 10 |
For TEF Canada, use only the "Équivalence ancien score" column. Convert other levels with our language score converter.
The 67-point selection grid
After you meet the minimum requirements, IRCC scores you on six factors. You need 67 points or more. Check your score with our FSWP 67-point calculator.
| Factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Language skills | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Work experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged employment in Canada | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Language (maximum 28)
First official language: up to 24 points, scored per ability. Second official language: 4 points if you have at least CLB / NCLC 5 in all four abilities.
| First official language, per ability | Points |
|---|---|
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 |
| CLB 8 | 5 |
| CLB 7 | 4 |
| Below CLB 7 in any ability | Not eligible |
Education (maximum 25)
Points are based on your Canadian credential or your ECA. IRCC's education-assessment page shows the following values:
| Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 25 |
| Master's or professional degree | 23 |
| Two or more credentials, one of them 3 years or more | 22 |
| Program of 3 years or more (including a 3- or 4-year bachelor's degree) | 21 |
| Two-year program | 19 |
| One-year program | 15 |
| Secondary school diploma | 5 |
Work experience (maximum 15)
| Years of skilled work | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2 to 3 years | 11 |
| 4 to 5 years | 13 |
| 6 years or more | 15 |
Age (maximum 12)
Age is counted on the day IRCC receives your application.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 0 |
| 18 to 35 | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| 38 | 9 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 6 |
| 42 | 5 |
| 43 | 4 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 45 | 2 |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47 or older | 0 |
Arranged employment (maximum 10)
A valid job offer earns 10 points. It must be for continuous, paid, full-time work (at least 30 hours a week), not seasonal, for at least 1 year, in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation, from one employer. You must be able to do the job and, if it is regulated, be licensed or certified in Canada.
Rules in force until November 2, 2026: the offer must also fit one of four situations listed by IRCC, each involving a positive LMIA or an LMIA-exempt work permit. For example, you are working in Canada on an LMIA-based work permit for the employer making the offer, or an employer has obtained an LMIA and offered you the job.
Announced, takes effect November 3, 2026: a temporary public policy exempts candidates invited on or after November 3, 2026 from the LMIA and LMIA-exemption requirements for a job offer used for FSWP eligibility, if they meet the policy's conditions. The offer can still be in any TEER 0 to 3 occupation; it does not have to be on the high-wage list. An officer will assess whether the offer is genuine.
Adaptability (maximum 10 combined)
| Adaptability factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Your spouse or partner has CLB / NCLC 4 or higher in all four abilities | 5 |
| Your past full-time study in Canada (at least 2 academic years, in a program of at least 2 years) | 5 |
| Your spouse's or partner's past full-time study in Canada | 5 |
| Your past full-time work in Canada (at least 1 year, TEER 0 to 3, while authorized) | 10 |
| Your spouse's or partner's past full-time work in Canada (at least 1 year, while authorized) | 5 |
| You earned the arranged-employment points | 5 |
| You or your spouse has a relative in Canada (18 or older, citizen or permanent resident) | 5 |
A qualifying relative is a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt or uncle, or niece or nephew of you or your spouse or partner. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of classes a week, in good academic standing.
Work experience and counting hours
The qualifying work must be paid (wages or commission), continuous, within the last 10 years, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 and in your primary occupation. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count.
One full-time job
30 hours a week for 12 months = 1,560 hours.
Part-time work
For example, 15 hours a week for 24 months. You can combine several part-time jobs.
More than one full-time job
Allowed, but only 30 hours a week are counted in total.
Work while studying
Counts if it was paid, continuous with no gaps, and met every other requirement.
A job title is not enough. Choose the NOC by comparing your actual duties with its lead statement and main duties, using our NOC finder.
Proof of funds
FSWP candidates must show enough money to settle in Canada. You are exempt only if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer; in that case, upload a letter explaining the exemption.
| Family members | Minimum funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | $4,112 |
The IRCC table is marked "Updated July 7, 2025" and was still current on October 18, 2026. Check the official page again before you update your profile or apply.
- Count yourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children and your spouse's dependent children, even if they are not coming or are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- The money cannot be borrowed, and equity in property does not count. It must be available when you apply and when the visa is issued.
- The bank letter must be on letterhead with the bank's contact details, your name, each account's number, opening date, current balance and 6-month average balance, and your outstanding debts.
How it works
- Check the minimum requirementsConfirm the continuous year of work, the right primary NOC, a CLB 7 test result and your education or ECA.
- Calculate the 67-point gridMake sure the factors you can document reach at least 67.
- Create and maintain your profileSubmit accurate information, enter the pool and update any material change. A profile lasts up to 12 months.
- Respond to an invitationWithin 60 days, submit the application with proof of FSWP eligibility and of every CRS point you claimed.
Documents and evidence
- Reference letters and supporting records for your primary occupation
- Valid language test results
- Canadian education records or a valid ECA
- Bank letters and proof of funds, or an exemption letter
- Evidence for any arranged-employment or adaptability points claimed
- Passport, civil-status documents, police certificates, medical exam and the other items in your personalized checklist
Important cautions
- The year of work must normally be continuous and in the same primary NOC.
- Reaching 67 points does not guarantee an invitation. Eligible profiles are then ranked by CRS. From February 20 to October 16, 2026, IRCC held no FSWP-only rounds and no general all-program rounds, so FSWP candidates competed in category rounds and provincial nominee rounds.
- Job offers currently earn no CRS points. From November 3, 2026, an offer in a high-wage occupation can earn CRS points under the Labour Market Integration factor. FSWP eligibility and CRS points are assessed separately.
- An ECA shows Canadian equivalency for immigration only. It is not a licence to practise a regulated profession.
Frequently asked questions
Does 67 points guarantee an invitation?
No. Sixty-seven points only makes you eligible for FSWP. Invitations depend on your CRS score and the rounds IRCC holds.
Do I need a job offer?
No. A job offer is not a minimum requirement. It can add selection points and exempt you from proof of funds if you are also authorized to work in Canada.
Does my work have to match my field of study?
No. There is no general rule that your occupation must match your education. Your duties and evidence must match your primary NOC.
Can part-time or student work count?
Yes. Part-time hours can add up to 1,560. Work while studying can count if it was paid, continuous and met every other rule.
Can I live in Quebec?
No. You must plan to live outside Quebec. Work experience gained in Quebec can still count.
When do I submit the full documents?
You first enter the information in your profile. After an invitation, you upload the personalized checklist and proof of every claim within 60 days.
Official sources
- IRCC: Federal Skilled Worker Program eligibility
- IRCC: Six selection factors
- IRCC: Educational credential assessment
- IRCC: Language test results
- IRCC: Valid job offer
- IRCC backgrounder: Changes to Express Entry for high-wage occupations
- IRCC: Proof of funds
- IRCC: Express Entry documents
This page is general information about Canadian immigration law and policy as of the date above. It is not legal advice for your situation. Programs, forms and fees change often; check the official sources before you apply.