Canada Federal Skilled worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Category (FSWC) allows those who have at least one year of skilled work experience to apply for permanent residence in Canada, provided that they obtain sufficient points under the point score system. Under the Federal Skilled Workers program 67 points is the PassMark. A total of 100 points are available and the pass mark is currently set at 67. The factors measured under the point system are:

1. Education (25 points)
2. Language Skills (English and French) (28 points)
3. Work Experience (15 points)
4. Age (12 points)
5. Arranged Employment (10 points)
6. Adaptability (10 points

Federal Skilled Worker Points System

First requirement to enter into the Express Entry pool

Eligibility & Selection Factors –

Factor	Maximum Points
Education	25
Language Skills	28
Work Experience	15
Age	12
Arranged Employment	10
Adaptability	10
Total	100
Pass Mark	67

1. Language Skills — Up to 28 Points

Your ability in English and/or French is assessed through an approved language test. You must meet the required minimum language level in all four abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

• First Official Language: Up to 24 points

• Second Official Language: Up to 4 points

• Minimum language threshold: CLB/NCLC 7 for the first official language

• Second official language: CLB/NCLC 5 in all four abilities for the available points

Work Experience

2. Work Experience — Up to 15 Points

Skilled Work Experience	Points
1 year	9
2–3 years	11
4–5 years	13
6 years or more	15

Your work experience must meet the program’s eligibility requirements and fall within an eligible skilled occupation category.

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Age

3. Age — Up to 12 Points

Age	Points
18–35	12
36	11
37	10
38–46	9–1
47 or older	0

Education

4. Education — Up to 25 Points

Your educational credentials may need to be assessed by a designated organization if your education was completed outside Canada.

Education Level	Points
Doctoral degree	25
Master’s or professional degree	23
Two or more post-secondary credentials, including one of at least three years	22
Three-year or longer post-secondary credential	21
Two-year post-secondary credential	19
One-year post-secondary credential	15
Secondary school	5

Arranged Employment

5. Arranged Employment — Up to 10 Points

You may receive points for qualifying arranged employment in Canada. Depending on the circumstances, you may need a valid job offer supported by an LMIA, while certain LMIA-exempt situations may also qualify.

Adaptability 

6. Adaptability — Up to 10 Points

Adaptability points may be available for factors such as:

• Previous skilled work experience in Canada

• Previous study in Canada

• Your spouse or partner’s previous study or work experience in Canada

• Qualifying arranged employment

• Eligible relatives living in Canada

• Your spouse or partner’s official language ability

Pass Mark: 67 Points

To qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program’s selection grid, you generally need to score at least 67 out of 100 points.

Important: The 67-point FSW selection grid is not the same as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Meeting the 67-point threshold does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

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Settlement Funds

Most applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada.

You generally do not need proof of funds if you:

• Are applying under the Canadian Experience Class; or

• Are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, even if applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.

How much money you will need

Family Size	Required Funds (CAD)
1	$12,960
2	$16,135
3	$19,836
4	$24,083
5	$27,315
6	$30,806
7	$34,299
Each additional family member	+$3,492