Six factors, 67 points to unlock Express Entry
Meet the minimum score on the FSW selection grid to qualify and compete for permanent residence in Canada.
Program guide
Is the Federal Skilled Worker program right for you?
A complete guide to eligibility, scoring, and the path to permanent residence.
What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is one of three federal economic streams managed through Express Entry. It selects foreign skilled workers for Canadian permanent residence based on a 67 point grid covering language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.
FSW does not require previous Canadian experience and is Canada's main pathway for candidates applying from abroad. Candidates who reach the 67 point threshold enter the Express Entry pool and compete for Invitations to Apply under the separate CRS ranking.
Who qualifies?
Before being assessed on the 67 point grid, candidates must meet four minimum requirements. Failing any of these disqualifies the application regardless of total score.
Work experience
At least one year of continuous full time paid work in the last 10 years, in a skilled occupation classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Education
Canadian secondary credential or foreign equivalent validated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Language proficiency
Minimum CLB 7 in English or French across all four abilities. Proven with approved tests: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
Settlement funds
Proof of funds to support yourself and accompanying family in Canada. Amounts are updated annually by IRCC.
Applicants must also be admissible to Canada, meaning no criminal inadmissibility, security concerns, or serious medical conditions.
The 67 point selection grid
Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility are scored across six factors. The threshold to qualify is 67 out of 100 points. A higher score does not increase Express Entry ranking, which is governed by a separate CRS formula.
Language
Max 28 pts
Up to 24 points for the first official language and 4 for the second, based on CLB scores in speaking, reading, listening, and writing.
Education
Max 25 pts
Awarded for the highest completed degree, from secondary credentials up to doctoral qualifications. Foreign degrees require an ECA.
Work experience
Max 15 pts
Based on years of full time paid work in a skilled occupation under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Up to 15 points for six or more years.
Age
Max 12 pts
Candidates between 18 and 35 receive the maximum. Points decrease one per year until reaching zero at age 47.
Arranged employment
Max 10 pts
Granted for a valid full time job offer from a Canadian employer, supported by a positive LMIA or an LMIA exempt work permit.
Adaptability
Max 10 pts
Combines factors such as spouse language skills, prior study or work in Canada, arranged employment, or relatives living in Canada.
The application process
FSW applications are submitted exclusively through Express Entry. The process has four distinct stages.
01
Eligibility and profile
Confirm you meet FSW minimum requirements and score 67 or more on the selection grid. Prepare language tests and ECA.
02
Express Entry pool
Submit a profile online. IRCC assigns a CRS score that ranks you against all other candidates in the pool.
03
Invitation to Apply
Highest ranked candidates receive an ITA through regular IRCC draws. You then have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.
04
Permanent residence
IRCC reviews the application, typically within six months, and issues a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Why hire an RCIC?
Under Canadian law, only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), lawyers, and Quebec notaries are authorized to represent applicants before IRCC. Any other paid representation is unauthorized and puts the application at risk.
A licensed RCIC is accountable to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), bound by a strict code of professional conduct, and trained in current immigration law. This reduces refusal risk, prevents procedural errors, and ensures every required document is submitted in the right format.
Megrez Immigration Consultants has operated as a licensed RCIC firm in Vancouver since 1996. Every FSW application at the firm is structured, reviewed, and submitted under direct RCIC supervision.
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Ready to start your application?
Book a free consultation with Jose Godoy, RCIC. 30+ years of experience helping skilled workers immigrate to Canada.