🇨🇦 Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program Points System
If you’re planning to apply for Canada Permanent Residency (PR) through the Express Entry system, understanding the points-based eligibility criteria is crucial. To qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), candidates must score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 based on six selection factors.
Express Entry uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank eligible candidates in the pool. However, to enter the Express Entry pool, you must first meet the 67-point eligibility threshold under FSWP.
✅ Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Points System Overview:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Education | 25 points |
| Language Proficiency | 28 points |
| Work Experience | 15 points |
| Age | 12 points |
| Arranged Employment | 10 points |
| Adaptability | 10 points |
| Total | 100 points |
You need at least 67 out of 100 points to qualify for the Express Entry pool.
📘 Factor 1: Education – Max 25 Points
Education is a major factor in Express Entry eligibility. The higher your qualification, the more points you can earn.
| Level of Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 25 |
| Master’s degree or professional degree | 23 |
| Two or more post-secondary credentials (one must be 3 years or more) | 22 |
| Three-year or longer post-secondary credential | 21 |
| Two-year post-secondary credential | 19 |
| One-year post-secondary credential | 15 |
| Secondary (high school) education | 5 |
All credentials must be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized organization.
🗣️ Factor 2: Language Skills – Max 28 Points
Strong proficiency in English or French (Canada’s official languages) can earn up to 28 points.
First Official Language (English or French) – Max 24 Points
| Proficiency Level | IELTS Scores | Points per Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced | IELTS 7.0+/8.0+/7.0+/7.0+ | 6 |
| High Intermediate | IELTS 6.5+/7.5+/6.5+/6.5+ | 5 |
| Intermediate | IELTS 6.0+/6.0+/6.0+/6.0+ | 4 |
Scores apply per ability (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).
Second Official Language – Max 4 Points
| CLB/NCLC Level | IELTS Scores | Points |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 5+ | 5.0/5.0/4.0/5.0 or above | 4 |
💼 Factor 3: Work Experience – Max 15 Points
Work experience must be full-time and continuous in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year (minimum) | 9 |
| 2–3 years | 11 |
| 4–5 years | 13 |
| 6+ years | 15 |
👤 Factor 4: Age – Max 12 Points
You get the maximum 12 points if you’re between 18 and 35 years.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–35 | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| … | … |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47+ | 0 |
📃 Factor 5: Arranged Employment – Max 10 Points
You can gain 10 points if you have a valid job offer in Canada from an eligible Canadian employer.
| Scenario | Points |
|---|---|
| LMIA-approved job offer in NOC 0, A, B and valid work permit | 10 |
| LMIA-exempt work permit (intra-company transfer or international agreement) with permanent offer | 10 |
| LMIA-approved job offer without current work permit | 10 |
| Authorized to work in Canada with job offer and LMIA | 10 |
🏠 Factor 6: Adaptability – Max 10 Points
Additional points can be earned if you or your spouse have prior ties to Canada.
| Adaptability Factors | Points |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant’s previous work in Canada (1 year, NOC 0/A/B) | 10 |
| Previous study in Canada (applicant or spouse) | 5 each |
| Relative in Canada (18+ years old, citizen or PR) | 5 |
| Spouse’s language proficiency (CLB 4 or higher) | 5 |
| Arranged employment | 5 |
🧮 How to Calculate Your Express Entry Eligibility Points?
Add up your points from all six factors. If your total is 67 or above, you are eligible to submit your Express Entry profile.