Scoring System Overview
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) uses a 100-point selection factor grid to determine if a skilled worker is eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The official overall maximum score is 100 points, and applicants must score at least 67 points to qualify and submit a profile to the Express Entry pool.
Score Breakdown
First Language Points
This dimension awards points for proficiency in your first official language (English or French), with a maximum of 24 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CLB level 9 or higher - Speaking | 6 | |
| CLB level 9 or higher - Listening | 6 | |
| CLB level 9 or higher - Reading | 6 | |
| CLB level 9 or higher - Writing | 6 | |
| CLB level 8 - Speaking | 5 | |
| CLB level 8 - Listening | 5 | |
| CLB level 8 - Reading | 5 | |
| CLB level 8 - Writing | 5 | |
| CLB level 7 - Speaking | 4 | |
| CLB level 7 - Listening | 4 | |
| CLB level 7 - Reading | 4 | |
| CLB level 7 - Writing | 4 | |
| Below CLB level 7 - any ability | Not eligible to apply |
Second Language Points
This dimension awards up to 4 points for a second official language. You can get 4 points only if you have a score of at least CLB 5 in each of the 4 language abilities.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| At least CLB 5 in all 4 abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) | 4 | |
| CLB 4 or less in any of the 4 abilities | 0 |
Highest Qualification Points
This dimension awards points for your highest level of education, with a maximum of 25 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 25 | |
| Master's degree | 23 | |
| Two or more degrees, diplomas, or certificates (one must be a 3-year or longer program) | 22 | |
| 3-year or longer diploma, degree, or certificate | 21 | |
| 2-year diploma, degree, or certificate | 19 | |
| 1-year diploma, degree, or certificate | 15 | |
| Secondary school (high school) credential | 5 |
Prerequisites: You must include your Canadian credential or your foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report when you apply.
Overseas Work Experience Points
This dimension awards points based on the number of years of skilled work experience, with a maximum of 15 points. Experience can be in Canada or abroad, including while studying or self-employed.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 | |
| 2-3 years | 11 | |
| 4-5 years | 13 | |
| 6 or more years | 15 |
Age Points
This dimension awards points based on your age on the day we receive your application, with a maximum of 12 points.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 0 | |
| 18 - 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 and older | 0 |
Job Offer Points
This dimension awards up to 10 points if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year of continuous, paid, full-time work in TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC. Four situations (1, 2, 3, or 4) describe the conditions that must be met.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid job offer meeting Situation 1, 2, 3, or 4 | 10 | Continuous, paid, full-time work (min 30 hrs/week), non-seasonal, at least 1 year, in TEER 0,1,2,3 |
Adaptability Points
This dimension awards up to 10 points for you and your spouse or common-law partner's ability to settle in Canada. You can combine elements below to reach the maximum.
| Condition | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your spouse or partner's language level (CLB 4 or higher in all 4 abilities) | 5 | Language tests must be valid on application date |
| Your past studies in Canada (at least 2 academic years of full-time study) | 5 | Full-time is at least 15 hours/week |
| Your spouse or partner's past studies in Canada (at least 2 academic years of full-time study) | 5 | Full-time is at least 15 hours/week |
| Your past work in Canada (at least 1 year full-time in TEER 0,1,2,3) | 10 | Must have held a valid work permit |
| Your spouse or common-law partner's past work in Canada (at least 1 year full-time) | 5 | Must have held a valid work permit |
| Arranged employment in Canada (if you earned points for it) | 5 | |
| Relatives in Canada (you, spouse, or partner have a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew who is 18+, Canadian citizen or PR) | 5 |
Domestic Work Experience Points
This dimension does not apply as a separate dimension. The FSW program awards points for skilled work experience regardless of location, including Canada or abroad, under the Overseas Work Experience dimension.
Partner Skills Points
This dimension does not apply as a separate dimension. Spouse adaptability points are covered under the Adaptability dimension.
Family Sponsorship Points
This dimension does not apply as a separate dimension. Relative points are covered under the Adaptability dimension.