The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 67-point grid assesses whether a skilled worker meets the program’s selection threshold. It is separate from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks eligible Express Entry candidates for invitations.
67/100
Minimum FSWP selection points
6
Selection factors
CRS
Separate invitation ranking
Important: Reaching 67 points does not guarantee an Express Entry invitation or permanent residence. Applicants must also meet all FSWP minimum requirements, admissibility rules and any applicable settlement-fund requirements.
FSWP selection factors at a glance
Selection factor
Maximum points
Age
12
Education
25
First and second official languages
28
Skilled work experience
15
Arranged employment
10
Adaptability
10
Total
100
1. Age — maximum 12 points
Age points are assessed according to the applicable immigration rules.
Age
Points
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 or older
0
2. Education — maximum 25 points
A Canadian educational credential or an eligible foreign credential supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for FSWP eligibility. Immigration ECAs generally remain valid for five years. The points depend on the Canadian equivalency established.
Education level / Canadian equivalency
Points
Secondary school
5
One-year post-secondary credential
15
Two-year post-secondary credential
19
Bachelor’s degree or three-year-or-longer post-secondary program
21
Two or more post-secondary credentials, at least one for a program of three or more years
22
Master’s degree or qualifying professional degree
23
Doctoral degree (PhD)
25
3. Language ability — maximum 28 points
Applicants need CLB/NCLC 7 in each of the four abilities in their first official language to meet the FSWP minimum. Approved English tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core; approved French tests include TEF Canada and TCF Canada. Language results generally must be less than two years old at relevant application stages.
First official language (each ability)
Points per ability
Total if all four at this level
CLB/NCLC 7
4
16
CLB/NCLC 8
5
20
CLB/NCLC 9 or higher
6
24
Below CLB/NCLC 7
Not eligible under FSWP minimum
—
Second official language: 4 additional points are available when all four abilities reach at least CLB/NCLC 5. The second language is optional.
4. Skilled work experience — maximum 15 points
FSWP generally requires at least one year of continuous, paid skilled work (1,560 hours, or eligible part-time equivalent) in the same primary occupation within the preceding 10 years, in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Job duties must match the selected NOC. Additional eligible experience can increase selection points.
Eligible skilled work experience
Points
1 year
9
2–3 years
11
4–5 years
13
6 or more years
15
5. Arranged employment — maximum 10 points
Up to 10 FSWP selection-grid points may be available for qualifying arranged employment under the applicable rules, including LMIA or qualifying exemption requirements. A job offer alone does not automatically qualify.
Do not confuse the two systems: IRCC removed additional CRS points for job offers effective March 25, 2025. Qualifying arranged employment can still be relevant to the separate FSWP 67-point selection grid. Have the offer and work authorization assessed before claiming points.
6. Adaptability — maximum 10 points
Points may be available for qualifying connections to Canada, including the accompanying spouse’s language skills, eligible Canadian study or work, arranged employment, or certain adult relatives residing in Canada. The combined adaptability score is capped at 10 points.
Adaptability factor
Potential points
Spouse/partner language at CLB/NCLC 4 in all four abilities
5
Applicant’s qualifying Canadian skilled work (at least one year)
10
Spouse/partner’s qualifying Canadian work (at least one year)
5
Applicant’s qualifying Canadian study (at least two academic years)
5
Spouse/partner’s qualifying Canadian study (at least two academic years)
5
Qualifying arranged employment
5
Qualifying adult relative in Canada (citizen or permanent resident)
5
Other requirements beyond the 67-point grid
Settlement funds
Most FSWP candidates must show the current IRCC minimum for their family size, unless they meet the specific exemption rules. Funds are separate from application fees and cannot generally be borrowed.
Government and third-party fees
Budget for IRCC processing and permanent residence fees, biometrics where required, language testing, ECA, medical exams, police certificates and document services. Charges can change.
Admissibility and intended destination
Applicants must meet medical, criminal and other admissibility requirements and generally intend to live outside Quebec under the FSWP.
Supporting evidence
Employment reference letters, pay records, education/ECA, test results, identity documents and financial evidence should be consistent and verifiable.
67 points versus CRS: what happens next?
FSWP points establish eligibility under the six-factor grid. CRS points rank eligible candidates in Express Entry, and invitations depend on the applicable draw and category. A provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned PNP can add 600 CRS points.
Our team can review your work history and NOC, assess language and ECA requirements, evaluate the 67-point grid and CRS separately, identify documentary gaps, and explain possible Express Entry and provincial nomination options. Application representation, where applicable, is handled subject to Canadian immigration representative requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. It is the minimum FSWP selection threshold, not an invitation guarantee. You also need to meet the program requirements and receive an invitation based on CRS and draw criteria.
The usual FSWP selection threshold is 67 out of 100. Other immigration programs may have different eligibility criteria.
Additional CRS points for job offers were removed in March 2025. A qualifying offer may still be relevant to FSWP arranged-employment eligibility points.
No. A job offer is not mandatory if you meet the other program requirements.
FSWP requires at least CLB 7 in each ability. IELTS General Training scores must be converted to CLB using IRCC’s official equivalency table.
No. IELTS General Training is the accepted IELTS version for Express Entry.
Yes. PTE Core and CELPIP-General are accepted English tests for Express Entry.
Yes. Approved French tests may support first- or second-official-language points and, where applicable, CRS category eligibility.
Foreign education used for FSWP eligibility normally requires an immigration ECA from an IRCC-designated organization.
An ECA is generally valid for five years for Express Entry purposes.
Generally at least one continuous year of eligible paid work in a primary NOC TEER 0–3 occupation within the past 10 years.
Qualifying paid part-time work can count when it meets the applicable equivalency and continuity requirements.
Candidates aged 18 to 35 receive 12 FSWP age points. Points decrease after age 35.
Yes. Qualifying spouse or partner language, Canadian study or Canadian work may contribute adaptability points.
Most FSWP applicants do, unless a specific exemption applies. The amount depends on family size and the current IRCC table.
Some qualifying relatives who are adults and Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in Canada can support adaptability points.
No. Applicants must also meet all minimum FSWP criteria and other Express Entry requirements.
An Express Entry-aligned provincial nomination may add 600 CRS points if the candidate qualifies and accepts the nomination.
Yes. Peerless can assess your claimed selection points, CRS factors, evidence and potential application risks before you proceed.
