To apply as a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) under Canada’s Express Entry program, candidates are evaluated on six key selection factors, with a total score out of 100. Applicants need at least 67 points to qualify for this category. Here’s an overview of each selection factor:
1. Language Skills (Maximum 28 Points)
Communication skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English and French, are crucial for success in the Canadian job market. You can earn up to 28 points based on your proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Language Testing: You must take an approved test to demonstrate your language abilities. For English, results are measured by the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), and for French, by the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
- Minimum Level: To be eligible, you need at least CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) for your first official language. For the second official language, you need at least CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four areas to earn additional points.
Calculate Your Language Points:
- First Official Language (Maximum 24 Points):
- CLB 9 or higher: 6 points per ability
- CLB 8: 5 points per ability
- CLB 7: 4 points per ability
- Below CLB 7: Not eligible
- Second Official Language (Maximum 4 Points):
- At least CLB 5 in all four abilities: 4 points
- CLB 4 or less: 0 points
2. Education (Maximum 25 Points)
Points are awarded based on your educational qualifications. If you studied in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized Canadian institution (secondary or post-secondary). If your education is from outside Canada, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that it is equivalent to a Canadian qualification.
You must submit your Canadian credential or your foreign credential along with your ECA when you apply.
3. Work Experience (Maximum 15 Points)
You can earn points for paid full-time work experience (at least 30 hours per week) or equivalent part-time experience (15 hours per week for 24 months) in a skilled occupation. The job must fall under TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Your experience is counted if it was:
- In Canada or abroad
- During your studies
- As a self-employed individual
Work Experience Points:
- 1 year: 9 points
- 2-3 years: 11 points
- 4-5 years: 13 points
- 6 or more years: 15 points
4. Age (Maximum 12 Points)
Points are awarded based on your age at the time of application.
Age Points:
- 18-35 years: 12 points
- 36 years: 11 points
- 37 years: 10 points
- Points decrease by 1 for each year until age 47 and older: 0 points
5. Arranged Employment in Canada (Maximum 10 Points)
You can earn points if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year. The offer must be for full-time, paid work (minimum of 30 hours per week) in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Job Offer Points: You must meet one of the following situations to get points for arranged employment:
- You are currently working in Canada on a valid work permit.
- You have a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- You are working in a job exempt from the LMIA requirement (e.g., under an international agreement).
6. Adaptability (Maximum 10 Points)
Points are awarded based on how well you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) are likely to settle in Canada.
Adaptability Points (maximum 10 points):
- Your spouse’s language skills (CLB 4 or higher): 5 points
- Your past studies in Canada (at least 2 years): 5 points
- Your spouse’s past studies in Canada (at least 2 years): 5 points
- Your past work in Canada (at least 1 year): 10 points
- Your spouse’s past work in Canada (at least 1 year): 5 points
- Arranged employment in Canada: 5 points
- Relatives in Canada (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, or other qualifying family members): 5 points
These six factors determine your eligibility as a Federal Skilled Worker under the Express Entry system. Achieving a minimum score of 67 points qualifies you to enter the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).