How the FSW 67-point grid works
The Federal Skilled Worker Program scores you out of 100 on six selection factors. You need 67 or more to be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under FSW. It is a pass or fail test; your rank in the pool is decided separately by your CRS score.
| Factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Language (first + second) | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Work experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged employment | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Total | 100 (pass mark 67) |
Language points
Each of the four skills in your first official language earns 6 points at CLB 9+, 5 at CLB 8 and 4 at CLB 7. Below CLB 7 in any skill you are not eligible. A second official language at CLB 5+ in all four skills adds 4 points.
Education points
| Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral (PhD) | 25 |
| Master's or professional degree | 23 |
| Two or more credentials, one 3+ years | 22 |
| Bachelor's or 3+ year program | 21 |
| Two-year program | 19 |
| One-year program | 15 |
| Secondary school | 5 |
Work experience points
1 year: 9 points, 2-3 years: 11, 4-5 years: 13, 6+ years: 15. The work must be paid, skilled (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) and in the same occupation as your primary NOC.
Age points
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 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+ | 0 |
Adaptability
Up to 10 points for links to Canada: your own Canadian work (10), and 5 each for a partner's language level, study in Canada by you or your partner, your partner's Canadian work, arranged employment and a relative in Canada.
Passed? Next, estimate your ranking with the CRS calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 67 points the same as the CRS score?
No. The 67-point grid only decides whether you can enter the pool under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Once you are in, you are ranked by your CRS score out of 1,270.
Do I need a job offer for FSW?
No. Arranged employment adds up to 10 FSW points, but it is optional. Since 3 November 2026 a qualifying job offer no longer needs an LMIA.
Can I qualify with CLB 6?
No. Federal Skilled Worker requires at least CLB 7 in all four skills of your first official language.
Do I need proof of funds?
Yes, unless you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. IRCC updates the required amounts each year; check the current table on Canada.ca before you apply.