Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry): Six selection factors
We use selection factor points to help assess your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. These points are different from the points we use to rank your profile in the Express Entry pool. We’ll assess your selection factors and assign an overall score out of 100. If you score 67 points or higher, you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. You can then submit a profile to the Express Entry pool. If you score lower than 67 points, you won’t qualify for the program. You may be able to get a higher score by doing things like: improving your language skills completing another degree, diploma, or certificate receiving an offer of arranged employment in Canada On this page Language skills points Education points Work experience points Age points Arranged employment in Canada points Adaptability points Language skills (maximum 28 points) It’s very important to be able to communicate in 1 or both of Canada’s official languages. Knowing English, French or both helps you in the Canadian job market.
You can get up to 28 points for your language skills in English and French. We’ll give you points based on your ability to: write read listen speak Language testing You must take an approved language test to prove your language levels. To measure your English or French levels, we use: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English Niveous de competence linguis tique Canadians (NCLC) for French You must get a minimum level of CLB 7 or NCLC 7 for 1 official language in all 4 language areas. To get points for the second official language, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all 4 language areas.
We use selection factor points to help assess your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. These points are different from the points we use to rank your profile in the Express Entry pool. We’ll assess your selection factors and assign an overall score out of 100. If you score 67 points or higher, you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. You can then submit a profile to the Express Entry pool. If you score lower than 67 points, you won’t qualify for the program. You may be able to get a higher score by doing things like: improving your language skills completing another degree, diploma, or certificate receiving an offer of arranged employment in Canada On this page Language skills points Education points Work experience points Age points Arranged employment in Canada points Adaptability points Language skills (maximum 28 points) It’s very important to be able to communicate in 1 or both of Canada’s official languages. Knowing English, French or both helps you in the Canadian job market.
You can get up to 28 points for your language skills in English and French. We’ll give you points based on your ability to:
- Write
- Read
- Listen
- Speak
Language Testing:
You must take an approved language test to prove your language levels. To measure your English or French levels, we use:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
- Niveaux de compétence linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) for French
You must get a minimum level of CLB 7 or NCLC 7 for 1 official language in all 4 language areas. To get points for the second official language, you must meet the minimum level of CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all 4 language areas.
Language Points Calculation:
Once you take the language test, you can use it to see exactly how many points we’ll give you for the language selection factor. Find out more about language testing and how to get tested.
Calculate your language points
First official language (maximum 24 points)
Check the table below and add the points that match your skill level:
| CLB level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB level 9 or higher | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB level 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CLB level 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Below CLB level 7 | Not eligible to apply | Not eligible to apply | Not eligible to apply | Not eligible to apply |
Second official language (maximum 4 points)
You can get 4 points only if you have a score of at least CLB 5 in each of the 4 language abilities.
| Second official language | Points |
|---|---|
| At least CLB 5 in all of the 4 abilities | 4 |
| CLB 4 or less in any of the 4 abilities | 0 |
Education (maximum 25 points)
If you went to school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution. If you have foreign education, you must have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes from a designated organization showing that your education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution. You must include your Canadian credential or your foreign credential and Educational Credential Assessment report when you apply.
How to read your report and calculate your points for education:
Work experience (maximum 15 points)
You can get points for the number of years you’ve spent doing full-time paid work (at least 30 hours per week, or an equal amount of part-time [15 hours per week for 24 months]) in a skilled occupation listed in Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC). To get selection factor points, your work experience will count if it was:
- In Canada or abroad
- While you were studying
- While being self-employed
Finding your National Occupational Classification (NOC):
The NOC is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labor market and is used to classify jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties, skills, talents, and work settings for different jobs. You will need to identify the “NOC code” for each job that you want to include in your Express Entry profile. Find your NOC to find the information that best matches each of your past jobs. You’ll need this information again, so make sure to save it. If the description and list of main duties match what you did at your job(s), you can count this experience for points.
Use this chart to find the number of points based on your number of years of experience:
| Experience | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2-3 years | 11 |
| 4-5 years | 13 |
| 6 or more years | 15 |
Age (maximum 12 points)
You’ll get points based on your age on the day we get your application.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 0 |
| 18-35 | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 47 and older | 0 |
Arranged employment in Canada (maximum 10 points)
You can get points if you have a job offer of at least 1 year from a Canadian employer. You must get the job offer before you apply to come to Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker. A valid job offer has to be:
- For continuous, paid, full-time work (minimum of 30 hours/week)
- Not seasonal
- For at least 1 year
- In an occupation listed in TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
We must be convinced that:
- You’re able to do the job offered to you
- You’ll be able to become licensed or certified when in Canada (if the occupation is regulated in Canada)
To get 10 points for a valid job offer, 1 of these situations must also apply.
- Situation 1: You currently work in Canada on a work permit and you meet all of the following conditions:
- Situation 2: You currently work in Canada in a job that is exempt from the LMIA requirement because of 1 of the following:
- Situation 3: You currently don’t have a work permit, or don’t plan to work in Canada before you get a permanent resident visa.
- Situation 4: You have a valid work permit or are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit.
Adaptability (maximum 10 points)
You and your spouse or common-law partner who will immigrate with you to Canada can earn points for adaptability. You and your spouse can earn a maximum of 10 points by combining any of the elements below. These elements assess how well you and your spouse are likely to settle in Canada.
| Adaptability | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Your spouse or partner’s language level | 5 |
| Your past studies in Canada | 5 |
| Your spouse or partner’s past studies in Canada | 5 |
| Your past work in Canada | 10 |
| Your spouse or common-law partner’s past work in Canada | 5 |
| Arranged employment in Canada | 5 |
| Relatives in Canada | 5 |
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry): Unlocking Your Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency
Embarking on the journey to Canadian Permanent Residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) demands more than just aspirations – it requires a strategic understanding of the six crucial selection factors that determine your eligibility. These factors, each contributing to your overall score out of 100, play a pivotal role in shaping your destiny as a potential Canadian immigrant.
Language Skills: Mastering the Art of Communication (Maximum 28 points)
In the diverse and vibrant Canadian job market, effective communication is paramount. Proficiency in either English, French, or both is a powerful asset. The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French serve as the yardsticks to measure your language prowess. Your ability to write, read, listen, and speak will be evaluated through approved language tests. The higher your CLB or NCLC level, the more points you earn.
Calculate Your Language Points:
- First Official Language (Maximum 24 points):
- CLB Level 9 or higher: 6 points each for speaking, listening, reading, writing.
- CLB Level 8: 5 points each.
- CLB Level 7: 4 points each.
- Below CLB Level 7: Not eligible.
- Second Official Language (Maximum 4 points):
- At least CLB 5 in all abilities: 4 points.
- CLB 4 or less in any ability: 0 points.
Education: Unlocking Doors to Opportunity (Maximum 25 points)
Education opens doors to opportunity in Canada. If you studied in Canada, possessing a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian institution is crucial. For foreign education, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report is mandatory to equate your qualifications to Canadian standards. Whether it’s secondary or post-secondary education, your credentials will be a determining factor in your eligibility.
Work Experience: Building a Foundation (Maximum 15 points)
Your professional journey, whether in Canada or abroad, holds significant weight. Full-time paid work in a skilled occupation (as per NOC categories 0, 1, 2, or 3) counts toward your points. Accumulating points based on the number of years spent in relevant work showcases your expertise and contributes to your overall score.
Age: Time is of the Essence (Maximum 12 points)
As time plays a crucial role in your immigration journey, your age at the time of application influences your points. The younger you are, the more points you accrue. Age-based points range from 12 for those aged 18-35 to 0 for applicants aged 47 and older.
Arranged Employment in Canada: Securing Your Future (Maximum 10 points)
A job offer from a Canadian employer is a valuable asset in your pursuit of Canadian Permanent Residency. The offer must be for continuous, paid, full-time work for a minimum of one year, in a TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. Meeting specific conditions under various situations can earn you up to 10 points.
Adaptability: Integrating into Canadian Society (Maximum 10 points)
Adaptability factors assess your ability, and that of your spouse or partner, to settle in Canada. Points can be earned through various elements such as language proficiency, past studies or work in Canada, arranged employment, or having relatives in Canada.
In the intricate web of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, understanding and optimizing these selection factors will pave the way for a successful Express Entry profile submission. As you embark on this transformative journey, each point earned brings you closer to realizing your Canadian dream.