FSW minimum requirements
Points alone aren't enough. You must also meet every minimum below. Our calculator flags any minimum you don't meet.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work experience | 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous paid work in one skilled occupation, in the last 10 years |
| Occupation | TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 under NOC 2021: your primary occupation |
| Language | CLB 7 in all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) |
| Education | Canadian credential, or foreign credential with an ECA |
| Selection grid | At least 67 out of 100 points |
| Proof of funds | Required, unless you're authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer |
The FSW 67-point grid
1. Language (max 28)
| First official language (each skill) | Points per skill |
|---|---|
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 |
| CLB 8 | 5 |
| CLB 7 | 4 |
| Below CLB 7 | Not eligible |
A second official language at CLB 5+ in all four skills adds 4 points.
2. Education (max 25)
| Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 25 |
| Master's or professional degree | 23 |
| Two or more credentials, one 3+ years | 22 |
| Credential of 3+ years (e.g. bachelor's) | 21 |
| Two-year post-secondary credential | 19 |
| One-year post-secondary credential | 15 |
| Secondary school (high school) | 5 |
3. Work experience (max 15)
| Years of skilled work | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2–3 years | 11 |
| 4–5 years | 13 |
| 6 years or more | 15 |
4. Age (max 12)
| 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 |
5. Arranged employment (max 10)
10 points for a valid job offer of at least one year that meets IRCC's rules. This counts on the FSW grid only. Job offers haven't added CRS points since March 25, 2025. From November 3, 2026, a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation will add 50 to 100 CRS points, with no LMIA needed.
6. Adaptability (max 10)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Your spouse/partner has CLB 4+ in all four skills | 5 |
| You completed 2+ years of full-time post-secondary study in Canada | 5 |
| Your spouse/partner completed 2+ years of full-time post-secondary study in Canada | 5 |
| You have 1+ year of full-time skilled work in Canada | 10 |
| Your spouse/partner has 1+ year of full-time work in Canada | 5 |
| You have arranged employment in Canada | 5 |
| You or your spouse have a relative in Canada who is 18+ and a citizen or PR | 5 |
Worked example
A 30-year-old with a bachelor's degree, 3 years of experience and CLB 8 in all four skills, with no job offer or adaptability factors:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Language (5 × 4) | 20 |
| Education | 21 |
| Experience | 11 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged employment | 0 |
| Adaptability | 0 |
| Total | 64: not eligible |
How to close the gap
Proof of funds
FSW applicants must show they have enough money to settle in Canada, unless they're already authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. IRCC updates the required amounts every year, based on family size. Funds must be in your name (or joint with your spouse), available when you apply and when you land, and not borrowed.
FSW vs Canadian Experience Class
| FSW | CEC | |
|---|---|---|
| Work experience | 1 year continuous, in or outside Canada, last 10 years | 1 year in Canada, last 3 years |
| Language | CLB 7 | CLB 7 (TEER 0–1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2–3) |
| Education | Required (with ECA) | Not required |
| 67-point grid | Yes | No |
| Proof of funds | Yes (with exceptions) | No |
You can qualify for both. If you do, IRCC places you in every draw you're eligible for. Once you're eligible, your CRS score decides when you're invited.