Overview
FSWP is one of the three federal programs managed through Express Entry. A candidate must first satisfy its minimum work, language and education rules and score at least 67 out of 100 on the separate FSWP selection grid.
The 67-point grid decides basic FSWP eligibility. It is not the CRS score used to rank eligible profiles for an invitation.
Work period
1 continuous year
Recency
Within the last 10 years
Language
CLB/NCLC 7 in all abilities
FSWP grid
At least 67 of 100
Eligibility and core rules
- At least one continuous year of paid work in the same primary NOC within the ten years before applying.
- The primary occupation must be NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and the evidence must support the lead statement and most main duties.
- Minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in speaking, listening, reading and writing on an approved test.
- At least secondary-school education; foreign education requires a valid immigration-purpose ECA.
- At least 67 points on the FSWP selection grid for age, education, language, work, arranged employment and adaptability.
- Settlement funds unless the applicant is legally able to work in Canada and has a qualifying valid job offer.
- Plan to live outside Québec and remain admissible to Canada.
The FSWP 67-point selection grid
After meeting the minimum work, language and education rules, a candidate must score at least 67 out of 100 across the six factors below. This grid determines FSWP eligibility; it is separate from the CRS used to rank profiles.
| Factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Language skills | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Skilled work experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged employment in Canada | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
First official language points
CLB/NCLC 7 in every ability is the minimum. The points below apply separately to speaking, listening, reading and writing.
| Level | Points per ability |
|---|---|
| CLB/NCLC 9 or higher | 6 |
| CLB/NCLC 8 | 5 |
| CLB/NCLC 7 | 4 |
| Below 7 in any ability | Not eligible |
A second official language adds 4 points only when all four abilities are at least CLB/NCLC 5.
Skilled work-experience points
| Eligible experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2–3 years | 11 |
| 4–5 years | 13 |
| 6 years or more | 15 |
Age points
Age is assessed on the day IRCC receives the application. Ages 18–35 receive 12 points; the score falls by one point per year to 1 point at age 46 and 0 at age 47 or older.
Arranged employment and adaptability
A valid offer can add up to 10 FSWP points, but it must be paid, continuous, full-time, non-seasonal, for at least one year and in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. The LMIA, work-permit and employer circumstances must also fit one of IRCC’s listed situations.
Adaptability is capped at 10 points. Potential factors include a spouse’s language, qualifying past study or work in Canada by the applicant or spouse, arranged employment, and certain qualifying relatives in Canada.
Work experience and counting hours
The primary work must be paid, continuous, within the last 10 years, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 and in the same primary NOC. Evidence must support the NOC lead statement and most main duties.
One full-time job
Up to 30 hours a week for 12 months, totalling 1,560 hours.
Part-time work
For example, 15 hours a week for 24 months; multiple part-time jobs may be combined.
More than one full-time job
A combined maximum of 30 hours a week for 12 months; hours over 30 a week are not counted.
Work while studying
It may count if it was paid, continuous and meets every other program requirement.
A job title alone is not enough. Select the NOC by comparing the actual duties.
Search Ghasedak’s NOC FinderRequired settlement funds
FSWP applicants normally need accessible funds for the full family size. An applicant may be exempt only when both authorized to work in Canada and holding a valid job offer. A spouse and dependent children are counted even when non-accompanying or already Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
| Family members | Minimum funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 |
| 2 | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
The live IRCC table displayed when this guide was reviewed was dated July 7, 2025. Check the official live link before submitting because IRCC updates the amounts.
What the bank letter should show
- Official financial-institution letterhead and contact information.
- Your name, account numbers, opening dates, current balances and six-month average balances.
- Outstanding debts such as loans and credit-card debts.
- Funds that remain available both when applying and when the permanent resident visa is issued; property equity alone is not accessible settlement money.
How this works
- 01
Test the minimum requirements
Confirm the continuous work year, correct primary NOC, approved language result and education.
- 02
Calculate the FSWP selection grid
Verify that the documented factors reach at least 67 out of 100.
- 03
Create and maintain the profile
Submit accurate facts, enter the pool and update material changes while waiting.
- 04
Respond to an invitation
Prove both FSWP eligibility and every CRS point claimed in the permanent-residence application.
Documents and evidence
- Employer letters and supporting work records for the primary NOC
- Valid language-test results
- Canadian education records or a valid immigration-purpose ECA
- Bank letters and proof of available settlement funds when required
- Evidence supporting any arranged-employment or adaptability points claimed
Important distinctions and cautions
- The required one year is normally continuous and in the same primary NOC.
- Reaching 67 points does not guarantee an invitation; the eligible profile is then ranked under CRS.
- Job offers no longer add CRS points, but a qualifying offer can still affect the FSWP grid or proof-of-funds exemption.
- An ECA shows Canadian educational equivalency for immigration; it does not provide occupational licensing.
FSWP frequently asked questions
Does 67 points guarantee an invitation?
No. Sixty-seven points only establishes the FSWP threshold. Pool ranking and invitations depend on CRS and the type of invitation round.
Is a job offer required?
No. A job offer is not a general FSWP requirement, though a qualifying offer may affect the FSWP grid or proof-of-funds exemption.
Must the work be related to the field of education?
There is no general rule requiring the occupation and education field to match. The duties and evidence must match the primary NOC and program rules.
Can part-time or student work count?
Part-time work may accumulate to 1,560 hours. Student work may count when it was paid, continuous and met every other requirement.
Can an FSWP applicant live in Québec?
The applicant must genuinely intend to live outside Québec. Work gained in Québec may be used, but the intention to settle elsewhere must be supportable.
When are the full documents submitted?
Information is first used for the Express Entry profile. After an ITA, the personalized checklist and proof for every material claim must be submitted within IRCC’s stated deadline.
Official government sources
Use the live IRCC pages below to confirm the rules before relying on them.
General information only, not legal advice. IRCC may change rules, occupation lists or invitation instructions. The live government source controls.