The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the most popular pathways for skilled professionals looking to immigrate to Canada. This program allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency based on their abilities, education, work experience, and other factors. To qualify, you need to score at least 67 points out of 100 in the eligibility criteria. Many applicants worry about how to achieve this score, but with the right approach, it is completely possible.
Understanding the points system and knowing where you can improve your score can make a huge difference in your application. In this blog, we will break down each category of the Federal Skilled Worker Program’s points system and provide tips on how you can maximize your points to reach the required 67 points.
How the Points System Works in FSWP
The Federal Skilled Worker Program evaluates applicants based on six key factors:
1. Age
2. Education
3. Work Experience
4. Language Skills
5. Job Offer
6. Adaptability
Each category has a maximum number of points that you can score. Let’s go through them one by one to see how you can improve your total score.
1. Age (Maximum 12 Points)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program awards points based on your age. The younger you are, the more points you can earn. Here’s how the points are distributed:
- 18-35 years: 12 points
- 36 years: 11 points
- 37 years: 10 points
- 38 years: 9 points
- 39 years: 8 points
- 40 years: 7 points
- 41 years: 6 points
- 42 years: 5 points
- 43 years: 4 points
- 44 years: 3 points
- 45 years: 2 points
- 46 years: 1 point
- 47 years or older: 0 points
Since age is a factor you cannot change, if you are close to 35, you should apply as soon as possible to get the maximum points.
2. Education (Maximum 25 Points)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program gives higher points for advanced degrees. The more education you have, the more points you will receive. Here’s a breakdown:
- PhD: 25 points
- Master’s degree: 23 points
- Two or more post-secondary degrees (one must be at least 3 years): 22 points
- Bachelor’s degree: 21 points
- Diploma (two years): 19 points
- Diploma (one year): 15 points
- High school: 5 points
If you want to increase your score, consider getting an additional diploma or degree before applying.
3. Work Experience (Maximum 15 Points)
Work experience is another important factor in the Federal Skilled Worker Program. You need at least one year of full-time work experience to qualify. More years of experience will earn you higher points:
- 1 year: 9 points
- 2-3 years: 11 points
- 4-5 years: 13 points
- 6+ years: 15 points
If you have less than six years of experience, gaining more work experience before applying can help improve your score.
4. Language Skills (Maximum 28 Points)
Canada has two official languages: English and French. The FSWP assigns points based on your proficiency in one or both languages. You can score up to 24 points for your first language (English or French) and up to 4 additional points for the second language.
Language proficiency is assessed through the IELTS (English) or TEF (French) tests. The higher your scores, the more points you get. To maximize points:
- Aim for a CLB 9 or higher in IELTS
- Consider taking the TEF exam to earn additional points for French
5. Job Offer (Maximum 10 Points)
If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you can earn up to 10 points in the Federal Skilled Worker Program. The job offer must be:
- Full-time and permanent
- From a Canadian employer with a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
If you do not have a job offer, consider applying for jobs in Canada through job portals or hiring agencies.
6. Adaptability (Maximum 10 Points)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program also gives points for factors that help you settle in Canada. You can score points if:
- Your spouse has good language skills (up to 5 points)
- You have previous work experience in Canada (up to 10 points)
- You have studied in Canada (up to 5 points)
- You have family in Canada (up to 5 points)
If you have a relative in Canada, ask them to provide documents proving their residency or citizenship to gain extra points.
Tips to Increase Your Score in the Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Improve Your Language Scores: Retake the IELTS or TEF test if needed to achieve higher CLB scores.
- Gain More Work Experience: The longer you work in a skilled job, the more points you can earn.
- Consider Learning French: Even a basic level of French can give you extra points.
- Pursue Higher Education: Completing another diploma or certification can help boost your education points.
- Apply for a Job in Canada: A valid job offer can give you an additional 10 points.
- Check Your Spouse’s Eligibility: If your spouse has good language skills or education, it can add points.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals to move to Canada. Scoring 67 points may seem challenging, but by improving your language skills, gaining work experience, or obtaining a job offer, you can increase your chances. If you are close to the required points, make small improvements in your education, work experience, or adaptability factors.
Preparing well and taking strategic steps can help you achieve the score you need for immigration success. Are you planning to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program? Start preparing now and make your dream of moving to Canada a reality!
