Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker
Step-by-step eligibility, 67-point grid, proof-of-funds rules, and pro tips to maximize your Express Entry profile under Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) allows candidates with ≥ 1 year (1,560 hours) of continuous, paid, foreign or Canadian work experience in a single NOC TEER 0-3 occupation obtained within the last 10 years to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. Minimum thresholds include CLB 7 in all four language skills and at least a secondary-school credential (foreign education needs an ECA). Candidates must score ≥ 67 / 100 on the six selection factors, be admissible, intend to live outside Quebec, and, unless already authorised to work in Canada with a valid job offer, show adequate settlement funds.
Follow the guide below for hour-counting hacks, the latest proof-of-funds table, and CRS-boost strategies that still work after the 25 March 2025 removal of job-offer points.
1. Who Counts as a Skilled Worker?
Canada defines skilled workers as managers (TEER 0), professionals (TEER 1), technicians and tradespersons (TEER 2-3) - occupations that normally need a university degree, college diploma, or apprenticeship.
2. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
2.1 Skilled Work Experience
- NOC 2021 TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
- Same NOC as the primary occupation in your Express Entry profile
- Paid, continuous work for ≥ 1 year = 1,560 hours
- Gained in the last 10 years, inside or outside Canada
- Must perform the lead statement + most main duties of the NOC
2.2 How to Reach 1 560 Hours
Combo | Example | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
Full-time single job | 30 hrs / wk × 52 wks | ✔️ |
Equal part-time | 15 hrs / wk × 24 mos | ✔️ |
Multiple jobs | 30 hrs/wk across ≥ 2 jobs × 12 mos | ✔️ |
Hours > 30 / wk | Extra hours ignored | ❌ |
Tip: IRCC ignores any hours worked above 30 per week* when tallying the 1 560-hour minimum.
2.3 Student & Self-Employment Rules
- Paid student work (incl. co-op) counts if it was continuous and met all other criteria.
- Self-employment also counts, but you must provide independent proof (contracts, invoices, third-party references) to satisfy IRCC.
3. Language Requirements
- First official language: minimum CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 / CELPIP 7 / TEF NCLC 7 / PTE 60) in each skill.
- Second official language: up to 4 points if you score CLB 5+ in all skills.
- Only IELTS GT, CELPIP G, PTE Core, TEF, TCF taken within 2 years are accepted.
4. Education
Situation | What to Upload |
|---|---|
Canadian credential (secondary-school or higher) | Scan of certificate, diploma, or degree |
Foreign credential | Credential + ECA (≤ 5 years old) from WES, IQAS, CES-UofT, ICAS, ICES, MCC, or PEBC |
5. The 67-Point Selection Grid
Factor | Max Pts | Quick Rules |
|---|---|---|
Language | 28 | CLB 7 = 4 pts/skill; CLB 9 = 6 pts/skill |
Education | 25 | PhD = 25; Master’s = 23 |
Work experience | 15 | 1 yr = 9; ≥ 6 yrs = 15 |
Age | 12 | 18-35 yrs = 12; –1 pt/yr to 46 |
Arranged employment | 10 | Valid LMIA offer or LMIA-exempt work permit, full-time, TEER 0-3, ≥ 1 yr |
Adaptability | 10 | Spouse CLB 4+, study/work in Canada, relatives, etc. |
Pass mark: 67 points.
6. Proof of Funds (Updated July 2024 - must update profile by 28 July 2025)
You must show settlement funds unless you are both (a) already authorised to work in Canada, and (b) hold a valid job offer. See IRCC’s annual table and update your Express Entry profile before the July 28 deadline.
7. Admissibility & Intended Province
- Pass medical, criminal, and security checks.
- Plan to live outside Quebec (Quebec selects its own skilled workers).
- Provincial Nominees must live in the province that nominated them.
8. Pro Tips to Boost Your CRS in 2025
1. Push to CLB 9+ - still worth up to 68 additional CRS points even after the job-offer change.
2. File before turning 30 for maximum age points.
3. Leverage spousal factors - partner’s CLB 9 can add up to 20 CRS + 5 adaptability.
4. Valid job offer still matters - it no longer adds CRS points (removed 25 Mar 2025), but does give 10 grid points, lets you skip proof-of-funds, and may support certain PNPs.
5. Consider a Provincial Nominee Program - a nomination still gives + 600 CRS (and locks you to that province).
Ready to convert your professional credentials into Canadian permanent residence? Tick every minimum box, hit 67 points, polish your CRS with the tips above, and you could receive an Invitation to Apply in the next Express Entry draw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute minimum work-experience requirement?
You need one year (1,560 hours) of continuous, paid experience in a single National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0-3 occupation earned in the last ten years.
Can I add together several part-time jobs to reach 1,560 hours?
Yes. IRCC lets you combine multiple part-time roles as long as the hours add up to 1,560 and no single week is counted above 30 hours.
Does self-employment count toward the one-year requirement?
It can, but the experience must still be continuous, paid, and fully verifiable with third-party documents (invoices, contracts, tax slips, etc.).
I worked during university - does that help?
Student employment can count if it was paid, met NOC duties, and formed one continuous year without gaps.
What language scores do I need?
For your first official language, you need at least CLB 7 (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each skill). A second official language at CLB 5 or higher can add up to four extra points.
Is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) mandatory?
Only if your highest credential was earned outside Canada—submit a 5-year-valid ECA from IRCC-designated agencies such as WES, CES or IQAS.
How do I pass the 67-point grid?
Points come from language (28), education (25), experience (15), age (12), arranged employment (10) and adaptability (10). You must hit 67/100 to be eligible.
Where am I allowed to live after landing?
Anywhere in Canada except Quebec (which runs its own skilled-worker stream). If you accept a PNP nomination, you must establish in that province.