Express Entry
How many FSW points do you need in Express Entry- 67 or 1200?
The journey to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is an exciting prospect, but the road to success involves understanding the process of the Express Entry system.
Knowing about the point system is crucial, as it forms the backbone of your eligibility and ranking within the pool of candidates. Let’s delve into Express Entry, shedding light on the FSW points and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to know the process.
Federal Skilled Worker Points: The Gateway to Express Entry
1. FSW Minimum Requirements
Before diving into Express Entry, aspirants must amass a minimum of 67 FSW points. These points are pivotal as they determine eligibility to create a profile in the Express Entry system.
2. Six Selection Factors
FSW points are calculated based on six selection factors, each contributing to the overall score:
Selection Factor Maximum Points Details Age Up to 12 Points vary from a maximum of 12 for ages 18-35 to zero for those under 18 or over 35. Education Up to 25 Maximum of 25 points, dependent on the level of education. Work Experience Up to 15 A maximum of 15 points for over 6 years of experience. Language Proficiency Up to 28 Maximum 28 points, considering proficiency in English or French. Arranged Employment in CA Up to 10 Up to 10 points for a valid job offer. Adaptability Factors Up to 10 Additional points (up to 10) for factors like close relatives in Canada or past work/study experiences.
The CRS System: From Profile Creation to ITA
1. Profile Creation
Once you meet the FSW minimum requirements, creating a profile in the Express Entry system is the next step. This initiates the allocation of CRS points, crucial for ranking within the candidate pool.
2. Core/Human Capital Factors (Maximum 460-500 Points)
- Age: Points decrease with age, and those under 17 or over 45 receive zero points.
Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) points, which allow you to achieve the maximum score until the age of 35, the CRS points for age begin to decrease after reaching 30 years.
- Education: Maximum of 150 points for education alone.
- Canadian Work Experience: If applying alone, Canadian work experience can earn you up to 80 points. If applying with a spouse or common-law partner, the maximum points are 70.
| Experience Duration | With Spouse/Common-Law Partner | Without Spouse/Common-Law Partner |
| None or less than a year | 0 points | 0 points |
| 1 year | 35 points | 40 points |
| 2 years | 46 points | 53 points |
| 3 years | 56 points | 64 points |
| 4 years | 63 points | 72 points |
| 5 years or more | 70 points | 80 points |
3. Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in English or French is assessed using language tests, with a maximum of 24 points.
- Additional points for second official language proficiency (up to 4 points).
4. Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors (Maximum 40 Points)
- Deductions apply for certain factors if applying with a spouse/partner.
- Points for spouse’s education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
5. Additional CRS Points (Maximum 600 Points)
- A brother or sister living in Canada may give you 15 additional points if he is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- If you score NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and score CLB 4 or lower in English (or didn’t take an English test), you can gain 25 extra points. If you score NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and score CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills, you can receive 50 additional points.
- Having a credential of one or two years from a Canadian institution offers eligibility for 15 extra points. For credentials three years or longer, you can get 30 additional points.
- An arranged employment in NOC TEER 0Major group 00 can earn you a substantial 200 points. For NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3, or any TEER 0 other than Major group 00, you can receive 50 points.
- A significant factor, granting you a maximum of 600 points. If you receive a provincial nomination, it can significantly boost your overall CRS score.
6. Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 Points)
Combining factors like education with language abilities, Canadian work experience, foreign work experience with language proficiency, and more can boost CRS points.
Note: You may secure up to 1200 CRS points, influencing your chances of securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Setting the Bar for ITA
Achieving a CRS score is just the beginning. The actual minimum CRS points required for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) vary with each draw. The competitive nature of Express Entry means candidates must continually strive to maximize their CRS score for a higher chance of receiving an ITA.
As the system evolves, staying informed and strategically enhancing one’s CRS score becomes paramount for those aspiring to make Canada their new home. In this journey of points and rankings, remember, that each score brings you a step closer to the door of opportunity. Best of luck on your Express Entry adventure!
