Permanent residence
Federal Skilled Worker Program: the continuous year and the 67-point grid
One continuous year in one occupation, CLB 7 in all four abilities, an ECA and 67 points out of 100, with a worked example of the grid.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is the Express Entry route for skilled workers whose experience was gained abroad, or in Canada, as long as it forms one continuous year in one occupation. It is also the program where most "almost eligible" profiles stop: a 67-point grid sits in front of the pool. Here is how to check it, based on the Regulations and IRCC's pages reviewed on October 17, 2026.
The minimum requirements
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Work experience | At least 1 year of continuous full-time work (or the part-time equivalent) in your primary occupation, within the last 10 years, in Canada or abroad (Regulations, s. 75(2)(a)) |
| Occupation | NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, matching the lead statement and the main duties |
| Hours | Hours above 30 a week are not counted (s. 80(4)) |
| Language | CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities |
| Education | A Canadian credential, or a foreign one with an educational credential assessment (ECA) less than 5 years old |
| Funds | Proof of settlement funds, unless you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer |
| Where you'll live | The program is for people who intend to settle outside Quebec (s. 75(1)) |
Source: IRCC's Federal Skilled Worker Program page and the Regulations.
"Continuous" is the word that matters
Two jobs of 7 months and 4 months, separated by a year without work, add up to 11 months but are not one continuous year. That is the main difference with the Canadian Experience Class, where separate periods can be added together. If your experience is in pieces, read how IRCC counts CEC hours before choosing a program.
The 67-point grid
| Factor | Maximum | How points are given |
|---|---|---|
| Language | 28 | First language: 4, 5 or 6 points per ability at CLB 7, 8 or 9+. Second language: 4 points with at least CLB 5 in all four |
| Education | 25 | Secondary 5; one-year program 15; two-year 19; three-year or more 21; two credentials, one of 3+ years, 22; master's or licensed professional degree 23; doctorate 25 (Regulations, s. 78) |
| Experience | 15 | 1 year 9; 2–3 years 11; 4–5 years 13; 6+ years 15 |
| Age | 12 | 12 from 18 to 35, then one point less per year, 0 at 47 |
| Arranged employment | 10 | A valid job offer of at least 1 year, full time, TEER 0–3 |
| Adaptability | 10 | For example: 1 year of skilled work in Canada (10); past studies in Canada, spouse's language, studies or work, relatives in Canada (5 each) |
Worked example: age 38 (9), a bachelor's degree with an ECA (21), 4 years of experience (13), CLB 8 in all four abilities (20) and an aunt in Canada (5) gives 68. Drop the aunt and the total falls to 63, below the threshold. Small factors decide close cases.
These points only decide eligibility. Once you are in the pool, you are ranked by your CRS score, a separate system.
Foreign experience: what to prepare
- Employer letters for each job, with dates, hours, salary and duties that match the NOC you claim.
- Pay records that agree with the letters.
- An ECA for each foreign credential that should count.
- A language test less than 2 years old when you create the profile and when you apply.
- Bank letters for your proof of funds.
Two dates to watch
IRCC announced that, as of November 3, 2026, it is changing how points are awarded for Canadian work experience and valid job offers in the CRS, and removing LMIA requirements for job offers. If your plan relies on a job offer, check IRCC's notice after that date. And if you are invited, you have 60 days to submit your permanent residence application.
Living in Quebec?
The FSW is for settling outside Quebec. For Quebec, the equivalent route is the PSTQ, through Arrima.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer to reach 67 points?
No. Many candidates reach 67 with language, education, experience and age alone.
Does my experience have to be in the occupation I list as primary?
Yes. The continuous year must be in your primary occupation, and your duties must match its NOC description.
Can I count both English and French?
Yes. Your first official language gives up to 24 points; the second adds 4 if you have at least CLB 5 in all four abilities.
How do I know where I stand?
You can describe your situation or book a consultation; we check the grid against your documents.
Official sources
Official pages consulted on October 17, 2026:
- IRCC — Federal Skilled Worker Program
- RIPR, article 75 (travailleurs qualifiés)
- RIPR, article 78 (études)
More in this series
- Canadian permanent residence: start with where you will live
- Arrima explained: what happens after your PSTQ expression of interest
- Bridging open work permit: how to keep working while your permanent residence is processed
- Canadian Experience Class requirements: a checklist, and the Quebec rule
- Canadian Experience Class: how IRCC really counts your 1,560 hours
- Express Entry draws: how to read a round of invitations
About this guide
Written for Visa Canada Rouge, a Montreal immigration consultancy led by Moadh Rahmaoui, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB, licence R534941, listed on the public register of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants).
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration requirements, fees and processing times change often: check them on the official websites (canada.ca, quebec.ca) when you apply. No outcome can be guaranteed.
Every file is different.
This guide covers the general rules. To find out what applies to you, talk to a regulated consultant.