Canada first introduced the point-based immigration system in 1967. Today, this system is the foundation for obtaining Canadian Permanent Residency (PR).
To be eligible for Canada PR, applicants must score well on the Canada PR point calculator. A minimum of 67 points is required to qualify for immigration.
Your Express Entry profile will show your points, and your ranking in the pool depends on this score.
Understanding the Canada Express Entry System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points based on education, skills, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Express Entry uses a points-based system to select the most competitive candidates for immigration. Only candidates with 67 points or higher can apply.
Programs under Express Entry
There are three main programs under Express Entry:
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
FSW candidates are scored on age, education, language skills, and work experience. The other programs, FST and CEC, also have eligibility requirements but use slightly different selection criteria.
Points Required for Federal Skilled Worker Program
The FSW program uses a 100-point system. Candidates must get at least 67 points out of 100 to submit an Express Entry profile.
Points are awarded for the following factors:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Language skills | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Work experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged employment in Canada | 10 |
| Adaptability/Flexibility | 10 |
Language Skills
Language skills include the ability to speak, listen, read, and write in either English or French.
Maximum points: 28
You must take a language proficiency test such as IELTS or CELPIP to prove your skills.
Education
Education points are awarded based on verified degrees, diplomas, or certificates:
1–2 years of college: 15 points
3 or more years post-secondary: 30 points
Applicants must provide Canadian credentials or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign qualifications.
Work Experience
Points are awarded based on years of full-time work experience:
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2–3 years | 11 |
| 4–5 years | 13 |
| 6+ years | 15 |
Experience counts whether it was gained in Canada or abroad, including self-employment or work during studies.
Age
Age points are calculated automatically by immigration authorities:
Maximum points: 12
Applicants under 18 or over 46 get fewer or no points.
Ages 36–46 gradually receive decreasing points.
Arranged Employment in Canada
Maximum points: 10
Points are given only if the applicant has a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Maximum points: 10
Factors include having a spouse willing to move, Canadian work experience, or relatives in Canada.
Other Immigration Programs
Besides FSW, Canada also offers:
PR Investment Program
PR Entrepreneur Program
PR Family Program
Foreign Worker Program
How to Improve Your Score
You can increase your points by:
Improving your English or French language skills
Getting an additional degree, diploma, or certificate
Securing a job offer in Canada
Eligibility Summary
To qualify for Express Entry, you must:
Score at least 67 out of 100 points
Be between 21 and 55 years old
Have a high school diploma or higher
Speak English or French
Register your profile with IRCC
Express Entry is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to move to Canada. Scoring well on the points system can make your dream of Canadian PR a reality.
