FSW Calculator
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the most popular immigration pathway for professionals outside Canada. But before you can dream about moving to Toronto or Vancouver, you must pass the program’s unique test using the FSW Express Entry calculator.
This test is often called the FSW Calculator (or the FSW 67 points calculator).
Unlike the CRS calculator which ranks you against others, this calculator simply asks: “Are you eligible to apply?”
You need to score at least 67 out of 100 points. If you score 66, you cannot apply. If you score 67 or higher, you are eligible to enter the Express Entry pool and wait for an FSW draw. This guide explains exactly how to calculate your FSW selection grid total score in simple language.
Table of Contents
What is FSW Eligibility?
The FSW calculator assesses your ability to settle financially in Canada. It looks at six specific factors in the FSW eligibility points grid.
- Total Points Available: 100
- Passing Score: 67
- Who is it for? Skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to become Permanent Residents (PR).
The FSW Eligibility Points Grid
To pass, you must earn points in the following categories. Grab a pen and paper to track your score as you read.
1. Language Skills (Max 28 Points)
Canada requires you to be fluent in English or French. You must take an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP, TCF, or TEF).
Minimum Requirement: You must score at least CLB 7 in all four abilities (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) to be eligible.
First Official Language (Max 24 Points)
| Language Level (CLB) | Points Per Ability | Total (All 4 Abilities) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 | 24 |
| CLB 8 | 5 | 20 |
| CLB 7 | 4 | 16 |
| Below CLB 7 | 0 | Not Eligible |
Second Official Language (Max 4 Points)
Do you know both English and French? If you score at least CLB 5 in your second language, you get bonus points.
| Second Language Level | Points Total |
|---|---|
| CLB 5 or higher (All 4 abilities) | 4 |
| Below CLB 5 | 0 |
2. Education (Max 25 Points)
To claim these points, you must have an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) report (like WES) that proves your foreign degree is valid in Canada.
| Education Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. (Doctoral) | 25 |
| Master’s Degree | 23 |
| Two or more degrees (One must be 3+ years) | 22 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (3+ years) | 21 |
| Two-year diploma | 19 |
| One-year diploma | 15 |
| High School Diploma | 5 |
3. Work Experience (Max 15 Points)
You need skilled work experience in a job category classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Rule: The experience must be paid, continuous (no gaps), and full-time (at least 30 hours/week) for at least 1 year.
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2 to 3 years | 11 |
| 4 to 5 years | 13 |
| 6 or more years | 15 |
4. Age (Max 12 Points)
The FSW calculator is generous to younger applicants. You get maximum points until your 36th birthday.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 0 |
| 18 to 35 | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| 38 | 9 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 6 |
| 42 | 5 |
| 43 | 4 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 45 | 2 |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47 or older | 0 |
5. Arranged Employment in Canada (Max 10 Points)
Do you have a job offer in Canada? It’s not easy to get, but it’s valuable. To claim these 10 points, the job offer usually requires an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), which proves no Canadian worker could fill the job.
- Valid Job Offer (1 year duration): 10 Points
6. Adaptability (Max 10 Points)
These are “bonus” points for how well you (and your spouse) will adapt to Canadian life. You can combine different factors, but the maximum total is 10 points.
| Adaptability Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Spouse’s Language: Your spouse has CLB 4 or higher in English/French | 5 |
| Study in Canada: You studied full-time in Canada for 2+ years | 5 |
| Spouse’s Study: Your spouse studied full-time in Canada for 2+ years | 5 |
| Work in Canada: You worked in Canada for 1 year on a valid visa | 10 |
| Spouse’s Work: Your spouse worked in Canada for 1 year | 5 |
| Relatives in Canada: You (or your spouse) have a parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or niece/nephew living in Canada as a Citizen or PR | 5 |
Example: Calculating Points for “Maria”
Let’s see if Maria qualifies under the FSW eligibility rules.
- Profile: Maria is 32 years old. She has a Master’s degree. She has worked as a marketing manager for 5 years. She has CLB 9 in English. Her brother lives in Toronto.
The Calculation:
- Age (32): 12 Points
- Education (Master’s): 23 Points
- Work Experience (5 years): 13 Points
- Language (CLB 9): 24 Points
- Arranged Employment: 0 Points
- Adaptability (Brother in Canada): 5 Points
FSW Selection Grid Total Score: 12 + 23 + 13 + 24 + 0 + 5 = 77 Points
Verdict: Maria is Eligible. Since 77 is higher than 67, she can create an Express Entry profile.
Important Note: Settlement Funds (Proof of Funds)
Even if you score 67 points, there is one more requirement. Unless you are currently working in Canada or have a valid job offer, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself.
Requirements (Approximate):
- 1 Person: ~$14,000 CAD
- Couple: ~$18,000 CAD
- Family of 4: ~$26,000 CAD
Note: These figures are updated annually by IRCC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the FSW 67 points calculator the same as the CRS calculator?
No.
- FSW Express Entry Calculator: Used to check if you are eligible (Pass/Fail). You need 67 points.
- CRS Calculator: Used to rank you for an invitation. You typically need 500+ points.
What was the score in the FSW last draw?
A: The FSW last draw cutoff depends on the CRS score, not the 67 points. While you only need 67 points to enter the pool, you usually need a CRS score above 500 to receive an invitation in a general FSW draw.
I have 65 points. What can I do?
You are very close! The easiest ways to get those extra 2 points are:
- Improve your English score (e.g., go from CLB 8 to CLB 9).
- Wait until you complete another year of work experience (if you are currently at 1 year).
- Have your spouse take an English test (worth 5 points).
Do I need 67 points for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?
A: No. The 67-point grid applies only to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you have Canadian work experience, the rules are different.
Conclusion
Passing the FSW calculator Canada assessment is your first victory in the immigration process. It confirms that you have the skills Canada needs.
Your Next Steps:
- Calculate your score using the tables above.
- If you have 67+ points, prepare your documents (ECA and Language Tests).
- Create your Express Entry profile and start working on improving your ranking (CRS) score!