Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker Program Checklist

CRS age points are highest at ages 20–29, decrease from age 30, and are zero at age 45 or older. These are Express Entry ranking points, distinct from the FSW 67-point selection grid.

Express Entry CRS ranking factor, not a mandatory age eligibility cutoff or the FSW67-point selection grid.

A. Core/human capital factors — Age table

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A Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent with an ECA report.

Minimum requirements — Education

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FSW requires at least 1 year of continuous paid qualifying work (1,560 hours) in TEER 0–3 within the last 10 years. Equivalent part-time work can count; IRCC counts no more than 30 hours per week. The work must match your primary NOC and its duties.

Minimum requirements — Skilled work experience; How to count your work hours

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FSW: English CLB 7 or French NCLC 7 in all four abilities on an IRCC-approved language test. Results must be less than 2 years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and submit your permanent-residence application.

Take a language test;Federal Skilled Worker Program;How long your results are valid for

FSW and FST require settlement funds unless you are authorised to work in Canada AND have a valid job offer. Use IRCC’s current annual table for your family size, including a spouse and dependent children even if they are not accompanying you. IRCC’s displayed table is dated July 7, 2025 (checked October 10, 2026).

Required unless both Canadian work authorisation and a valid job offer apply.

Who needs proof of funds; Who doesn't need proof of funds; How much money you need

The official IRCC page maintains a table of settlement funds that is updated annually based on low-income cut-off totals, with 2026 figures requiring $15,263 for a single applicant.

Besides meeting the minimum requirements, you need at least 67 of 100 FSW selection-factor points. This eligibility assessment is separate from CRS ranking and does not guarantee an invitation.

Selection factors — minimum 67/100 separate from CRS

Permanent residence requires an immigration medical exam by an IRCC panel physician, including family members not accompanying you. If living in Canada with an IME from the past 5 years, another exam may not be needed: provide the previous IME/UMI or report and follow IRCC instructions. If no prior exam, arrange it after invitation; a reused exam is subject to IRCC acceptance.

Repeat examination depends on Canadian residence and IRCC’s acceptance of a prior IME.

Get a medical exam, if you need one; previous IME

At permanent-residence application, applicants and family members aged 18+ need certificates for countries other than Canada where they stayed 6 consecutive months or more in the last 10 years after turning 18. An officer may request older periods. Current-country certificates: issued within 6 months before submission; other countries: after the last qualifying stay. Follow country-specific IRCC instructions.

Age 18+, qualifying six-month stays outside Canada within ten years; additional certificates may be requested.

Who needs police certificates; when certificate must be issued

You must intend to settle outside Quebec. Qualifying work experience gained in Quebec can count, but you must provide evidence that you do not plan to settle there. A provincial nominee must settle in the nominating province or territory.

Where you can live in Canada; Quebec work experience