Immigration Corner | How to qualify as a Federal Skilled Worker

Dear Miss Powell,

I’m trying to apply as a Federal Skilled Worker, and I can’t seem to get the 67 points needed to apply. How do you get to qualify as a Federal Skilled worker? I did some calculations, and it says I can get 450 CRS points. I’m thinking I need to get a PNP. Will that help? Thank you for your time.

– K.K.

Dear K.K.,

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Programme, you need to score at least 67 points out of a possible 100 based on six selection factors. These points are used to determine if you are likely to succeed in Canada as a permanent resident. It seems strange that you can get 450 as a Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) and not be able to get the 67 points required. I will outline below how these points are allocated just to provide you with a guide.

HOW POINTS ARE ALLOCATED

The first factor is based on your education where you can get a maximum of 25 points. You can earn points depending on your highest level of completed education. For example, a doctoral degree earns the most, followed by a master’s degree, then a bachelor’s degree or diploma. If your education was completed outside Canada, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment from an approved agency to prove that your education is the equivalent to a Canadian credential.

Language ability is another important factor. You can gain a maximum of 28 points under this category. Your scores are based on your test results in English or French. The approved exams are CELPIP, IELTS or TEF, and you earn points based on your ability to read, write, speak, and listen. If you are proficient in both English and French, you can gain extra points, although most applicants qualify with strong English alone. The higher your scores in each language skill, the more points you are awarded.

Work experience is also considered. You must have at least one continuous year of full-time paid work in a skilled occupation listed under Canada’s National Occupational Classification system. The more years of experience you have, the higher your score. Experience must be in a professional, technical, or skilled trade category to count.

Age plays a role as well. You can get a maximum of 12 points. The system awards the most points to individuals between the ages of 18 and 35. As you grow older, fewer points are awarded, with no points given at age 47 or older.

There are adaptability points. These are awarded if you or your spouse have studied or worked in Canada before, if your spouse has strong language skills, or if you have close relatives living in Canada who are willing to support your settlement.

So, here’s the key point: even if you have a very strong CRS score, like your 450, you cannot be added to the Express Entry pool under the FSW stream, unless you first meet the 67-point eligibility threshold. The CRS score only comes into play after you’ve been deemed eligible and entered into the Express Entry pool.

PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMME

However, all is not lost. You mentioned that you’re looking to apply through a Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP). That’s a great idea, especially since many provinces in Canada operate what’s known as “enhanced” PNP streams, which are linked to the Express Entry system. If a province nominates you through one of these streams, you are awarded an additional 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

In some cases, even if you don’t meet the 67-point FSW minimum, a nomination through certain base PNP programmes (those not linked to Express Entry) may still allow you to apply for permanent residence directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada outside of the Express Entry system.

So what should you do now? First, assess why you can’t get the 67 points. You may need to boost your score slightly by improving your language test results, gaining more work experience, getting your spouse to sit the English exam, or to apply as the main applicant if he might qualify instead. At the same time, explore provincial programmes in regions where your occupation is in demand, as that might be your best route to permanent residency in Canada.

I’d be happy to help you assess your eligibility or guide you through the PNP options in more detail. Don’t hesitate to reach out again to schedule a Zoom meeting where we can do a detailed assessment of your situation and provide you with personalised assistance.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. You can contact her via telephone/WhatsApp 613-695-8777 or via Facebook or Instagram.