Regulation 55 — Federal Skilled Worker — selection criteria
Text of provision
A permanent resident card shall only be provided or issued in Canada.
Plain English
Regulation 55(2) prescribes the six selection factors for the Federal Skilled Worker class, each assigned a maximum number of points. The total points available are 100, and the pass mark is set by Ministerial Instruction. The factors are: language ability (maximum 28 points), education (maximum 25), work experience (maximum 15), age (maximum 12), arranged employment (maximum 10), and adaptability (maximum 10).
The FSW class requires a minimum of one year of skilled work experience in an eligible NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation in the ten years preceding the application.
Practical effect
FSW is the oldest of the three Express Entry programs (the others being FSTC and CEC). The points grid in r 55 is distinct from the CRS score used in Express Entry draws — the grid determines eligibility for the FSW class, while the CRS score determines who is invited from the pool. Applicants must first score at or above the pass mark in the grid, and must also score above the CRS cutoff in the relevant draw. The grid is rarely the binding constraint in practice — the CRS cutoff usually determines the outcome.