Welcome back to the Immigration Mart blog! Whether you're a returning reader or you're just catching up on the latest immigration insights, we're here to make your journey to Canadian permanent residency a little easier. Today, we’re diving into one of the most important aspects of the Express Entry process: the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Your CRS score plays a key role in determining your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. But how is this score calculated, and what can you do to improve it? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the various factors that make up your CRS score, from your work experience and language skills to education and more.
We’re here to help you decode the CRS and make sure you're putting your best foot forward. Let’s dive in and break down how you can maximize your score for the best shot at success!
What is the CRS Score?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to rank candidates who have submitted an Express Entry profile for permanent residence. The CRS score evaluates a candidate’s human capital (such as education, work experience, and language ability), as well as factors like age, spouse or common-law partner factors, and additional points for things like a valid job offer or a nomination from a province (via a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)).
The CRS is used in the Express Entry draw process to select candidates for permanent residence. Every two weeks, the Canadian government holds an Express Entry draw in which candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points. If your CRS score is high enough, you will be selected from the pool of candidates and invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Key Factors Affecting Your CRS Score
There are several factors that contribute to your CRS score, and they can be divided into core factors and additional factors. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these factors works.
1. Core Factors (Maximum 500 points for single applicants / 460 points for applicants with a spouse)
Age (Maximum 110 points)
Age is an important factor in the CRS score, with candidates between the ages of 20 and 29 receiving the highest points. As you get older, the number of points you can earn decreases. For example:
- Age 20-29: 110 points
- Age 30: 105 points
- Age 40: 55 points
- Age 45 and older: 0 points
This reflects the Canadian government’s interest in attracting younger workers who are expected to contribute to the economy for a longer period.
Education (Maximum 150 points)
The more education you have, the higher your CRS score. Points are awarded based on your highest level of education. For example:
- Doctoral (PhD) degree: 150 points
- Master’s degree: 135 points
- Two or more post-secondary programs: 119 points
- Bachelor’s degree: 120 points
- Secondary school (high school diploma): 30 points
Additionally, if your education was completed outside of Canada, you may need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.
Language Proficiency (Maximum 160 points for a single applicant / 140 points for applicants with a spouse)
Language proficiency in English or French is one of the most important factors in the CRS score. Your score will depend on your CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- First official language (English or French): You can earn up to 136 points if you achieve a CLB 9 or higher in all four language abilities.
- Second official language (French or English): You can earn additional points (maximum of 24 points) for proficiency in a second language.
To assess your language proficiency, you will need to take an approved language test such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English or the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French.
Work Experience (Maximum 80 points for a single applicant / 70 points for applicants with a spouse)
Your work experience is another critical factor in the CRS score. Points are awarded based on your skilled work experience (i.e., work in a job classified as NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill level 0, A, or B).
- 3 years or more of skilled work experience: 80 points
- 1 year of skilled work experience: 40 points
Work experience can be earned inside or outside of Canada, but Canadian work experience is awarded more points.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (Maximum 40 points)
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their factors can also contribute to your CRS score. Points are awarded for their language proficiency, education, and work experience. If your spouse has high language skills or education, this can increase your CRS score.
2. Additional Factors (Maximum 600 points)
Provincial Nomination (Maximum 600 points)
One of the most impactful ways to increase your CRS score is through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If a province nominates you, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points. This effectively guarantees that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next draw.
To be nominated, you must first express interest in the province or territory and meet their specific eligibility criteria. A nomination is a significant boost to your CRS score, and many candidates aim for it as a way to secure permanent residency.
Job Offer (Maximum 200 points)
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also increase your CRS score. Points are awarded based on the NOC level of the job:
NOC 0, A, B (skilled occupations)
NOC C, D (low-skilled occupations)
For the job offer to be valid, it must be supported by an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or fall under an LMIA exemption.
Canadian Study Experience (Maximum 30 points)
If you’ve studied in Canada, your Canadian educational credentials can earn you extra CRS points:
- 1 year of post-secondary study in Canada: 15 points
- 2 years or more of post-secondary study in Canada: 30 points
This factor encourages the retention of international students who have already adapted to Canadian culture and the labor market.
French Language Skills (Maximum 30 points)
If you have strong French language skills (CLB 7 or higher), you can earn additional points. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are bilingual in English and French, as Canada’s bilingualism policies value French speakers, especially in provinces like Quebec.
How is the CRS Score Calculated?
The CRS score is calculated using the factors mentioned above, and it can be broken down into three main components:
1. Core/Human Capital Factors: Age, education, work experience, and language proficiency (Maximum 500 points for single applicants).
2. Spouse/Partner Factors (if applicable): Language, education, and work experience of your spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 40 points).
3. Additional Factors: Job offer, provincial nomination, Canadian study experience, French language skills, and others (Maximum 600 points).
How to Improve Your CRS Score?
If your CRS score is below the threshold for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), there are several ways you can improve your score:
1. Improve your language score: Retake your language test and aim for higher CLB levels. This can provide a significant boost to your score.
2. Gain more work experience: More skilled work experience, either in or outside Canada, can help you earn more points.
3. Complete additional education: Consider further education or training in Canada to gain extra points.
4. Get a Provincial Nomination: If eligible, apply for a provincial nomination through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
5. Increase your spouse’s factors: If you have a spouse, improve their language skills or encourage them to gain Canadian work experience.
The CRS score plays a central role in the Express Entry system, as it determines your ranking among candidates for Canadian permanent residency. By understanding how the CRS works and knowing which factors contribute to your score, you can better plan your immigration strategy. Whether you're looking to improve your language proficiency, gain more work experience, or secure a provincial nomination, there are several ways to enhance your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Immigration Mart has helped 1000s of applicants achieve their Permanent Residence dreams and can guide you step-by-step towards your goals, tailored to your specific case requirements.
The first step to this process is to call Immigration Mart at 778-956-7000 / 778-957-7000 for a free first consultation and start your immigration journey today!
You can also email us at info@immigrationmart.com
Fill out our info form and get in touch with us to discuss your unique individual case. https://www.immigrationmart.com/contact
Remember that the CRS score is dynamic; it’s based on the information in your Express Entry profile, so any changes to your circumstances (such as a new job, language test results, or education) can affect your score and your likelihood of being invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Stay informed, track your score, and take proactive steps to improve it for the best possible chance of success!
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