If you’re considering immigrating to Canada and applying for permanent residency through the Express Entry system, you’ll undoubtedly come across the term “CRS score.” The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a crucial aspect of the Canadian immigration process, as it determines your eligibility and ranking in the pool of potential candidates. In this page, we’ll break down what the CRS score is, how it’s calculated, and how it impacts your chances of obtaining a Canadian PR visa.
What is the CRS Score?
The CRS score is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to evaluate and rank candidates who apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. It’s designed to assess the potential economic success of candidates in Canada. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
CRS Score Calculation
A. Core / Human capital factors
| Factors | Points per factor – With a spouse or common-law partner | Points per factor – Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Level of education | 140 | 150 |
| Official languages proficiency | 150 | 160 |
| Canadian work experience | 70 | 80 |
B. Spouse or common-law partner factors
| Factors | Points per factor (Maximum 40 points) |
|---|---|
| Level of education | 10 |
| Official language proficiency | 20 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 10 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500 points (with OR without a spouse or common-law partner)
C. Skill Transferability factors (Maximum 100 points)
| Education | Points per factor (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency and a post-secondary degree | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree | 50 |
| Foreign work experience | Points per factor (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level 7 or higher) and foreign work experience | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and foreign work experience | 50 |
| Certificate of qualification (for people in trade occupations) | Points per factor (Maximum 50 points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency and a certificate of qualification | 50 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Transferability factors = Maximum 600 points
Express Entry Points Calculator
To apply for jobs in Canada through the Express Entry System, your job must be listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 classification). You need to score at least 67 points to be eligible for Canada PR (permanent residency) through this system.
The Express Entry System includes several immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
If your application is accepted into the Express Entry pool, you will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. To get this invitation, you need a high CRS score.
When you submit your profile to the Express Entry pool, you get a CRS score out of 1200 points. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) usually holds two draws each month. In these draws, they invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Points are given based on the following categories:
- Age
- Level of education
- Official language proficiency
- Second official language
- Canadian work experience
To calculate your CRS score, you can use the following points system:
- Human capital or Core factor + Common-law partner or spouse factor = 500 points
- Core factor or Human capital + Common-law partner or spouse factor + Transferability factors = 600 points (maximum)
- Human capital or Core factor + Common-law partner or spouse factor + Transferability factors + Additional points = 1200 points (maximum)
How to Improve CRS Score for Canada PR?
To improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency, it is essential to strategically enhance your CRS score. Here are some detailed strategies to help you maximize your score:
- Language Proficiency:
Language proficiency is one of the most significant factors in the CRS score calculation. Higher scores in language tests such as IELTS or TEF can significantly boost your CRS score. Each of the four language abilities—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—is assessed, and achieving very high scores in these areas can make a substantial difference. If your initial test scores are not as high as you hoped, consider retaking the test.
- Education:
Completing additional educational qualifications can add valuable points to your CRS score. Higher education levels, such as a master’s degree or PhD, earn more points. If you are currently holding a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a master’s degree can be a strategic move. Additionally, obtaining educational credentials from a recognized Canadian institution can be particularly advantageous.
Canadian education is highly regarded and can significantly enhance your employability and integration into Canadian society. If you are considering further education, seek programs that align with your career goals and can help you with the skills and knowledge required in the Canadian job market.
- Obtain a Job Offer:
Securing a valid Canadian job offer can provide a substantial boost to your CRS score. A job offer demonstrates that you have the skills and qualifications needed in the Canadian labor market. To get a job offer, consider networking with Canadian employers, attending job fairs, and using online job portals. It is important to ensure that the job offer meets the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), such as being for a full-time, non-seasonal position.
- Apply for Provincial Nomination:
Being nominated by a Canadian province or territory can add 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Each province and territory has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with specific criteria and streams targeting different types of candidates, such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates. Research the PNPs of various provinces to find the ones that align with your qualifications and career goals.
How Peerless Immigration Services can help?
- Expert Guidance and Consultation: Our experienced immigration consultants are well-versed in the intricacies of the Express Entry system and the CRS score. We provide personalized guidance and consultation to understand your unique profile, assess your eligibility, and recommend strategies to maximize your CRS score.
- Profile Enhancement: Achieving a high CRS score requires careful attention to detail. Our experts will work closely with you to identify areas where you can enhance your profile – from improving language test scores to evaluating education and work experience options. We’ll help you formulate a plan to boost your score and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
- Documentation Assistance: The application process requires a substantial amount of documentation, from language test results to educational credentials and work history. We will guide you through the document-gathering process, ensuring that all your paperwork is accurate, complete, and in line with Canadian immigration standards.
- Provincial Nomination Support: Provincial nominations can provide a substantial CRS score boost. If this is an avenue you’d like to explore, we’ll assist you in understanding the various provincial nomination programs, meeting their requirements, and guiding you through the application process.
- Regular Updates: The CRS cutoff scores can change with each draw. We’ll keep you informed about the latest trends, ensuring that your profile remains competitive. We’ll also help you update your Express Entry profile whenever there are positive changes in your circumstances.
- Application Preparation: When you receive an ITA, the clock starts ticking. Our experts will help you prepare a comprehensive and accurate PR application within the given time frame, ensuring that all required documents and forms are in order.
- Post-ITA Support: After receiving an ITA, there are still several steps to complete before obtaining your Canada PR visa. We’ll guide you through medical examinations, police clearances, and other post-ITA requirements, ensuring a smooth transition toward your permanent residency.
At Peerless Immigration Services, we understand the significance of your Canada PR visa journey. Our mission is to provide you with the knowledge, guidance, and support you need to navigate the process successfully. Let us be your partner in turning your Canadian dream into a reality.
Contact us today to start your journey toward a brighter future in Canada.
