What is a CRS score?

In Canada’s Express Entry program, immigration candidates are compared and ranked against each other. This ranking is done using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.

What is a CRS score?

To rank candidates, the Canadian government developed a merit-based points system that assigns a score to each candidate. This system is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the assigned score is called the CRS score. The Express Entry program includes three categories:

1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

2. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Each candidate who submits a profile to the Express Entry pool receives a CRS score out of 1200 points. Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government holds an Express Entry draw and issues ITAs to the highest-ranking candidates. It’s important to note that IRCC does not disclose the date of the draw, the number of ITAs, or the minimum required CRS score in advance.

How can I increase my CRS score?

There are multiple ways to increase a CRS score. The main factors affecting CRS points are language proficiency, education, work experience, and age. Additional points can be awarded for:

• Having a sibling in Canada

• High proficiency in French

• Receiving a job offer in Canada

• Receiving a Provincial Nomination (PNP)

Securing points through these factors can significantly increase the chance of receiving an ITA in upcoming draws.

How Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) affect CRS scores

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) provide pathways to permanent residency for candidates with low CRS scores. Receiving a provincial nomination can add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, almost guaranteeing an ITA.

Each province sets its own criteria for nominations. Some require a connection to the province, while others seek candidates to fill labour market or demographic gaps. Candidates nominated under a PNP are expected to settle in the nominating province.

Minimum CRS scores for PNPs

Each province sets its own eligibility criteria for PNPs. Some programs use the Express Entry system to identify candidates. While many provinces have their own points system, some consider a candidate’s CRS score among other factors.

Although CRS thresholds may change from draw to draw, some provinces specify a minimum CRS score. For example:

• Ontario: Human Capital Priorities stream does not invite candidates with a CRS below 400.

• Alberta: Express Entry stream only considers candidates with a CRS of at least 300.

Does having a spouse affect CRS points?

CRS points are calculated differently depending on marital status:

• If the spouse is not accompanying or is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the applicant is scored as a single applicant.

• If the applicant is married and the spouse is accompanying, the spouse must provide language test results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for all post-secondary education. This allows the candidate to receive the maximum CRS points.

CRS Points Breakdown

Maximum points per category:

A – Core / Human Capital Factors

B – Spouse / Common-Law Factors

C – Skill Transferability Factors (max 100 points)

• Education + Language proficiency: up to 50 points

• Canadian work experience + education: up to 50 points

• Foreign work experience with strong language skills: up to 50 points

D – Additional Points (max 600 points)

• Sibling in Canada: 15

• French language proficiency: 50

• Post-secondary education in Canada: 30

• Job offer: 200

• Provincial nomination: 600

Total maximum CRS points: 1200

The CRS system is a clear and precise tool for assessing the eligibility of immigration candidates. By improving scores in various categories, applicants can significantly increase their chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency.

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