Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for permanent residency by evaluating candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS assigns scores to candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Those with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.
How Canada Uses the CRS to Select Permanent Residents
The Canadian federal government utilizes the CRS to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Regular draws are conducted, and candidates with CRS scores above a specified cut-off receive ITAs for permanent residency. This merit-based approach ensures that individuals who are most likely to contribute economically are prioritized.
Impact of CRS on Permanent Residency
A candidate’s CRS score directly influences their likelihood of receiving an ITA. Higher scores increase the chances of selection in Express Entry draws. For instance, in a recent draw, candidates with a CRS score of 527 or higher received ITAs. Therefore, understanding and improving one’s CRS score is crucial for prospective immigrants.
Eligibility for a CRS Score
To obtain a CRS score, candidates must be eligible for one of the following immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Additionally, candidates should intend to reside outside the province of Quebec, which manages its own immigration system.
Calculation of CRS Scores
The CRS evaluates candidates based on:
- – Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
- – Skill Transferability: Combinations of education, work experience, and language skills.
- – Additional Factors: Provincial nominations, Canadian education or work experience, and family ties in Canada.
Each factor contributes to a candidate’s total CRS score, with a maximum of 1,200 points available.
Scoring summary table for core human capital with and without a spouse
| Scoring factors | Points for sole candidate without spouse or common-law partner | Points for primary candidate with spouse or common-law partner |
| Age | 110 | 100 |
| Level of education | 150 | 140 |
| Official languages proficiency | 160 | 150 |
| Canadian work experience | 80 | 70 |
| Maximum points: 500 | Maximum points: 460 | |
| Spouse’s level of education | N/A | 10 |
| Spouse’s official language proficiency | N/A | 20 |
| Spouse’s Canadian work experience | N/A | 10 |
Scoring summary table for skill transferability and additional factors
| Scoring factors | CRS points for all profiles |
|---|---|
| Education | |
| Official language proficiency and post-secondary degree | 50 |
| Canadian experience and post-secondary degree | 50 |
| Maximum points: 50 | |
| Foreign work experience | |
| Official languages proficiency and foreign work experience | 50 |
| Canadian work experience and foreign work experience | 50 |
| Maximum points: 50 | |
| Certificate of qualification | |
| Official languages proficiency and certificate of qualification | 50 |
| Maximum points: 50 | |
| French language proficiency | 50 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada | 30 |
| Arranged employment under NOC TEER 0 major group 00 | 200 |
| Arranged employment under NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3 OR NOC TEER 0 except major group 00 | 50 |
| Brother or sister living in Canada (as a citizen or permanent resident) | 15 |
| Provincial or territorial nomination | 600 |
Strategies to Increase Your CRS Score
Candidates can enhance their CRS scores through various means:
- – Improving Language Proficiency: Achieving higher scores in approved English or French language tests can significantly boost CRS points.
- – Educational Advancements: Obtaining additional degrees or certifications can increase educational points.
- – Gaining Work Experience: Accumulating more years of skilled work experience, especially in Canada, adds to the score.
- – Securing a Provincial Nomination: Being nominated by a Canadian province grants an additional 600 CRS points.
It’s important to note that candidates can improve their scores while in the Express Entry pool without resubmitting their profiles.
Understanding the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the national standard for assessing language proficiency of prospective immigrants. It evaluates abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Achieving higher CLB levels can enhance a candidate’s CRS score, as language proficiency is a key component of the CRS.
The CRS is a crucial component of Canada’s immigration system, determining who receives an invitation for permanent residency. Understanding how CRS scores work and actively improving them can increase your chances of success. Whether through language proficiency, education, work experience, or a provincial nomination, there are multiple ways to boost your CRS and secure your place in Canada.
