Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of skilled immigrants each year, with many selected based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system.
The CRS determines which candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Permanent Residency (PR). If you are considering immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, understanding how the CRS works and how to improve your score can significantly increase your chances of success.
How Does the CRS Affect Your Chances of Getting PR?
Your CRS score determines whether you will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry.
IRCC holds regular Express Entry draws, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are selected and issued ITAs. To be invited, your CRS score must meet or exceed the cut-off score set for that particular draw.
Example Candidate Profiles Selected for PR
Here are two examples of fictional Express Entry candidates who would have qualified for ITAs in recent draws.
Example 1: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Candidate
Layla, a 39-year-old single applicant from Sweden, qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). She holds a Master’s degree from a Canadian university and has two years of work experience in Canada as a graphic designer under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
She is proficient in both English and French, with CLB 9 in all abilities. Additionally, her sister is a Canadian citizen living in Ontario.
Layla’s CRS Score Breakdown:
| Factor | Qualifications | CRS Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 39 years | 55 |
| Education | Master’s degree (Canada) | 135 + 30 (Canadian education) |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 9 in English & French | 148 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 2 years | 53 |
| Skill Transferability | Language + Education | 50 |
| Additional Factors | French proficiency & sibling in Canada | 65 |
| Total CRS Score | 536 |
One of the most recent CEC-specific draws had a cut-off score of 527. If Layla had an active Express Entry profile at the time of the draw, she would have likely received an ITA for PR.
Example 2: French-Language Proficiency Candidate
Ronald, a 31-year-old single applicant from France, qualifies for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). He has a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, 10 years of work experience as a librarian, and is fluent in French (CLB 11) and English (CLB 5).
Ronald’s CRS Score Breakdown:
| Factor | Qualifications | CRS Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 31 years | 99 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree | 120 |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 11 (French) & CLB 5 (English) | 140 |
| Skill Transferability | Education + Language | 25 |
| Skill Transferability | Foreign work experience + Language | 50 |
| Additional Factors | High French proficiency | 50 |
| Total CRS Score | 484 |
A French-language proficiency draw had a cut-off score of 466. If Ronald had an active Express Entry profile at the time of the draw, he would have likely received an ITA.
Who Can Receive a CRS Score?
To receive a CRS score, you must first create an Express Entry profile and be eligible for at least one of these three programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates must intend to settle outside of Quebec, as the province has its own immigration system.
How Does Canada Use the CRS to Select PR Applicants?
IRCC conducts different types of Express Entry draws:
- General draws: Open to candidates in any of the three Express Entry programs.
- Program-specific draws: Target applicants from a specific program (e.g., CEC or PNP).
- Category-based draws: Focus on candidates in specific occupations or language groups, such as:
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Skilled Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture & Agri-food
- French-language proficiency
In case of a tie in CRS scores, the tie-breaker rule is based on profile submission date—earlier submissions get priority.
How Are CRS Scores Calculated?
The CRS awards points in four key areas:
- Core Human Capital Factors (Age, Education, Work Experience, Language Proficiency)
- Spousal/Common-Law Partner Factors (If applicable)
- Skill Transferability (Education + Work Experience Combinations)
- Additional Factors (French Proficiency, Provincial Nomination, Canadian Work/Education, Sibling in Canada)
Maximum Points Available in the CRS
| Category | Maximum Points (Single Applicant) | Maximum Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Human Capital | 500 | 460 |
| Skill Transferability | 100 | 100 |
| Additional Factors | 600 | 600 |
| Total Maximum CRS Points | 1,200 | 1,200 |
How to Increase Your CRS Score
If your CRS score is too low to receive an ITA, here are some ways to increase your score:
- Obtain a Provincial Nomination (PNP): Adds 600 points, nearly guaranteeing an ITA.
- Improve Language Scores: Higher IELTS/CELPIP/TEF scores can add up to 310 points.
- Secure a Job Offer in Canada: Job offers (LMIA-supported) can add 50–200 points.
- Gain Canadian Work Experience: Additional experience can significantly boost CRS points.
- Earn Additional Education Credentials: A second degree or diploma can add more points.
- Apply Under Category-Based Selection: Some occupation-specific draws have lower cut-off scores.
Should You Submit an Express Entry Profile with a Low CRS Score?
Even with a low CRS score, you should still submit an Express Entry profile because:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) select candidates with any CRS score.
- Category-based selection may favor your occupation or language proficiency.
- You can increase your score over time while in the Express Entry pool.
Get a Free CRS Assessment
At Skynet Immigration, we specialize in helping candidates maximize their CRS scores and secure PR through Express Entry and PNPs.
- Personalized immigration strategies
- Expert guidance on CRS score improvement
- Dedicated support for Express Entry & PNP applications
