Canada | CrossBorders

Canada CRS Points Calculator: Know if you have enough points.

Are you worried about your CRS score? Do you want to know what it will take to improve it? Use our FREE points calculator & check your present CRS score. Also, learn how we can help!

Key Highlights

Comprehensive Ranking System: What is it?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system to assess your profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool.

Points are allotted to the following categories:

Age
Level of education
Official language proficiency
Second official language
Canadian work experience

The CRS system is used to identify highly skilled candidates from the Express Entry pool . They are then invited to apply for permanent residence by the Canadian government.

CRS considers 4 different factors to allot points on your profile.

Core or Human Capital Factor
Spouse or common-in-law factor
Skill Transferability Factor
Additional Factors

Cut-off score for CRS in 2023

The average cut-off score is 470. A CRS draw is a mechanism used by IRCC, in which they select Express Entry applicants whose CRS scores are above a threshold that they set at each draw. Draws usually take place on Wednesdays every two weeks, but IRCC sometimes deviates from this unspoken rule.

+ What score can be considered a good CRS score?

- A good CRS score is in the range of 460 to 470. You can expect to get the ITA if you have the score in this range. But, applicants with fewer scores also have the chance of receiving the ITA.

+ What is the Minimum CRS Score for Canada?

- The minimum CRS score depends on the scores of all the applicants in the Express Entry Pool who have applied in the same draw, and the score chosen by the CEC . Most ITAs (Invitation to Apply) for permanent residence range between 439 to 465.

How is CRS Score Calculated? [Factors & Points Breakdown]

Total CRS Score = Max. points (Core/Human Capital + Skill Transferability Factor + Additional Factors) = (500 + 100 + 600) = Maximum 1,200 points

Core Human Capital Factors

Skill Transferability Factors

Additional Factors

Detailed breakdown of points (Points table)

To calculate your CRS score, you must first know how CRS points are calculated.

Human capital or Core factor + Common-law partner or spouse factor = 500 points
Human capital or Core factor + 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)

Core/Human capital factors (Max 500 points)

Age (Max points: 100 with spouse, 110 without):

Education Level (Max points: 150 points)

Language proficiency (Max points: 170 with spouse, 160 without)

Canadian work experience (Max points: 80 points)

Skill Transferability Factors

Education Level (Maximum 50 points)

For candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers program (that do not have Canadian work experience), scoring a CLB9 in all four language abilities is what could make you stand out.

If you are eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you could also get an additional 50 points if you satisfy the two conditions below, on (i) the level of education, and (ii) the Canadian work experience.

Foreign work experience (Maximum 50 points)

For candidates in the Federal Skilled Workers program (that do not have Canadian work experience), scoring a CLB9 in all four language abilities is what could make you stand out.

The weight of a job can be looked up on national occupational classification. If you are eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you could also get an additional 50 points if you satisfy the two conditions below, on (i) the foreign work experience, and (ii) the Canadian work experience.

Certificate of qualification (Maximum 50 points)

This skill transferability factor concerns the candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades program. These candidates hold a valid certificate of qualification in a college trade occupation, issued by a competent provincial or federal authority. The national occupational classification determines the type of job and skill required.

You may also be awarded additional Points based on the following:

How to improve your CRS score points in 2023?

Common-law partner or spouse

Applicants with spouses have a chance of earning extra points. You can gain at least 40 more points from your spouse’s qualification.

Retake your language test

You can apply for the test again to improve your CRS score. For French, you can take either TEF or TCF. And, for English, you can take CELPIP or IELTS. This will serve as a certification exam for your language abilities.

To reach CLB 9 on the IELTS General Training exam, you have to achieve the following minimum scores: Listening: 8.0, Speaking 7.0, Reading: 7.0, Writing: 7.0

Provincial Nominee Program

You can gain a massive 600 points if you manage to get provincial nomination

Educational level

Applicants can gain more points if they get more degrees. Technical schools that teach vocations that are valid in Canada count.

Job offer

If you get a Canadian job offer, you increase the chances of scoring more points.

Type of arranged employment

Opt for full-time work that has a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Work experience

Work in Canada will get you more points than non-Canadian work experience. The more years you have, the higher your score will be.

Seek help from a professionals

Cross Borders Overseas Consultancy has ample experience in helping applicants with immigration and visa consultancy services. With the most experienced immigration lawyers and a dynamic staff with extensive knowledge, you can be rest-assured that your visa is only a call away!

We also offer free courses for language assessment and interview Training.

Increasing your CRS score through the Provincials Nominee Program (PNP)

You can increase the CRS score by 600 points through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by applying to any of the PNPs. You must first check out the eligibility criteria. Also, to get the provincial nomination, you must have an express entry account.

If you are eligible to apply for multiple Express Entry programs, you will be invited to apply for one program based on this order:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Over the recent years, provinces have been using their Express Entry-aligned (‘enhanced’) PNP streams in innovative, dynamic ways.

Ontario has targeted specific occupation groups, notably in the Information Technology (IT) sector;
Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan have both reopened PNP streams for candidates across a range of occupations (no job offer required);
British Columbia continues to invite candidates to apply under its unique system;
Alberta and Manitoba have entirely new Express Entry-aligned streams; and
Other provinces have gotten on board, issuing nomination certificates to candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Having a good CRS score allows the Canadian governing bodies to be able to consider your application for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the PR visa.

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How does your CRS score affect your permanent residency application?

The Comprehensive Ranking System Score is used in every Express Entry draw. The Express Entry is split into several categories but all three categories use the CRS to rank candidates to determine which ones they should invite.

Federal Express Entry Draws

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is best for professionals and skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. The Express Entry draws have Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) draws typically every two weeks and usually have a lower minimum CRS score requirement.

Provincial Nominee Program

You can earn up to an extra 600 CRS points by getting nominated by the province of your choice. Not only will this be listed on your nomination certificate, but it also greatly affects your overall CRS score. However, additional 600 points means that the minimum CRS score for PNP draws is higher than other programs.

Canadian Experience Class

If you have work experience in Canada of at least one year, then the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Canada’s Express Entry immigration system is the best immigration program for you to reside permanently in Canada.

How does the NOC code affect the CRS score?

The NOC code can affect the CRS score as it has different categories. As per Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC),

NOC code is of two categories –

Skilled – A, B and 0
Others – D and C

Only the applicants choosing NOC skilled category can get CRS points for work experience. The other categories do not get this benefit.

But, the NOC category 00 can get a maximum point of 875.

How do you choose the right NOC if you fit multiple categories?

To choose the right NOC if you fit multiple categories, you must consider some factors. These are –

Occupation: It is vital to know the skill levels that are in demand in Canada right now.
Skill level: Opt for the NOC that puts you under the skilled category.
Career growth: The NOC you select must display your career development.

How do you apply for a PNP through the Express Entry system?

There are two ways to apply:

1. Acceptance of NOI: In this way, the PNP looks for eligible candidates and sends the NOI (Notification Of Interest). Then, the applicant can submit an EOI.

You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream.
If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated.
You get a nomination through your account, which you accept electronically.

2. Submission of EOI: In this way, the immigrant can submit EOI (Expression Of Interest) to the suitable PNP.

You create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories you are interested in them.
If a province or territory sends you a “notification of interest” to your account, you contact them directly.
You apply to their Express Entry stream.
If you are nominated, they will offer it to you through your account, and you accept it electronically.

In both cases, you will need to create an Express Entry Profile during the process, so you should do it right from the start.

Required documents to claim your CRS points

Work Experience

For salaried employees:

Reference letter from your employer (with company letterhead and contact information, your name, and the name, title and signature your superior or HR officer,)

Include all occupations held during your employment (title, duties, beginning date of employment, if currently employed in the company (end date of employment if not), number of work hours/week, and annual wages and benefits)

Other documents include:

Your pay stubs.
Your employment contract.
Your job description with the company letterhead (sealed or signed by the company if possible).
A reference letter from your supervisor (with or without the company letterhead) with as much information as possible, and most importantly your job duties, signed and legalized.
A certificate of employment and/or salary from your employer.
Proof that your employer refused to provide the document per IRCC guidelines.
A Letter of Explanation (LoE) explaining why you could not provide the required document(s).

For independent/ self-employed individuals:

Evidence that you own your business.
Documents for proof of income from clients.

If you have Canadian work experience:

Copies of your T4 tax information slips.
Notices of assessment.