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CRS Score Calculator and Scores Overview
By : Lifeincan   |   Jul 30, 2024

CRS Score Calculator and Scores Overview

The CRS is a tool the Canadian government uses to evaluate candidates for the Express Entry system, which allows for permanent residency in Canada. Our CRS score calculator, which mirrors the Express Entry calculator, calculates scores based on Canadian government criteria to identify applicants who can meet Canada’s needs. It adheres strictly to the Canadian government's standards.

When To Use The CRS Score Tool

You can use the tool if:

  • You qualify for an Express Entry program.

  • If you have not yet created an Express Entry profile, you can estimate your CRS score.

  • If you received an invitation to apply for permanent residence, you can check how changes to your profile might affect your CRS score.

  • Your CRS score is higher than the minimum required score for your round of invitations to receive an invitation to apply. This minimum score can vary each round.

Candidates are evaluated on a total of 1200 points, distributed as follows:

Category

Points

Core human capital factors

500

Accompanying spouse or common-law factors

50

Skill transferability factors

100

Provincial Nomination

600

Arranged employment

200

Canadian Study experience

30

Having a sibling in Canada

15

French language skills

50


These scores apply specifically to the following programs:

Program

Description

Key Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Canada's primary economic immigration pathway.

  • 1+ years of continuous full-time (or equivalent) paid work experience in the past 10 years in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 skilled occupations.

  • Intermediate language ability in English or French.

  • Educational credentials and ECA report if educated outside Canada.

  • Minimum 67 points under the points grid.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Offers international students and foreign workers with Canadian experience a pathway to permanent residence.

  • 1+ year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within 3 years of applying.

  • Language proficiency in English or French.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For candidates seeking permanent residency based on qualification in a skilled trade.

  • 2+ years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.

  • Meet job requirements for the skilled trade.

  • Full-time job offer in Canada for 1+ year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.

  • Language proficiency.


What Is A Good CRS Score?

A good CRS score for Express Entry varies as the minimum required score changes with each draw. Candidates with higher scores are generally more likely to receive an invitation to apply. Additionally, scores needed for category-based Express Entry draws are often lower, as these draws focus on the highest scorers in specific categories, reducing competition. 

Here is a glimpse of the scores and what they mean:


Score Range

Advice

0-300

Find other ways that could work even without getting useful Canadian work experience. Think of other options for moving to Canada.

300-399

If you apply through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Alberta, you will get an extra 60 points added up and almost guaranteed an invitation through the Express Entry system.

400-499

Apply for small updates like learning languages. Sometimes, invitations may come through category-based draws or additional PNP options.

500-549

It means that you have a high chance of receipt of ITA. Attempt to scale up your score points to remain competitive since you will find that the threshold can be higher than 500 points.

550+

Excellent score! Although you may not get a guaranteed ITA, your score is very competitive.

Ranking Score Factors

Below is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points factors, including key areas that affect your score:

CRS Points Factors

Single Candidate

With Spouse/Partner

Age (points vary by age)

Up to 110

Up to 100

Level of Education (points vary by level)

Up to 150

Adjusted for spouse

First Official Language Ability (points per ability)

Up to 34

Adjusted for spouse

Second Official Language Ability (points per ability)

Up to 6

Up to 6 (max 22 points)

Canadian Work Experience (points vary by years)

Up to 80

Adjusted for spouse

Skill Transferability Factors (max points)

Up to 100 overall

No points for spouse


Here is the detailed breakdown:

  • Age: Points are taken away linearly, maximizing at the age of 20-29 years coming to zero for those 45 years or older.

  • Level of Education: From 0 for a High school education (secondary schooling) to 150 for a Doctoral degree.

  • First Language Proficiency: The highest number of points for the advanced level of language proficiency, with specific points given for each skill such as speaking, writing, reading, and listening.

  • Second Language Proficiency: Points are awarded for each ability, capping at a lower total for candidates with a spouse.

  • Canadian Work Experience: Points increase with the number of years of experience, with a maximum of 5 years or more.

  • Skill Transferability: Consists of a mix of education and work experience, with a limit of 50 points for education and foreign work experience, respectively.

Ways To Improve Your CRS Score

There are several actionable ways to increase your CRS score, such as:

  • Higher scores on foreign language proficiency tests such as IELTS or CELPIP can add several points to the Comprehensive Ranking System.

  • Both Canadian and international work experiences are worthy. An increase in your length of work would give you a better mark.

  • A degree level can get you a higher score on CRS. If you have foreign education, it would be advisable to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

  • If you are married, your partner's education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience will contribute to a better Comprehensive Ranking Score.

  • Canadian employment offer may be an important advantage during your visa application process.

  • Being chosen by a Canadian province is a bonus that will give you extra points.

  • Learning the French language, especially if you already speak English, can definitely increase the point score.

  • Education in Canada can serve as a tie-breaking factor.

  • A sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may also help you to earn additional CRS points.

Summing Up

The CRS score is a pivotal component in determining your eligibility for Canada's Express Entry programs, serving as a vital tool for those seeking permanent residency. By utilizing the CRS score calculator, you can assess where you stand in relation to the requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. 


To potentially elevate your CRS score, consider enhancing your language skills, accumulating more work experience, and pursuing higher education. Additionally, leveraging spousal qualifications, securing a Canadian job offer, engaging with Provincial Nominee Programs, and other strategies can significantly influence your score. Understanding and strategically improving your CRS score could markedly boost your chances of successful immigration to Canada.