Understanding Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool for Canadian immigration based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

The CRS score is calculated based on core human capital factors, spouse or common-law partner factors, skill transferability factors, and additional factors, with a total maximum score of 1,200 points.

Your Express Entry profile is valid for one year from the date of submission. If you do not receive an ITA within that time, you can update and resubmit your profile.

No, there is no fee to submit an Express Entry profile. However, there are fees associated with language tests, educational credential assessments, and the permanent residence application if you receive an ITA.

Yes, your CRS score can change if you update your profile with new information, such as improved language test results, additional work experience, or higher education.

Express Entry draws are typically conducted every two weeks, but the frequency can vary based on IRCC’s discretion.

Yes, you can still submit an Express Entry profile with a low CRS score, but your chances of receiving an ITA may be lower. It’s important to explore ways to improve your score to increase your chances of success.

The minimum CRS score required to receive an ITA varies for each Express Entry draw and is determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based on the number of candidates in the pool and the government’s immigration targets.

Yes, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly increase your CRS score. The number of points you receive depends on the nature of the job offer:

• Arranged Employment with LMIA: For most job offers, an employer needs to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available. A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can add 50 points to your CRS score for NOC skill level 0, A, or B jobs, and up to 200 points for NOC 00 jobs (managerial positions).
• Exemptions from LMIA: In certain cases, such as Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs) and other LMIA-exempt categories, you can still claim additional points for a job offer without needing an LMIA. These situations are typically governed by international agreements (like Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)) or are in Canada’s national interest. For these LMIA-exempt job offers, you can gain 50 points towards your CRS score.

You can improve your CRS score by enhancing your language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, pursuing higher education, obtaining a job offer or provincial nomination, and ensuring all information in your Express Entry profile is accurate and up-to-date.

Core human capital factors include age, education level, language proficiency in English and/or French, and Canadian work experience.

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner in your Express Entry application, and their education, language skills, and Canadian work experience can contribute to your CRS score.

A provincial nomination is an endorsement from a Canadian province or territory for a candidate to immigrate to that province. Receiving a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.

Skill transferability factors are combinations of your skills, such as education and language proficiency or work experience and language skills, that can increase your CRS score.

You can prove your language proficiency by taking an approved language test, such as the IELTS or CELPIP for English and the TEF or TCF for French, and achieving the required scores.

Education is an important factor in the CRS, as higher levels of education can increase your score. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for education obtained outside Canada.

Your CRS score can decrease if your circumstances change, such as aging or losing a job offer. It’s important to maintain and improve your score while in the Express Entry pool.

Education is an important factor in the CRS, as higher levels of education can increase your score. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for education obtained outside Canada.

Canadian work experience is valued in the CRS, with more points awarded for longer periods of work. It demonstrates your ability to adapt to the Canadian labor market.