The CRS calculator for Express Entry is a useful tool for all with Canadian or foreign work experience who are seeking their way to Canadian permanent residence. The tool is a useful estimator of how well you would rank, and for this, the tool will use the skills and knowledge you have, as well as your experience. In fact, this tool can also help pinpoint the areas of your professional and academic life that you should focus on to increase your CRS score.
The CRS system is a Comprehensive Ranking System, one that was developed by the Canadian government to score your human capital factors, the knowledge level of the official language you choose, and your level of education. Besides this, the score also scores your Canadian work experience and skill transferability factors and all additional factors that could be useful when seeking a skilled occupation on Canadian soil. This ranking system is applied to all immigration applications and all wed and single applicants get the same number of points for the same level of education.
CRS Calculator: What Is It?
As this is a comprehensive, but still complex system, it is necessary to use a tool to see how different levels in each of the tested factors can influence the CRS points. In fact, this is a great way to play around with the settings and see how quick changes to your educational or work profile can bring more points. If you are critical enough, you will be able to judge your score and your weaknesses alone and then use these findings to improve your chances of getting skilled work experience, Canadian permanent residence, and even being more competitive in the Canadian labour market.
The CRS calculator will also score you on different Canadian immigration options at the same time. It is a great way to see WHAT programs you would be eligible for and HOW you can improve your chances of getting into Canada in the first place. A good CRS calculator will be comprehensive, easy to view, and streamlined, and will give you a chance to go over and over again and establish a good path for your further development and working on your skills.
What Is a CRS Score?
When joining the Express Entry, you will need your CRS score for permanent residency. As we all come from different backgrounds and have different education systems and preferences, it is hard to compare all the candidates and see how many of them would fit what the Canadian labour market is looking for. For this reason, the CRS score system was introduced – to let all the candidates be ranked on a points-based system, depending on their skills and their level of education.
Furthermore, additional scores can be transferred from your spouse or common-law partner, depending on whether they are joining the program or not. Your CRS score is based, in total, on the following:
- Your age
- Your highest level of completed education
- Whether you have studied in Canada or not
- Your English proficiency
- Your French proficiency
- Your years of full-time work (skilled work experience outside of Canada within the last 10 years)
- Your years of full-time work (skilled work experience inside Canada in the last 10 years)
- Whether you are married or in a common-law partnership
- Whether you have a sibling in Canada (also for your spouse; the sibling should be at least 18 years of age)
- Whether you won a Trade Certificate of Qualification issued by a Canadian Province or Territory
- Whether you have a PNP status or not
- Whether you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
What Is an Express Entry?
Express Entry is the fastest immigration option in Canada right now. This is a platform that offers access to four basic Canadian immigration options:
- The FST – Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The FSW – Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The CEC – Canadian Experience Class
- The PNP – Provincial Nominee Program – is a separate group of programs that aim to satisfy the immigration needs of specific territories, as opposed to federal programs, which work on the territory of the entire country of Canada
The Express Entry program is a special program that has been developed to reduce the waiting times and processing times with each application for immigration papers. This program allows you to use any of the four basic programs to get your permanent residency. Each application is taken into the pool, assigned a certain number of CRS points (the CRS score), and is then ranked with all other applications.
Approximately once every two weeks, the platform establishes a CRS Cut-Off baseline and all who are above the line get an ITA – Invitation to Apply. This is the stage when you upload all your documents – unlike the previous step, where the CRS score is based on SELF-REPORTED factors. If all is good with your documents, your processing time should be shorter than six months. If not, the process may be longer, so always collect and upload all your documents at once.
What Is Considered as Satisfactory Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score?
There is no unique answer to this question. As you may have noticed, the CRS score is cumulative – meaning that the higher it is, the better it is for your application, as your odds of getting drawn increase with each new point. While some candidates score more than 1,000 points, we have to be aware that there may be people with a professional degree, Provincial Nomination, and an existing job offer. As all these factors drive the CRS score up, it may be delusional to think that you need this many points to immigrate.
In fact, most people who apply for the Express Entry do not even have a job offer, let alone a valid one – 90% of applications that are processed come with no fob offer whatsoever. In addition to this, the clear trend that has existed until 2020, where the CRS Cut-Off was increased year after year, the February 2021 draw broke the trend – the minimum score cut-off was as low as 75, lower than ever. In fact, all the CEC candidates got their ITA.
Minimum CRS Score for Express Entry Pool
When applying for Express Entry, you should be aware of the desired minimum for the CRS points. When it comes to this one, there is technically no lower limit, but to increase the chances of getting your ITA, you should definitely go and grab every point you can. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) never releases the minimum (or the cut-off) before the very draw cycle, but only afterward, so being smart and investing time into improving your skillset is an important thing to do, as this could mean all the difference for the application.
How Is the CRS Score Determined?
The latest draw at the time of your application may show random numbers, and you may not be able to know where these CRS points came from. Taking more language classes, another language exam, or enrolling in a new program of study can definitely increase your chances of getting elected, but only if you already lack points in this field. However, this may not be the case, so let’s have a look at how the CRS points are determined and let’s see what areas of your life you can work on and how they get scored:
- Core/Human Capital Factors – these factors include your age, education, Canadian work experience, and language test results. If you want to immigrate with your spouse, the language of your spouse will also be considered for your minimum language requirements, often to your advantage
- Spouse or Common-law partner factors – their education, work experience, and language ability – please understand that Canada recognizes same-sex marriages, but does not recognize polygamy (a person having multiple partners) or marriages where not both parties were physically present during the wedding ceremony
- Skills Transferability – This section is self-explanatory – as the educational systems differ across the globe, it is necessary to see how your education and work skills can be transferred to other countries, such as Canada, and how valuable they will be in the Canadian labour market
- Additional Points – these points are awarded to candidates with an existing valid job offer, Provincial Nominee status, and other additional points.
Here are the maximum points that you can achieve in any of these categories. When using the CRS score calculator, you should compare how many points you got in let’s say human capital score to the maximum in the following table. This should give you an idea of score requirements and what areas of your life you could work on:
| Applicant with a Spouse or a Partner | Single Applicant | |
| 1. Core/human capital factors | ||
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Education | 150 | 150 |
| Language Test Report | 170 | 160 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 80 | 80 |
| Total 1 | 500 | 500 |
| 2. Skill Transferability Factors | ||
| Combination of Education and Language proficiency OR Canadian work experience | 50 | 50 |
| Combination of Non-Canadian work experience and Language proficiency OR Canadian work experience | 50 | 50 |
| Combination of a Certificate of qualification and Language proficiency | 50 | 50 |
| Total 2 | 100 | 100 |
| 3. Additional Points | ||
| Provincial Nominee Status | 600 | 600 |
| Valid Job Offer | 200 | 200 |
| Post-Secondary Studies in Canada | 30 | 30 |
| French Language Ability | 50 | 50 |
| Having a Sibling in Canada (PR or Citizenship Required) | 15 | 15 |
| Total 3 | 600 | 600 |
| TOTAL 1+2+3 | 1200 | 1200 |
How To Improve CRS Score?
So, you can use the CRS calculator and our table of maximum CRS points that you can get in any category to ensure you get a clear idea of which areas you can improve to help you score higher in the Express Entry pool of candidates. If, for example, your option to input language ability shows the maximum points, but your education shows 50-60% of the band score, this is the area that you should focus on: working on your language ability further will benefit your life in Canada, but not your CRS points, and working on your education will boost your chances to immigrate.
A quick, one-year, MA study program or differential studies for a higher degree (moving from college to University, for example, would probably benefit you the most in this case. In fact, there is more that you can do: your work, job offer, language, education, study, having a spouse or help from others, and getting a PNP nomination can all benefit you in different ways.
Work
First of all, when it comes to your work experience, it is important to know that having 6 plus years of experience in a skilled work position, with full-time employment and in a work position that offers pay – no volunteer options are acceptable here. Furthermore, moving up the corporate ladder can help boost your CRS score as well, as managerial, coordinator, overseeing, and C-level positions (CEO, COO, etc.) are very valued in the Canadian labour market.
Job Offer
The next important factor that many people could work on is getting a job offer. In fact, getting a job offer can get you additional 200 points, for as long as the job offer is valid. As this is more than any category in the human capital factors could bring you and as over 90% of Express Entry applicants have no job offer at the time of application, having one would give you a clear advantage.
Language
When it comes to language abilities, it is important to understand that you do not need to be on a native level to get good points. In fact, being on a C1/C2 CEFR scale is probably the highest that you should go, as it will give you a good chance of scoring a maximum number of points. Also, beware of choosing the right language tests, as not all of them will get accepted. Your partner’s language abilities are also important.
Education
When it comes to your education, having the lowest score here could be an issue. Mostly what is accepted is Canadian work experience in the first category, but having foreign work experience in a skilled trade or as a skilled worker will also help reach the Cut-Off CRS score. This being said the highest-ranking scores will also have a good educational background, so you should brush up on your academic skills or ask your employer for more certified training and skills.
Study
If you cannot take more training with your employer, what you should do is consider going back to school. Differential programs or additional programs for a higher degree are what sets apart candidates with scores higher than the draw threshold score and those that are ‘below the line’. The more time you have, the better, so work on your education and study degrees and you will see your CRS score increase. One of the fastest ways to increase the points you get in the education/study category is to seek an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – as many candidates with ECA see their existing points go up when they enter ECA details.
Spouse
When it comes to having a spouse, we cannot recommend you find one just to enter or qualify for a specific program stream. In fact, the relationships that are accepted under the Express Entry program are those that are at least a year-long and real relationships. In very specific circumstances will spousal applications be accepted when the partners do not live together or in the same country. This being said, Canada recognizes same-sex marriages and common-law partners. What could be frowned upon are polygamous marriages or over-the-line marriages.
Provincial Nominee Programs
To get the highest possible score in relation to all other skills, getting a Provincial Nominee status is as good as it gets. With 600 additional points that you can be awarded, the PNP status surpasses all human factors combined, as well as eligible work experience, Canadian work experience, etc. If you manage to get a PNP, you are almost certain to be among the highest-ranking candidates for immigration.
Help from Others
If you have determined your current CRS score, but have difficulties finding the areas of your life that you can work on, you should consider hiring an immigration consultant or Canadian immigration specialist. They will present you with more options for candidates who are specialized in working even with the lowest-ranked candidate. They can help you sort out your documents, help with applications once you’ve been declined before, and can overall be a very valuable factor during your application.
Check Out Increase your CRS Score: Certifications + Diplomas to Boost Canada Express Entry Chances:
Provincial Nominee Program: How Can It Increase Your CRS Score?
When it comes to getting a PNP status, there is not much you can do, but present that you are among eligible candidates to be considered for a PNP. When it comes to how to be considered for one, there are ways to increase your chances, and they relate to having siblings or relatives in a certain province and being of a specific educational and work experience background that is deficient in that particular province. If nominated, you will be notified and will receive an additional 600 CRS points. Considering that the average CRS cut-off score is around 400-600, this is a clear indicator that you could receive the ITA (Invitation to Apply).
Applying With a Spouse: Can You Get Extra Score?
Yes, you can get an extra score if you apply with your spouse or a common-law partner. The steps for candidates who would like to apply together are to establish the educational level of the partner, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for the partner, and also for them to take a language test. This will ensure that the extra points are awarded for as long as your partner’s skills are appreciated and this may increase your chances of getting among the top-scoring candidates.
Factors for Low CRS Score
Even if you do your best, you may still find your CRS score low. It is true that the lowest-ever score for potential candidates was 75, but it is also true that the highest was 913. This being said, working on your education, choosing to study in Canada and do part-time work on the side, retaking your language exams, and getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can all help boost your score. Even if you do not receive an ITA in a few weeks after the initial application, you should understand that your application will stay in the system for up to a year and that this is the time you should spend looking for ways to further improve your CRS standing.
Required CRS Score for PNPs
Considering that each province has its own eligibility credentials and requirements, there is no straightforward way to say how many CRS points you will need to be considered for a PNP nomination. In fact, they can be very different: Ontario for example asks for a minimum of 400 CRS points, while Alberta asks for 300 CRS points as a minimum. They do have a minimum, so make sure you improve your skill level while waiting for the ITA.
FAQs
How Can I Get 67 Points for Canada PR?
When talking about CRS points and calculations, it is important to note that with the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP; SWP), it may be possible to apply for the Express Entry only if you score at least 67 points BEFORE applying for the program and trying to score any of the CRS points. With this in mind, you can get 67 eligibility points through language (max 28pts), education (max 25pts), work experience (max 15pts), age (max 12pts), a valid job offer (max 10pts), and adaptability to the new environment (max 10pts).
Who Can Sponsor Me in Canada?
Almost any of your close family can sponsor your arrival to Canada. These include your siblings, parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren, even if adopted. What is important is that they satisfy certain eligibility criteria, such as being a permanent resident and having enough funds to sponsor your arrival.
Can I Apply PNP without Express Entry?
Yes, you can apply for a PNP directly. However, when you make a direct PNP application, you will have to pay for the processing fee, and may only have that one chance to be accepted. However, when you apply for the Express Entry, your profile will stay in the database for up to a year (with biweekly draws) and will be available to all PNP programs that draw their information from the pool. As this drastically increases your chances of being drawn from the pool of candidates, Express Entry is always our recommendation.
What IELTS Score is Needed For Canada PR?
If you want to obtain a Canadian degree or citizenship in Canada, you may have heard that you must take the IELTS language test to join the immigration programs. Depending on why you are travelling to Canada, your language ability should be scored by at least a 6 band score of IELTS, or 5 to 7 on the CLB scale.
Final Thoughts
If you have decided to immigrate to Canada, you should understand how the CRS points work. Our CRS calculator can help you see how they work and how well you would score in a pool of candidates. Besides this, the maximum CRS points per category table was designed to give you a good idea of where you should focus to increase your CRS score and increase your chances of getting elected.