Understanding the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System)

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the backbone of Canada's Express Entry system. It is a merit-based points system used to assess and rank immigration candidates who apply through three main federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assigned a CRS score out of a maximum of 1200 points. Periodically, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts Express Entry draws, inviting the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence (ITA).

Major Components of the CRS

The CRS score is composed of four major categories:

1. Core Human Capital Factors (up to 500 points)

These are the most fundamental attributes that assess a candidate’s ability to contribute to the Canadian economy:

• Age:

  • 0 points for age 17 or younger / 45 or older
  • Max points (110) for ages 20–29 (without spouse); points reduce with age

• Education:

  • Ranges from 30 points for a secondary school diploma to 150 points for a Ph.D. (without spouse)
  • Must be supported by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees

• First Official Language Proficiency (English or French):

  • Measured using standardized tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
  • Maximum of 136 (with spouse) or 160 (without spouse) points for high CLB levels (CLB 9+)

• Canadian Work Experience:

  • Up to 70 (with spouse) or 80 (without) points for five years or more

2. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (up to 40 points)

If applicable, the following are assessed:

• Education: up to 10 points
• First official language: up to 20 points
• Canadian work experience: up to 10 points

3. Skill Transferability Factors (up to 100 points)

Points are awarded based on combinations that reflect adaptability and integration potential:

• Education + high language proficiency (CLB 7–9): up to 50 points
• Foreign work experience + language: up to 50 points
• Certificate of qualification (for trades) + language: up to 50 points

4. Additional Points (up to 600 points)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): +600 points
• Canadian Education: up to 30 points (15 for 1–2 years, 30 for 3+ years)
• Sibling in Canada (citizen or PR): +15 points
• French Proficiency:
  • Up to +50 points for strong French and moderate English skills

Note: As of March 25, 2025, points for valid job offers (supported by LMIA) have been removed from the CRS system.

Removal of Job Offer Points (2025 Update)

In March 2025, IRCC officially removed CRS points for arranged employment/job offers. This affects both:

• 50-point offers under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• 200-point offers under NOC 00 (senior managerial roles)

Why the Change?

• IRCC cited growing concerns over fraudulent LMIA job offers and misuse of arranged employment for immigration advantage.
• The removal aims to level the playing field and ensure fairness in the selection process.

Who is Affected?

• All candidates in the Express Entry pool post-March 25, 2025
• Not retroactive to those who already received an ITA or submitted applications

What Still Counts:

• Job offers may still help meet eligibility requirements (especially for FSW/FST streams)
• They remain relevant for some PNPs that require arranged employment

How to Adapt and Maximize Your CRS Score

Now that job offers are no longer a factor, it’s more important than ever to focus on core and skill transferability factors. Here's how:

1. Boost Language Proficiency

• Prepare seriously for language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
• Target CLB 9 or higher to unlock the maximum language and transferability points

2. Gain Canadian Work Experience

• Work permits, post-grad permits, or co-ops can help build local experience
• Canadian work is highly valued in CRS and PNPs

3. Upgrade Your Education

• Consider getting a Canadian diploma or degree for bonus points
• Foreign education must be supported by an ECA

4. Pursue a Provincial Nomination

• A PNP adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA
• Monitor PNP streams that align with your job or background

5. Increase French Proficiency

• Even moderate proficiency (NCLC 7) can add significant bonus points
• Bilingual candidates are prioritized in category-based draws

6. Maximize Spousal Points

• If you have a spouse/common-law partner, boost their profile too (education, language, experience)

Final Takeaways

What You Should Do Next

• Recalculate your CRS score using tools like Immime that reflect 2025 updates
• Focus on language improvement, education enhancement, and Canadian experience
• Explore PNP options suited to your profile or occupation
• Prepare for category-based draws and adapt to new selection trends

By building a strong, adaptable profile rooted in human capital, you'll be better positioned to receive an ITA and succeed in Canada's Express Entry system.