What is Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
As the Permanent Residency through Express Entry program is based on ranking, the Canadian government uses a merit-based points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is used to calculate score of each eligible candidate in the Express Entry pool of applications.
When you submit your application for Express Entry Canada, the system assigns a CRS score out of 1200 points to each applicant. Approximately every two weeks the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) performs a draw following which the highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Resident status.
Note that IRCC does not disclose any information about when the draw is done or the minimum CRS scores before the draw takes place.
Candidates between the age 20 -29 get the highest score for this category so its wise to make use of it if you can!
Available CRS scores
For single applicants-
Up to 500 points available for factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.
Up to 100 points are available for factors such as education and foreign work experience.
Up to 600 points are available for factors such as sibling in Canada, French language proficiency, post-secondary education in Canada, a valid job offer letter and provincial nomination.
For applicants with a spouse or common-law partner-
For principal applicant: Up to 460 points available for factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.
For secondary applicant: Up to 40 points available for factors such as language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.
Up to 100 points are available for factors such as education and foreign work experience.
Up to 600 points are available for factors such as sibling in Canada, French language proficiency, post-secondary education in Canada, a valid job offer letter and provincial nomination.
Looking for Ways to Improve Your CRS Score?
If you think your CRS score is lower than you would want, you have the option to update your scores even after submission of your Express Entry profile.
Read the below points on tips to improve your CRS score.
Make sure you have claimed all the applicable CRS points. For example, if you are capable in both English and French languages, you can claim points for both provided you have the proof.
Do not forget that age is an important factor when it comes to CRS. Candidates between the age 20-29 get the highest score for this category so its wise to make use of it. Apply as early as possible if you can.
Consider retaking your language test to improve your score. Language test can gain you a maximum of 260 points for single and 270 points for couple. To obtain CLB 9 on the IELTS, you will need a minimum score of 7.0 in speaking, reading, and writing whereas an 8.0 in listening.
If you have the time and skills, you can gain more work experience to utilize some more CRS points. A minimum of three years of foreign work experience is required!
Learn about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and take advantage of it if you can. This will add an instant 600 points to your CRS!
Try getting a Canadian job offer! Note that a valid job offer for Express Entry has a strict set of rules.
About 90,000 ITAs were issued in 2018 and the number is set to increase in the coming years. So, if you have been thinking to apply for Express entry pool, now is the right time to get started!
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below!
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