The IRCC comprehensive ranking system is a dynamic system that is continuously updated. Improvements to your profile can boost your rankings and increase your chances of being invited to apply in an Express Entry draw. Your CRS score determines your likelihood of being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry program. You receive points for your education, work experience, language abilities, and other factors.
What is a Comprehensive Ranking System?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to evaluate and score the online profile or applications of candidates and job seekers who are applying under any of the Express Entry immigration programs. In order to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you need a minimum benchmark CRS score. The best way to get a good CRS score is by improving your academic credentials, language proficiency, work experience and securing a provincial nomination under any of the Express Entry compatible PNP streams.
The CRS score is based on your Express Entry profile, which includes your age, education, work experience, French and English proficiency, and other personal details such as your family details and ties to Canada. The total score is a combination of Core Points and Additional Points, up to a maximum of 1200 points.
The top-ranked candidates in the pool receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The invitations are issued through regular Express Entry draws, approximately every two weeks. You can find your CRS score by logging into your online account or contacting one of our immigration consultants who are experts in Express Entry and immigration to Canada. We will provide you with an in-depth assessment of your profile to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your application, and help you improve it.
How to Maximize Your CRS Score?
You should focus on improving the elements within your control to maximize your points. For example, you can take a language test to improve your CLB level. It’s also important to note that your age is a factor, and you will lose points for each year you are older than 30.
You should also try to get your name on Canada’s NOC lists to increase your chances of scoring points for specific occupations. This can boost your chances of getting an ITA during targeted Express Entry draws and through provincial nominee programs. This is especially true for candidates who are interested in French-speaking occupations, as there’s a special focus on francophone immigration.
Improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can significantly boost your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry. Here are some strategies to consider:
Language Skills: Strive for strong scores in English and French language tests. Aim for a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 or higher in all abilities for a significant CRS boost. Retaking language tests like IELTS can be highly beneficial.
Education: Having a Canadian educational credential is ideal, awarding more points than foreign degrees. However, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your foreign degree can still grant CRS points. Consider pursuing additional education or obtaining ECAs for existing degrees.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience, especially in Canada, is valued. To maximize points, ensure your experience aligns with Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC). Even for non-Canadians, gaining more experience can improve your score.
Provincial Nomination: Obtaining a nomination from a Canadian province can give you a substantial CRS boost (up to 600 points). Research provincial programs that align with your skills and qualifications.
Job Offer: A valid job offer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can significantly increase your CRS score (up to 200 points).
Spousal Points: Your spouse or common-law partner’s skills and qualifications can contribute to your CRS score. Their education, work experience, and language abilities can add points, particularly for Canadian experience or high language proficiency.
Remember, CRS points are fluid. Regularly checking the latest Express Entry draw results will help you understand the CRS cut-off score and tailor your strategy accordingly.