Step-by-Step Guide: How to Calculate Your CRS Points for Express Entry
Planning to make Canada your new home? The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is your ticket to a smooth immigration journey through the Express Entry system. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of calculating your CRS points, ensuring you’re well-equipped to enhance your chances of immigrating to the Great White North, Canada.
Understanding the Canada Express Entry point system ( CRS System )
The CRS system is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to evaluate and select candidates for economic immigration programs, including:
Your CRS score is crucial to your eligibility and ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility to immigrate to Canada
Before diving into the points calculation, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria for at least one of the economic immigration programs mentioned above. Factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability play a significant role.
Step 2: Language Proficiency :
Language skills are pivotal. Take approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, etc.) to assess your English and/or French proficiency. Your scores will be converted into CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels, contributing to your CRS points.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how language proficiency is assessed and how you can maximise your points in this category:
Language Tests: To prove your language proficiency, you need to take an approved language test. The two most commonly accepted tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for English and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) for English, and Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) for French. These tests assess your skills in four main areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Calculate Language Scores: Once you receive your test results, they will be converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. The CLB levels correspond to different language abilities, ranging from 4 to 10 for each skill (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Your CLB scores will determine the number of CRS points you earn in the language proficiency category.
Point Allocation: The points you earn depend on your CLB scores in each language skill. Here’s a breakdown of how the points are allocated for English:
- CLB 4: 6 points (minimum requirement)
- CLB 5: 6 points
- CLB 6: 9 points
- CLB 7: 17 points
- CLB 8: 23 points
- CLB 9: 31 points
- CLB 10 and above 34 points
Combining Languages: You can earn additional points if you are proficient in both English and French. However, you can only receive points for one official language. So, even if you are proficient in both, you’ll need to choose the language in which you’ll claim points.
Retaking Tests: If your initial language test results aren’t as high as you’d like, you have the option to retake the tests to improve your scores. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re close to reaching a higher CLB level, which could significantly increase CRS points.
Invitation to Apply (ITA): Higher language proficiency scores can significantly affect your CRS points and overall ranking in the Express Entry pool. With a higher CRS score, you’re more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.
Step 3: Education :
Your level of education is another critical factor in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian immigration. The Canadian government values education as it contributes to your ability to integrate into the Canadian workforce and society. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of how education is assessed and how you can maximise your points in this category:
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): To determine the Canadian equivalency of your foreign educational credentials, you need to go through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) process. Designated organizations conduct this assessment, and it helps immigration authorities understand the value of your education in the Canadian context.
ECA Report: After the ECA process, you will receive an ECA report that outlines the Canadian equivalent of your foreign education. The report will indicate whether your education is considered a high school diploma, a one-year diploma, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, etc.
CRS Points Allocation: Your ECA report will directly impact the number of CRS points you earn in the education category. The points are allocated as follows:
- Less than secondary school (high school) :0
- Secondary diploma (high school graduation): 30
- One-year degree, diploma or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute: 90
- The two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institutes: 98
- Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute: 120
- Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years: 128
- Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree,” the degree program must have been in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.): 135
- Doctoral level university degree (PhD): 150
Combined Education: If you have more than one degree or diploma, you’ll earn points for the highest level of education you’ve achieved. For example, if you have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, you’ll receive 135 points for the master’s degree.
Language Requirement: Make sure your educational documents are translated into English or French if they are in another language. Accurate translations are essential to ensure your educational credentials are correctly evaluated.
Step 4: Work Experience :
Your work experience within Canada or abroad is evaluated based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. Relevant work experience can significantly boost your CRS points.
Your work experience is a vital component of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian immigration. It reflects your ability to contribute to the Canadian labour market and economy. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how work experience is evaluated and how you can maximise your points in this category:
National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes: Work experience is classified using the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which categorizes occupations based on skill level and job duties. Each occupation is assigned a specific NOC code.
Eligibility Criteria: To earn points for work experience, your past jobs must meet the following criteria:
- Paid, full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) work experience.
- Continuous work within the last 10 years before submitting your Express Entry profile.
- The work experience must be in Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations), Skill Level A (professional occupations), or Skill Level B (technical or skilled trades occupations) of the NOC.
CRS Points Allocation: The points you receive for work experience depend on the duration of your experience. Here’s how the points are allocated:
- 1 year of work experience: 40 points
- 2 years of work experience: 53 points
- 3 years of work experience: 64 points
- 4 or more years of work experience: 72 points
- 5 or more years of work experience: 80 points
Combining Work Experience: If you have overlapping periods of work experience or work experience in multiple NOC categories, you can only claim points for one occupation. Choose the occupation that aligns best with your current or intended employment in Canada.
Job Letters and References: To validate your work experience, you’ll need official letters from your previous employers. These letters should detail your job duties, work duration, and roles. Reference letters should be detailed, on company letterhead, and signed by an authorized representative.
1. Part-Time Work: Part-time work is considered on a pro-rated basis. For example, working part-time for two years may be equivalent to one year of full-time work.
2. Self-Employment: If you were self-employed, you may qualify for points if you can prove your business’s legitimacy and its contribution to the Canadian economy.
Step 5: Age :
Age is a crucial factor. The younger you are, the more points you’ll receive. However, after 30, points begin to decrease gradually.
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of how age is evaluated and how you can maximise your points in this category:
Age Ranges: The CRS assigns points based on your age at the time of submitting your Express Entry profile. Here’s how the points are allocated in different age ranges:
- Under 18 years: 0 points
- 18-19 years: 99 -105 points
- 20-29 years: 110 points
- 30 years: 105 points
- 31 years: 99 points
- 32 years: 94points
- 33 years: 88 points
- 34 years: 83 points
- 35 years: 77 points
- 36 years: 72 points
- 37 years: 66 points
- 38 years: 61 points
- 39 years: 55 points
- 40 years: 50 points
- 41 years: 39 points
- 42 years: 28 points
- 43 years: 17 points
- 44 years: 6 points
- 45 years or older: 0 points
Optimal Age Range: The age range of 20 to 29 provides the highest number of CRS points. As you move away from this range, the points gradually decrease. Being in the optimal age range can significantly enhance your CRS score.
Date of Birth Calculation: Your age is calculated based on the date you submit your Express Entry profile. Therefore, submitting your profile as soon as you meet the eligibility criteria is beneficial.
Effect on Overall CRS Score: Age points contribute to your overall CRS score, affecting your ranking in the Express Entry pool. Younger applicants tend to have higher CRS scores, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Do you need help calculating your CRS score? Click here to start the process with our help →
Step 6: Arranged Employment :
Arranged employment is an option for candidates with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Having a job offer demonstrates your commitment to contributing to the Canadian workforce and can earn you additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Here’s a detailed breakdown of how arranged employment is evaluated and how you can maximize your points in this category:
Valid Job Offer: To earn points for arranged employment, you must have a valid, full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must be in a skilled occupation (Skill Type 0, Skill Level A, or Skill Level B) according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): In most cases, your employer must obtain a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
CRS Points Allocation: A valid job offer can earn you up to 10 additional CRS points. The points are allocated as follows:
- NOC Skill Type 00 (senior management): 200 points
- NOC Skill Level A: 50 points
- NOC Skill Level B: 50 points
Express Entry Profile: You must include details of your valid job offer in your Express Entry profile. You’ll need information such as the employer’s name, address, job title, wage, start date, and job offer duration.
Length of Employment: The duration of the job offer can impact your CRS points. Longer job offers provide more points, so consider negotiating a longer contract if you have the opportunity.
Step 7: Adaptability :
Factors like having a spouse or partner with language skills, Canadian work experience, or having studied in Canada can contribute to your adaptability points.
Adaptability points reflect your ability to integrate into Canadian society and contribute positively to your new home. These points can be earned through various factors that demonstrate your familiarity with Canada or your potential to adapt well. Here’s how adaptability is evaluated and how you can maximize your points in this category:
Spouse or Common-Law Partner’s Language Proficiency: If your spouse or common-law partner has language skills in English or French, you can earn up to 10 adaptability points. Their language skills are assessed using the same CLB levels as the main applicant.
Canadian Work Experience: If you or your spouse/common-law partner have at least one year of full-time work experience in Canada in a skilled occupation, you can earn up to 10 points.
Canadian Education: If you or your spouse/common-law partner have completed post-secondary education in Canada, you can earn up to 10 points.
Relatives in Canada: If you or your spouse/common-law partner have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident relative, you can earn up to 5 points.
Previous Study in Canada: If you or your spouse/common-law partner have completed a program of study in Canada, you can earn up to 5 points.
Arranged Employment: If you have arranged employment in Canada, you can earn up to 5 points.
Step 8: Calculate Your CRS Score:
Add up the points you’ve earned from each category to calculate your total CRS score out of a maximum of 600 points.
Do you need help calculating your CRS score? Click here to start the process with our help →
Tips to Enhance Your CRS Score
- Language Improvement: If your language scores are borderline, consider improving them to boost your CRS score.
- Education: Pursue higher education or gain additional degrees to increase your education-related points.
- Skill Enhancement: Acquire skills that are in demand in Canada, which can increase your chances of obtaining a job offer or improving your NOC classification.
- Provincial Nomination: If eligible, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination can provide you with 600 additional CRS points, guaranteeing you an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Spousal Factors: Maximize your partner’s skills and education to earn more points.
For more Canadian visa inquiries? Click here to start the process with our help →
Navigating the CRS system may seem complex, but with this detailed guide, you’re well on calculating your Express Entry points accurately. Remember, a higher CRS score improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. Plan strategically, enhance your skills, and put your best foot forward for a successful immigration journey.
Are you ready to embark on your Canadian dream? Calculate your CRS points today and take the first step towards your new life in the maple-leafed land.
