Express Entry: the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) explained

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a merit-based points system that awards specific points to candidates in theExpress Entry based on a range of characteristics, including age, education, language skills and work experience. Your CGS score determines your position in the applicant pool, and those with the highest number of points, above the cut-off and tie-breaker points, receive an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA) for permanent residence in Canada. It's a simple system, with the probability of immigration exactly proportional to the number of points you have. However, there are ways to increase your GCS score. A CRS score of up to 1,200 points is awarded to every candidate who intends to apply. The following factors are used to award these points.

• Basic factors/human capital - Up to 500 points will be awarded without a spouse, and up to 460 points with a spouse (and up to 40 points for the spouse in this case).
• Skills transferability factors - Up to 100 points.
• Additional elements that can earn up to 600 additional points (French language skills, post-secondary education in Canada, arranged employment in Canada, sibling in Canada, provincial/territorial nomination)

Eligibility

Several conditions must be met for creating a profile on the Express Entry portal and receive a CRS score. In particular, you must be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs to immigrate to Canada.

• Federal Program for Qualified Workers (FSWP) - This program is aimed at skilled workers and professionals from all over the world who wish to immigrate to Canada alone or with their partner/spouse and dependent children. Most applications are processed within six months or less.
• Federal Program for Skilled Trades Workers (FSTP) - This program is designed for skilled tradespeople from all over the world. Applications for this program are also processed within 6 months or less.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - Candidates who have already completed at least one year of skilled employment (NOC categories TERR 0, TERR 1, TERR 2 or TERR 3) in Canada are eligible for this program. These are people who are already familiar with the Canadian economy and have strong ties to Canada.

To calculate your Express Entry profile score, the Global Ranking System takes into account a number of variables. It then ranks you against other candidates who have been placed in the Express Entry pool. If you have a higher score than another candidate, the GCS will give you a higher ranking. If your score is lower than that of another candidate, the SCG will give you a lower ranking.

The Express Entry MCS is used by Canada's immigration department (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC) to assess whether individuals should receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Although an IRP can be sent at any time, IRCC usually organizes rounds of invitations, also known as Express Entry draws or selections, at regular intervals. General draws and program-specific draws are the two types of invitation or draw. IRCC selects candidates for all Express Entry immigration programs in a general draw. A general draw is held approximately every two to three weeks. Only those with CGS scores above the cut-off will be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada. A program-specific draw is organized by the Immigration Department from time to time according to departmental needs and orientations.

When IRCC invites people who qualify for only one of the immigration programs mentioned above - Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Skilled Trades or Provincial Nominee Program - this is referred to as a program-specific draw. IRCC usually conducts program-specific draws only for applicants to the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

To conduct this draw, IRCC ranks all eligible applicants to the Federal Skilled Trades Program according to their CGS scores, and sends PDIs only to the highest-ranked eligible applicants. It's essential to remember that the score projected in the Express Entry pool for a candidate is not his or her actual SCG score. Instead, the algorithm simply provides an estimate of a candidate's SCG score. When you submit a complete application for permanent residence in Canada, only a Canadian immigration officer can determine your exact score.

What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and why is it used in Canada?

While Canada used to have a first-come, first-served approach to applicants who met all the rules, significant shortcomings were identified. Applications generally outnumbered the number of permanent resident visas available, resulting in long waiting times for applicants and their families. This method also prevented Canada from quickly bringing in many good candidates who would have made a significant contribution to the growth and vitality of the Canadian economy. The Express Entry method, which was introduced in 2015, has eliminated the backlog and reduced the waiting period to six months or less for the majority of applications, while favoring candidates with the best profiles. The Government of Canada is therefore doing its part to welcome immigrants who are most likely to have successful, long-term careers in the country by adopting this rigorous, evidence-based approach to assessing and classifying immigrants. According to a study conducted by the Canadian government, new immigrants who arrive young or middle-aged, with a high degree of work experience, education and language skills, are better equipped to integrate into the Canadian labour market.

More data supports Canadian government studies and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) as the best model for Express Entry in Canada. Since Express Entry's inception in 2015, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC today) has reported on the performance of Express Entry immigrants in the Canadian labor market. The GCS is constructed so that Express Entry immigrants enjoy high earnings, high employment rates and low unemployment rates in Canada, according to the research. The GCS assesses the human capital of each applicant (and their spouse or partner, if applicable). A candidate's age, education, English and/or French language skills and work experience are all factors taken into account by Canada. Candidates then receive an SCG score. A set of base points up to 600 and a set of additional points up to 600 are included in the SCG points. You'll receive a total of up to 1,200 points.

How CRS points are awarded

The total score of the Global Ranking System (GRS) is divided into components, with various combinations resulting in an increase in points. If you have a spouse, his or her profile is taken into account as a secondary candidate, which means it doesn't add more points to your total, but rather a modest proportion.

Section A: Basic factors

Section B: Spouse or common-law partner

Section C - Transferability of skills

Section D - Additional points

How is the CRS score calculated?

Express Entry candidates score up to 1,200 in four key sections:

A. Basic factors / human capital :

These include age, education, Canadian work experience and language proficiency points. These are considered the keys to financial success for immigrants.

B. Spouse or common-law partner factors :

This includes your spouse's or common-law partner's language skills, education and Canadian work experience.

C. Skills transferability :

This section provides additional points for your profile based on a combination of elements such as: A combination of your education, language skills and/or work experience outside Canada.

D. Additional points :

In this section, 600 additional points will be awarded for provincial or territorial appointments, and additional points will be awarded for valid employment and other factors.
In addition, for applicants to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, eligibility for permanent residency in Canada is also highly dependent on the profile and scores received for the six skilled worker selection criteria. Out of a possible 100 points, a skilled worker must score at least 67 points to qualify. If they score less than 67 points, they will not be eligible to create an Express Entry profile or obtain a CGS score. The selection criteria for qualified workers are as follows:

• Age
• Education
• Experience
• Language skills
• Arranged employment in Canada
• Adaptability

Age

PTQF candidates can earn up to 12 points for this criterion. The calculation begins on the day your profile is submitted.

Education

A candidate's education can earn a maximum of 25 points.

Experience

Work experience can also help an immigrant earn points. Points will be awarded according to the number of years they have worked full-time. For work experience, they can earn up to 15 points.

Language skills

It benefits an immigrant's profile if they are fluent in English or French. For their language skills, they can receive up to 28 points.

Job offer

If an immigrant is offered a position by a Canadian employer for at least one year. A maximum of 10 points can be earned by the immigrant.

Adaptability

This category will provide you with points (up to a maximum of 10) based on your Canadian work experience, previous studies in Canada, Canadian connections and other adaptability factors. If an immigrant comes to Canada with a spouse or common-law partner.

Calculate your CRS score

You may be wondering what your score will be, and calculating your net score could be quite difficult. While it's crucial to understand how scores are calculated, you can also determine your potential score by using the SCG calculator, on the IRCC website. The calculator will estimate your potential score in the pool if you correctly select answers to the questions. You may not yet have had your diplomas evaluated, or you may not yet have taken the language test. In this situation, you can make an educated guess and calculate your score. Modify the values to find out what the optimal result is, as well as the most likely result. Also take a look at Express Entry's threshold scores for recent draws. This will show you where you are (or how far you are) from realizing your Canadian dream!

What is the cause of my low CRS score?

When a candidate initially enters the pool, their SCG score may be lower than expected for a variety of reasons. By comparing your score with our summary of maximum CRS points, you can discover where you could be scoring points. While a low CRS score can be discouraging, the good news is that once you've submitted your profile, you can always improve your score. Many applicants improve their CGS score by gaining additional work experience, retaking their language exam, getting a job offer in Canada or choosing to study in Canada. It's never too late to improve!

How can you increase your CRS scores?

There are several strategies to increase your CRS score. The most important strategies are to improve your experience in your profession (promotion or more years of experience) and your level of education. It is also advantageous to have links with Canada, whether through studies or previous work experience. Certain aspects of the CRS , such as your age, cannot be modified. Applicants aged between 20 and 29 have the highest CRS scores, so it's ideal to immigrate as soon as possible. However, being qualified and experienced in your field is a delicate balancing act in order to become eligible for other criteria and score well there too. Obtaining a provincial or territorial appointment is also an excellent strategy for increasing your SCG score. Using the Express Entry system, you can apply through a specific Canadian province or territory. To do so, send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province or territory of your choice (or wait for them to send you an EOI). You will be asked to create a profile via their selection system if you meet their specific requirements (such as being on their in-demand occupation list). If you are successful in receiving the nomination, your Express Entry profile will receive an additional 600 points. Rather than waiting for your invitation to each subsequent draw, you should focus your efforts on learning how to improve and increase your CRS score. This increases your ranking in the applicant pool, making you one of the top candidates with a much greater chance of receiving an invitation to apply. You can dramatically improve your CRS scores if you make the effort. Here are a few tips to help you build a compelling case.

In-depth knowledge of CRS

The first step is to have a thorough understanding of GCS scores and how they are calculated. You need to stay focused and on track with your Express Entry application, claiming the points awarded in each component that make up the overall CGS scores. For example, having a sibling in Canada applies to both the applicant and his or her spouse or partner. Adoption, marriage, blood or partnership can all be used to form a relationship. You can increase your score by 15 points if you can establish the legitimacy of the relationship.

Language skills

Your CRS score is strongly influenced by your language skills. Take one of the language tests authorized for Express Entry in English and/or French (both tests if you are fluent in both languages). Bilingual applicants will receive additional points on top of the points for proficiency in Canada's official languages. What's more, many provincial and territorial programs are only available to candidates with French language skills, which significantly increases your chances of being selected if you're French-speaking. Retaking a language test is another way to improve your CGS results. Many schools and language teachers can help you improve your marks. A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 9 in each ability (speaking, listening, writing and reading) could help you improve your results in the skills transferability criteria.

Work: Job offer and experience

You can make strategic plans to improve your CRS score. You can increase your CRS points in a variety of ways by delaying your application to strengthen your profile. For starters, you can gain more work experience, which will improve your CRS scores in skills transferability combinations. This is particularly useful for people working in Canada on a temporary visa, as Canadian work experience earns you extra points, which can help boost your score. You can also find an employer using serious job search tools in Canada. A real job offer can increase your score from 50 to 200 points.

Education

When you request a student visaCompleting your studies or obtaining a graduate degree can increase your CRS score. What's more, if you work in Canada after your studies, you may be able to earn up to 200 CRS points if you apply through the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and you won't be required to file an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

Accompanying spouse/common-law partner

Although your spouse/partner only contributes a maximum of 40 points to your CRS score, these 40 points can often make the difference between acceptance and rejection. You can decide whether or not to include them in your application based on their education, work experience and language skills, or exclude them early in the process and include them once you've been invited and qualify. Your spouse/partner may also have a stronger record and be a better principal applicant. What's more, for a better chance of selection, both partners can submit their own Express Entry profiles, while designating each other as accompanying spouses. This can help speed up their immigration process and increase their chances of receiving an invitation or provincial/territorial nomination.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Last but not least, we're sure you haven't overlooked the magnificent 600 points in additional considerations awarded by the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). To receive one, it's always a good idea to learn more about the eligibility requirements and application methods of several PCP streams across Canada.

Factors that influence your CRS score :

Human capital factor

The economic value of a worker's knowledge and talents is known as human capital. Human capital includes elements such as education, training, intellect, skills, health and other attributes sought by companies, such as loyalty and speed. This explains why human capital is an intangible asset or attribute that does not and cannot appear on a company's balance sheet. Human capital is supposed to increase production, and therefore profitability. Your human capital score is determined by a number of characteristics, including your age, education, work experience, language skills and flexibility. Depending on your skills, you can earn up to 500 points under the human capital element.

Spouse or common-law partner factors

If your spouse or common-law partner is not accompanying you to Canada, is a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen, you may receive a maximum rating of 500 for the basic factors. If your spouse or common-law partner joins you in Canada and is neither a permanent resident of Canada nor a Canadian citizen, you will receive a maximum rating of 460.

Skills transferability

This element earns you up to 100 points. Here are the three most important elements to consider when determining the transferability of skills:

• Studies : If you have a high level of language skills and a post-secondary diploma, or Canadian work experience combined with a post-secondary diploma, you can earn 50 points.
• Work experience : If you have international work experience combined with a high level of language skills, or Canadian work experience combined with foreign work experience, you'll earn 50 points.
• Canadian qualifications : You will receive an additional 50 points if you obtain a Canadian Skills Certificate in addition to advanced language skills.

Additional points

You can earn up to 600 points depending on the following factors:

What happens if a candidate's CRS score changes?

Each applicant has a moral/legal obligation to ensure that the information in his/her Express Entry profile is accurate and up-to-date. If a candidate submits an application for permanent residence, he or she is also required to substantiate the information contained in his or her Express Entry profile at the time he or she received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), with documents that will be requested on the portal and that he or she will have to upload. If you fail to comply with these rules, or submit false documents, your application will be rejected, and you may be charged with misrepresentation and rendered inadmissible. In fact, applications whose information does not match that of the Express Entry profile may be considered to have been misrepresented. Each time an applicant updates/modifies their Express Entry profile information, the applicant's GCS will change. The information will automatically reflect the current changes with the new SCG. This is how all newly modified information appears in the account.

How long do I have after being invited to submit a request?

You have 60 days from the time you receive your invitation to apply for permanent residence to submit your application or decline the invitation in your online account. If you decline the invitation, your profile will be returned to the Express Entry pool. Your invitation letter indicates your deadline, so keep an eye on the time zone indicated and be sure to convert to your local time zone. After the deadline, applications will not be accepted and your profile will be removed from the Express Entry pool. If you do not submit your application by the deadline, the ITA will be revoked and you will lose your chance to apply for permanent residency. Receiving an invitation does not mean you will receive one in the future. So be prepared and think ahead.

How long does it take for Express Entry applications for permanent residence to be processed?

For Express Entry applications, the Government of Canada normally takes 6 months or less to process an application for permanent residence. This processing time is only a projection. The government aims to process most applications in less than six months. This does not guarantee that your application will be processed within the specified time if submitted correctly. If you make an information request or a request for expedited processing within 6 months of the date you submitted your application, it is unlikely that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will respond. During the first 5 to 6 months of processing, it is quite common for those who have submitted an application to receive no correspondence other than an acknowledgement of receipt. If your application takes longer than 6 months to process, please contact our office to see how we can help.

How can I improve my CRS score?

You shouldn't worry if your SCG score is low. Here are some suggestions for improving it:

• Take the language test again and submit the results. You can take IELTS or CELPIP. You can also take the TEF Canada or TCF Canada if you are fluent in French.
• You can improve your CRS score by adding post-secondary diploma points. You can enroll in an online distance post-secondary program or apply for a student visa first, then apply for permanent residency once you've completed your degree.
• You could try getting a job offer in Canada. Qualified professionals find it easier to find work in Canada. You can search and apply for technical jobs online. A legitimate job offer could increase your CGS score by a significant number of points.

Can a provincial nominee program help me improve my CRS ?

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) offer Express Entry applicants with a low CRS score the chance to increase their score. A provincial or territorial nomination can increase your GCS score by 600 points. Nomination systems in many jurisdictions have special requirements. Candidates accepted into the Express Entry PCP stream must live in the province that selected them when they arrived in Canada.

What is the minimum CRS score required for permanent residency in Canada?

The threshold score for the invitation round you are in determines this. Candidates, in our opinion, should strive for the highest possible score.

What happens if my CRS score is below 400 points?

The different approaches to improving your SCG score have been explained above. A provincial nomination is your best choice if you want to receive an ITA. A provincial or territorial nomination is worth 600 points more. As a result, you are almost certain to receive a PDI and submit your application for permanent residence in Canada.

CRS calculator

The IRCC website has a tool called the CRS Calculator which helps candidates calculate their potential score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The result is based on the answers they give. You can use this tool if :

• You are eligible for at least one Express Entry program.
• You haven't completed an Express Entry profile, but you'd like to check what your score would be in the Global Ranking System (CRS ) if you did.
• You've been asked to apply for permanent residency and want to know if changing your profile will affect your CRS score.
• You want to make sure that your CRS score is higher than the minimum number of points required for your invitation series.

See article : Updated TEF Canada Requirements by IRCC as of December 10, 2023