Canada's immigration landscape predominantly welcomes economic class skilled workers, with Express Entry serving as the primary mechanism for managing their applications since 2015.
Express Entry operates as a dynamic system, wherein only the most highly-ranked skilled worker candidates receive invitations from the Canadian government to immigrate.
To assess and rank Express Entry candidates, the Canadian government employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system evaluates each candidate, along with their spouse or partner if applicable, based on their human capital attributes. Key factors considered include age, education, proficiency in English and/or French, work experience, and other criteria deemed significant by Canadian immigration authorities. Subsequently, candidates receive CRS scores reflecting their human capital characteristics.
Periodically, typically every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts Express Entry draws, extending invitations for permanent residence to candidates with the highest CRS scores.
Canada employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) as a strategic tool to pinpoint skilled worker candidates who are primed to thrive in its dynamic job market. This system serves the dual purpose of benefiting both Canada and prospective immigrants by facilitating the selection of individuals with the greatest potential for successful integration and career advancement within the country.
The CRS represents a culmination of decades of rigorous research conducted by the Canadian government on immigrant outcomes in the labor market. This extensive body of research underscores the significance of factors such as age, work experience, education, and language proficiency in determining an immigrant’s capacity to seamlessly integrate into the Canadian workforce.
Empirical evidence consistently reinforces the validity of the Canadian government’s research findings and the efficacy of the CRS as the preferred model for managing immigration through programs like Express Entry. A notable example is the 2020 report released by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which examined the performance of Express Entry immigrants since the program’s inception in 2015. The findings of the report reaffirmed that immigrants selected through Express Entry, guided by the CRS framework, exhibit commendable indicators of success in the Canadian job market. These indicators include robust salary levels, high rates of employment, and minimal instances of unemployment, thereby validating the effectiveness of the CRS in aligning immigration policies with the economic needs and aspirations of Canada.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is structured into three distinct categories, each contributing to an applicant’s overall score:
In total, the CRS allocates a maximum of 1,200 points to each candidate.
Candidates demonstrating proficient French language skills receive additional points based on their level of proficiency and corresponding English language test results. Specifically:
Candidates with a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 or older are eligible for additional points. These points may also be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a sibling in Canada. The relationship between the candidate or their spouse/common-law partner and the sibling in Canada must be established through blood, adoption, marriage, or common-law partnership, warranting an additional 15 points.
Here’s the table illustrating the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Core Human Capital Factors. In this table, “PA” denotes the principal applicant, and “spouse” refers to the spouse or common-law partner. The points allocated for each age group vary depending on whether the applicant is accompanied by a spouse or not.
| Age (in years) | With an accompanying spouse (max points: 100) | Without an accompanying spouse (max points: 110) |
| Under 18 | 0 points | 0 points |
| 18 | 90 | 99 |
| 19 | 95 | 105 |
| 20-29 | 100 | 110 |
| 30 | 95 | 105 |
| 31 | 90 | 99 |
| 32 | 85 | 94 |
| 33 | 80 | 88 |
| 34 | 75 | 83 |
| 35 | 70 | 77 |
| 36 | 65 | 72 |
| 37 | 60 | 66 |
| 38 | 55 | 61 |
| 39 | 50 | 55 |
| 40 | 45 | 50 |
| 41 | 35 | 39 |
| 42 | 25 | 28 |
| 43 | 15 | 17 |
| 44 | 5 | 6 |
| 45 or older | 0 | 0 |
In addition to age, education level plays a pivotal role in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian immigration. The table below outlines the points allocation based on the level of education attained by the principal applicant (PA) and, if applicable, their accompanying spouse or common-law partner:
| Level of Education | With an accompanying spouse (max points: 140 for PA, 10 for spouse) | Without an accompanying spouse (max points: 150) |
| Less than secondary (high) school credential | 0 points | 0 points |
| Secondary school credential | 28 for PA; 2 for spouse | 30 |
| One-year post-secondary program | 84 for PA; 6 for spouse | 90 |
| Two-year post-secondary program | 91 for PA; 7 for spouse | 98 |
| Post-secondary program of 3 or more years | 112 for PA; 8 for spouse | 120 |
| Two or more post-secondary programs, of which at least one was completed after a post-secondary program of three or more years | 119 for PA; 9 for spouse | 128 |
| Master’s or entry-to-practice professional degree | 126 for PA; 10 for spouse | 135 |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 140 for PA; 10 for spouse | 150 |
The education level attained by the PA and their spouse, if applicable, determines the points awarded within the CRS framework. While the points allocated for the principal applicant range from 0 to 140 (or 150 without an accompanying spouse), the accompanying spouse or common-law partner may receive up to 10 points. These points reflect the value placed on higher levels of education and advanced degrees, which are indicative of a candidate’s potential contribution to the Canadian workforce and society.
The ability to communicate effectively in either English or French is a crucial determinant in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian immigration. The table below illustrates the points allocation based on language proficiency for the principal applicant (PA) and, if applicable, their accompanying spouse or common-law partner:
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | With an accompanying spouse (max points: 128 for PA, 20 for spouse) | Without an accompanying spouse (max points: 136) |
| For each language ability | 32 points for PA; 5 points for spouse | 34 points |
| CLB 3 or lower | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 4 | 6 for PA; 0 for spouse | 6 |
| CLB 5 | 6 for PA; 1 for spouse | 6 |
| CLB 6 | 8 for PA; 1 for spouse | 9 |
| CLB 7 | 16 for PA; 3 for spouse | 17 |
| CLB 8 | 22 for PA; 3 for spouse | 23 |
| CLB 9 | 29 for PA; 5 for spouse | 31 |
| CLB 10 or higher | 32 for PA; 5 for spouse | 34 |
The points awarded for language proficiency are distributed across various language abilities, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Depending on the proficiency level achieved in each language skill, candidates receive points accordingly. It’s important to note that these language skills are assessed using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Points Breakdown Based on Second Language Ability
Proficiency in a second language, either English or French, is another significant factor considered in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian immigration. The table below delineates the points allocation based on language proficiency for the principal applicant (PA) and, if applicable, their accompanying spouse or common-law partner:
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) | With an accompanying spouse (max points: 22) | Without an accompanying spouse (max points: 24) |
| For each language ability | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 4 or lower | 0 | 0 |
| CLB 5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
| CLB 7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 | 6 |
The points awarded for second language proficiency are distributed across various language abilities, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Candidates receive points based on their proficiency level, as assessed using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale.
Canadian work experience holds significant weight in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Canadian immigration. The table below delineates the points allocation based on the number of years of Canadian work experience for the principal applicant (PA) and, if applicable, their accompanying spouse or common-law partner:
| Number of Years of Canadian Work Experience | With an accompanying spouse (max points: 70 for PA, 10 for spouse) | Without an accompanying spouse (max points: 80) |
| Less than 1 year | 0 points | 0 points |
| 1 year | 35 for PA; 5 for spouse | 40 |
| 2 years | 46 for PA; 7 for spouse | 53 |
| 3 years | 56 for PA; 8 for spouse | 64 |
| 4 years | 63 for PA; 9 for spouse | 72 |
| 5 years or more | 70 for PA; 10 for spouse | 80 |
The points awarded for Canadian work experience vary based on the number of years worked in Canada. Candidates receive points accordingly, with higher points allocated for more extensive work experience.
Candidates can receive a maximum of 100 points based on their skill transferability factors. These factors are grouped into five combinations, with each combination allowing for a maximum of 50 points. Even if a candidate’s total score exceeds 100 points, only 100 points will be awarded under the Comprehensive Ranking System. The assessment of skill transferability remains consistent whether the candidate is applying alone or with a spouse or common-law partner. However, points are not allocated for the skill transferability of the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner.
In the context of this table, “CLB” denotes Canadian Language Benchmark.
The interplay between education and Canadian work experience significantly impacts an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canadian immigration. The table below illustrates the points allocation based on the combination of education level and Canadian work experience:
| Education | 1 year of Canadian work experience | 2 or more years of Canadian work experience |
| No post-secondary education | 0 | 0 |
| Post-secondary education of 1 year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more post-secondary credentials, the first of which was 3 or more years in duration | 25 | 50 |
| A university-level credential at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill Level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required | 25 | 50 |
| A university-level credential at the doctoral level | 25 | 50 |
The points awarded for education and Canadian work experience vary based on the level of education attained and the duration of Canadian work experience. Candidates receive points accordingly, with higher points allocated for advanced educational achievements and longer durations of Canadian work experience.
The relationship between education and language proficiency significantly influences an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canadian immigration. The table below delineates the points allocation based on the combination of education level and language ability:
| Education | CLB 7 or higher on all language abilities, with at least one of these CLB 8 | CLB 9 or higher for all language abilities |
| No post-secondary education | 0 | 0 |
| Post-secondary education of 1 year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more post-secondary credentials, the first of which was 3 or more years in duration | 25 | 50 |
| A university-level credential at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill Level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required | 25 | 50 |
| A university-level credential at the doctoral level | 25 | 50 |
The points awarded for education and language ability vary based on the level of education attained and the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores achieved. Candidates receive points accordingly, with higher points allocated for advanced educational achievements and higher levels of language proficiency.
The combination of language ability and non-Canadian work experience significantly influences an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canadian immigration. The table below illustrates the points allocation based on the combination of language proficiency and non-Canadian work experience:
| Non-Canadian Work Experience | CLB 7 or higher on all language abilities, with at least one of these CLB 8 | CLB 9 or higher for all language abilities |
| No non-Canadian work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1 or 2 years of non-Canadian work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 or more years of non-Canadian work experience | 25 | 50 |
The points awarded for language ability and non-Canadian work experience vary based on the duration of non-Canadian work experience and the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores achieved. Candidates receive points accordingly, with higher points allocated for higher levels of language proficiency and more extensive non-Canadian work experience.
The amalgamation of Canadian and non-Canadian work experience significantly influences an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canadian immigration. The table below delineates the points allocation based on the combination of Canadian and non-Canadian work experience:
| Experience | 1 year of Canadian work experience | 2 or more years of Canadian work experience |
| No non-Canadian work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1 or 2 years of non-Canadian work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 or more years of non-Canadian work experience | 25 | 50 |
The points awarded for Canadian and non-Canadian work experience vary based on the duration of non-Canadian work experience. Candidates receive points accordingly, with higher points allocated for more extensive non-Canadian work experience.
The possession of a Certificate of Qualification in a Trade and language ability significantly influences an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canadian immigration. The table below illustrates the points allocation based on the combination of Certificate of Qualification and language proficiency:
| Certificate of Qualification | CLB 5 or higher on all language abilities, with at least one CLB 5 or 6 | CLB 7 or higher on all language abilities |
| Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a province | 25 | 50 |
The points awarded for Certificate of Qualification in a Trade and language ability depend on the level of language proficiency attained. Candidates receive points accordingly, with higher points allocated for higher levels of language proficiency.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) incorporates various additional factors beyond core human capital and skill transferability factors to assess candidates for Canadian immigration. These additional factors play a crucial role in determining an applicant’s eligibility and overall CRS score. The table below outlines the points allocation for these additional factors:
| Additional Factors | Points |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination certificate | |
| For an enhanced nomination certificate from a Canadian province (except Quebec) | 600 |
| Qualifying offer of arranged employment | |
| For a qualifying job offer of arranged employment from a Canadian employer in Major Group 00 Senior Management Occupations | 200 |
| For any other qualifying job offer of arranged employment | 50 |
| Canadian study experience | |
| If the candidate has an eligible credential from a one-year or two-year post-secondary program in Canada | 15 |
|
If the applicant possesses one of the following:
|
30 |
| French language ability | |
| If the candidate proves adequate intermediate (CLB 7) or better French ability, and English ability of CLB 4 or lower (or no English language test result) | 25 |
| If the candidate proves adequate intermediate (CLB 7) or better French ability, and English ability of CLB 5 or better | 50 |
| Sibling in Canada | 15 |
Points are awarded based on the presence of a Provincial Nominee Program nomination certificate, qualifying job offers, Canadian study experience, French language ability, and having a sibling in Canada. These additional factors contribute to a candidate’s CRS score, with a maximum of 600 points available. Therefore, if a candidate qualifies for multiple factors, the maximum points allocated remain capped at 600 points to ensure fairness and equity in the CRS evaluation process.
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