Recently, Canada introduced the Express Entry system to process applications for most federal economic immigration programs. Since these programs are highly competitive, candidates are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS Score). The highest-ranking candidates are then chosen to become permanent residents.
The Comprehensive Ranking System is a merit-based point system that assigns a score out of 1200 to each candidate based on numerous criteria. This task can be fairly daunting, so it is best to contact a Canada immigration consultant in Dubai to avoid confusion and avoid being overwhelmed by the information.
Approximately every fortnight, the Canadian government issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency to the highest scoring candidate after conducting an Express Entry Draw.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS Score) Criteria
There are four main categories/ factors candidates can score under, each having a maximum number of points:
- Core/ human capital factors
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner factors
- Skill Transferability factors
- Additional Points
1. Core/ human capital factors
The maximum number of points one can score under this factor with a spouse or common-law partner is 460, and 500 without a spouse or common-law partner. Note that if your spouse or partner is not coming with you to Canada, or they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will earn points as if you do not have a spouse or partner (out of 460).
Candidates are scored for this factor depending on his or her age, level of education, proficiency in the official languages of Canada, and Canadian work experience.
2. Spouse or Common-Law Partner factors
The maximum number of points one can score under this factor is 40, based on the level of education, proficiency in the official languages of Canada, and Canadian work experience. Note that both the Core/human capital factor and the Spouse or common-law partner factor can add up to a maximum of 500 points with OR without a spouse or common-law partner.
3. Skill Transferability factors
The maximum number of points one can score under this factor is 100. This factor is scored under subcategories: Education, Foreign work experience, or a certificate of qualification for those in trade occupations.
- Education
Those with either strong official languages proficiency and a post-secondary degree, OR with Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree can score up to 50 points.
- Foreign Work Experience
Candidates with good/strong official languages proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level 7 or higher) and foreign work experience OR With Canadian work experience and foreign work experience can score up to 50 points.
- Certificate of qualification
Candidates who are in trade occupations can score up to 50 points with good/strong official languages proficiency and a certificate of qualification.
Note that Core/human capital + Spouse or common-law partner + Transferability factors = Maximum 600 points
4. Additional Points
Candidates can score up to 600 points based on these additional factors:
- Sibling living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident: 15 points
- French language skills: 50 points
- Post-secondary education in Canada: 30 points
- Arranged employment: 200 points
- Provincial Nominee (PN) nomination: 600 points
Points are broken down further section by section depending on ranges. For example, candidates between 20 to 29 years of age with a spouse or common-law partner score 100 points under section A, while candidates who are 37 years of age score 60 points. Check each section on the Canadian government’s website, or calculate your score here.
