The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) is a point-based system used by the Canadian government to evaluate applications for immigration to the country. It is used by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite applicants under its Express Entry immigration program. The CRS assigns scores to applicants based on various parameters like skills, French/English language proficiency, age, marital status, provincial nomination, etc. Since most of the scoring parameters remain constant, you can use CRS score calculators available online to get a rough idea of your final CRS scores assigned by the Express Entry system.
The estimated score revealed by the calculator has no connection with the official process and can vary from the final result. While the unofficial score can be checked before submitting your profile, you can get your official score only after submitting your documents and the application in the immigration system. The maximum one can score in the system is 1,200 points.
How is the CRS Score used during Canadian Immigration?
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department uses the CRS to evaluate your candidature for immigration. It ranks your application with all the other applications that come its way. So, a higher point score means a higher chance of you getting invited for a permanent residency in Canada. The Canada CRS score calculator can help you understand your position better and take measures accordingly.
The various programs under the Express Entry initiative include are-the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), theFederal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Individual Canadian provinces can also invite applicants from the Express Entry pool under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). However, PNP candidates also need to be eligible for one of the programs mentioned above.
How are Points for CRS Score Calculated for Express Entry Candidates?
The CRS score is a key deciding factor in your ITA (Invitation To Apply) for permanent residency. Instead of just understanding the application procedure, you also need to have a proper idea of the calculation of CRS scores. Online tools like CRS score calculators can help you increase your chances of getting an ITA for PR.
Your marital status is one of the key considerations for calculating points. If your spouse accompanies you, you will score 40 points less than regular applicants in the core human capital section. However, you can make them up in a special area under your partner’s human capital. Spouses should also provide language proficiency proof, and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports. It helps a candidate in securing the maximum number of points when including a partner. Your scores won’t be affected if your spouse isn’t accompanying you or is already a Canadian citizen/permanent resident.
Apart from the core human capital factors, you can score additional points for foreign work experience/education, family members in Canada, education in Canada, job contract from a Canadian employer, and provincial nomination.
You should also note that the Express Entry program does not have minimum CRS score criteria. The CRS cut-off varies from draw to draw and depends on multiple factors like the number of applications or requirements decided by the Canadian government.
The recent cut-off scores hover around 450 points for regular invitees and about 750 for invitees under PNP. Since it is impossible to predict the CRS cut-off, aiming for the highest CRS score possible for your application is important.
How to Improve Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score?
A low CRS score is bad news, but you can improve your ranking even after submitting your profile. You can increase the score with additional work experience, improving language test results, securing a job in Canada by studying in the country, or securing a provincial nomination. It is ideal to use a Canada CRS score calculator to assess your situation and take measures accordingly.
A provincial nomination can almost guarantee your PR as it adds another 600 points to your general CRS score. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) is a great way to aid candidates with low CRS scores.
However, provinces have different criteria for nominee programs, and their requirements mostly influence it. A couple of the key aspects are the province’s local labor market requirement and demographic gaps. However, there is one limitation of the PNP. Candidates invited under the PNP program can settle only in the province that invited them.
To conclude, the CRS is used by the Canadian immigration authorities to evaluate your application for Express Entry to the country. It is a point-based system that scores your application within 1,200 points. Your score depends on various factors like age, skills, work experience, language proficiency, etc. A CRS score calculator can be used to get a better understanding of your position. A shortfall in the CRS score can be addressed with various steps like PNP, improving language skills, job contract with a Canadian employer, etc.
Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to enter the Express Entry pool
Skilled workers in IT, medical and in-demand professionals in Canada can move to the country to get a PR status. For a candidate applying through Express Entry, a minimum score of 67 points/100 is required for the Express Entry profile. The calculation of these points is done basis several factors. Following are the factors and the maximum point allocation for the same:
Age – maximum 12 points
Adaptability – maximum 10 points
Arranged employment – Additional 10 points
Education – maximum 25 points
Language proficiency – maximum 24 points
Work experience – maximum 15 points
However, scoring 67 points does not guarantee PR for Canada but only makes a candidate eligible to apply for the PR visa via the Express Entry System.
Required documents to claim your CRS points
While filling application, the candidates need to submit a set of documents. They are:
1. Documents for identity and marital status:
This includes a copy of the passport and marriage certificate (if applicable). Birth certificates of children are also required to be submitted if the candidate has children.
2. Medical certificate:
A valid medical certificate is required to be submitted along with the filled application form. The immigration medical examination (IME) number must be included in the e-APR.
3. Police certificates:
A candidate needs to count and calculate the number of days they have spent in a specific country. If the stay exceeds six months, the applicant must submit a police certificate. The applicant must keep a note and check how much time it takes to get a copy of the police certificate.
4. Settlement funds:
To prove the candidate has sufficient funds, they will have to submit a letter of at least one financial institution with details of their assets (such as cash, investments, and more).
Documents for claiming CRS points
Other documents required to be submitted for CRC points are:
Documents for proving your work experience
Documents for proving their education qualification
Proof of valid job offer
Certificate of qualification
Identity proof of a relative residing in Canada
Application process for immigration through the Express Entry Pool
The application to Express Entry can be submitted in two steps. The first step is to submit the profile with the following documents:
Educational credential assessment report
Copy of the passport or travel document
Language test results
After submitting the profile, and once the candidate has received an invitation to apply for Canadian PR, they are required to submit a detailed application that includes additional identification documents, reference letters, police verification certificates, and a medical certificate.
Spouse or common-law partner factors
If the candidate is not married or if the spouse is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the candidate will gain points basis the candidate does not have a spouse.
Some common spouse or common-law partner factors are as follows:
Level of education – 10 points
Official language proficiency – 20 points
Candian work experience – 10 points.
The core/human capital factors plus the spouse or common-law partner factors cumulate to 500 points.
Cost and Processing time for Canada PR
To apply for Canada PR, a candidate has to incur various costs that include application charges, language proficiency charges, and proof of funds. Here is a list of tentative and approximate costs:
Educational Credential Assessment Fee : $220
Application Fee: $825
$Right of permanent residence fee: $500
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Primary applicant): $820
To be eligible to apply for a PR visa through the Express Entry system, a candidate needs to score at least 67 out of 100. Once they prove their eligibility, the candidates need to get a good CRS score.
How to increase CRS Score?
To increase the CRS score, the candidate should add work experience, improve language test results, secure a job in Canada by studying in the country, or secure a provincial nomination. It is ideal to use a Canada CRS score calculator to assess the situation and take measures accordingly.
Why is my CRS score low?
The reason for your low CRS score could be that you are not fulfilling the eligibility requirements for CRS.
What CRS score is required for PNPs?
The provincial nomination received from Canadian province can add up to 600 points to the Express Entry CRS point score. PNP also enable candidates to apply for direct PR to IRCC. Most PNPs does not follow the same CRS, rather have their own point system.
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.
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