Overview Of The CRS System


6 major factors to enhance your crs score

Last Updated On : February 27 , 2024


In recent years, Canada's Express Entry system has become a popular and efficient pathway for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. At the heart of this system lies the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a dynamic tool that assesses candidates based on various factors, determines their eligibility, and ranks them against others in the pool.

Understanding the intricacies of the Express Entry Point System is crucial for prospective immigrants/expat aiming to secure a coveted spot for Canadian permanent residency (PR) and settle in Canada. This comprehensive guide explores the major factors influencing CRS scores and provides valuable insights into navigating the system successfully for expats.

Predicted CRS Cut-Off for Canada PR 2024

While predicting the exact CRS Canada cut-off score for future Express Entry draws is impossible, analysing past trends, current data, and expert insights can offer a well-informed perspective on what to expect in 2024.

Historically, the CRS cut-off has been on an upward climb since 2020. While there was a recent dip to 365 in the February 1st draw, experts anticipate continued fluctuations throughout the year. While 2024 might see some ups and downs in cut-off scores, most experts agree it's likely to stay below 400 due to the competitive nature of the Express Entry pool.

Maximum CRS Score Points

The Express Entry Point System is designed to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to Canada's economic growth. Candidates are evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, each assigned a specific point value. A candidate's maximum CRS score is 1,200 points, distributed among several factors. The main components include education points, language proficiency, work experience, a job offer, a provincial nomination, and additional points for a spouse.

Major Factors to Increase CRS Score

Enhance CRS Score with Language TEST (IELTS/ TOFEL/ TEF/PTE)

Language proficiency is a cornerstone of the Express Entry Point System. Applicants can boost their CRS scores by taking IELTS score, TOEFL score, TEF score, or PTE scores -language proficiency tests to elevate their Canadian Language Benchmark. Higher scores in these tests directly translate to increased CRS points table, providing candidates with a competitive advantage in the pool.

IELTS Score :

  • For the IELTS General Training test, language proficiency scores are divided into four bands: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • Higher scores in each band contribute to a higher overall score.
  • Historically, achieving a higher overall IELTS score (such as 7 or above) has positively impacted CRS points.

TOEFL Score:

  • The TOEFL scores are divided into four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
  • Generally, a higher total TOEFL iBT score is associated with better CRS points.
  • Scores in the higher range (e.g., 100 or more) can contribute positively to CRS points.

PTE Score:

  • PTE Academic scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 90.
  • Higher PTE scores, especially scores above 70 or 80, are typically beneficial for CRS points.
  • The CRS system often rewards higher language proficiency scores.

Work Experience Matters for CRS Score

When it comes to navigating the Express Entry system for Canadian Permanent Residency, work experience plays a crucial role in boosting your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. However understanding how Canadian and foreign work experience are valued differently is key to maximizing your points.

Canadian Work Experience:

Highly Valued: Holding Canadian work experience carries significant weight in the CRS system. Each year of qualified experience earns you up to 12 points, with a maximum of 36 points for 3 years or more.

What Qualifies: The experience must be paid, full-time (or equivalent to 30+ hours/week), and continuous for at least 12 months with the same employer or multiple employers in the same National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.

Enhanced Value: Having Canadian work experience in an in-demand occupation can further increase your score through additional points. You can check the latest in-demand occupations list on the government website.

Foreign Work Experience:

Valuable Contribution: While not as highly valued as Canadian experience, foreign work experience can still contribute positively to your CRS score. Each year of qualified experience earns you up to 5 points as per the Canadian Pointing System, with a maximum of 15 points for 3 years or more.

Similar Qualifications: The qualifying criteria for foreign work experience are similar to Canadian experience, requiring paid, full-time work and a continuous period of at least 12 months.

Additional Requirements: For foreign experience to be considered, your work must have been obtained through a valid work permit and be relevant to your claimed NOC code.

Get Additional CRS Points With a Spouse

Having a spouse can be advantageous in the Express Entry system. Additional points are awarded for a spouse's language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience. This factor acknowledges the potential contribution of the applicant's family to Canadian society and the workforce.

Increase CRS Points With Job Offer

Securing a valid job offer is a significant asset in the Express Entry profile. Whether through a general or category-based draw, a job offer adds substantial points to the CRS score. Canadian employers can issue a job offer, demonstrating the candidate's potential to contribute to the local economy.

Get Awarded CRS Points with the ECA Report

Education Credential Assessment (ECA) reports validate an applicant's educational qualifications against Canadian standards. Obtaining an ECA report can earn additional CRS points, reinforcing the importance of educational credentials in the Express Entry Point System.

Boost CRS With Provincial Nominee Certificate

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow candidates to receive additional points based on provincial endorsements. Each province in Canada has its own specific point allocation for successful candidates. Popular provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan offer PNP points to applicants, making it a valuable avenue for boosting CRS scores.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) offer a coveted pathway to Canadian permanent residency, but navigating their nuances can feel like scaling an icy mountain. One crucial factor influencing your journey is the points system employed by each program. Let's delve into the scoring landscapes of five popular PNPs:

British Columbia (BC) PNP:

Buckle up for the Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS), where 200 points represent your summit. Education points, work experience, and language proficiency are your trusty ropes, while a job offer and provincial ties act as sturdy ice axes. Recent draws indicate that you'll need at least 122 points for Skilled Worker streams or 60 points for Childcare, so sharpen your skills and connections!

Manitoba PNP:

Prepare to dive into the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool, where a maximum of 1000 points awaits. Education, work experience, and language skills are your lifelines, with job offers and adaptability factors offering support. Aim high, as recent draws for Skilled Workers saw successful candidates with 581 points. Remember, consistency and preparation are key to weathering the EOI system.

Alberta PNP:

Ascend the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) with a maximum of 100 points. Education, work experience, and language proficiency are your base camp, while a job offer and adaptability factors are crucial. Recent draws for Express Entry saw invitations extended to candidates with 37 points, highlighting the competitive nature of this program. Be ready to showcase your strengths!

Ontario PNP:

Conquer two distinct peaks within the Ontario PNP. The Human Capital Priorities Stream (Express Entry) and Skills-Based Stream each have their own scoring systems. Education points, work experience, and language skills are your trusty companions, while a job offer and connections to Ontario grant an edge. Recent draws saw successful candidates in the Human Capital Priorities Stream with 459 points and Skills-Based Stream with 452 points. Be strategic in choosing the stream that best suits your profile.

Saskatchewan PNP:

Tackle the Occupation Demand Stream or Express Entry Stream, offering a maximum of 160 points. Education points, work experience, and language skills are essential tools, while a job offer and connections to Saskatchewan provide valuable footholds. Recent draws saw successful candidates in the Occupation Demand Stream with 69 points and in the Express Entry Stream with 72 points. Research in-demand occupations and highlight your provincial connections to stand out.

Conclusion | Express Entry Point System

Navigating the Express Entry Point System demands a strategic approach, considering the diverse factors influencing CRS scores. Prospective immigrants must diligently work towards maximising their education points, language proficiency, work experience, and other aspects to increase their chances of being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Staying informed about the latest draw trends, understanding provincial nominee programs, and securing a job offer are crucial steps in successfully navigating the Canadian immigration landscape. The Express Entry system continues to evolve, making it imperative that applicants stay abreast of changes and optimise their profiles for a successful immigration points on your journey. With the right knowledge and preparation, individuals can navigate the complexities of the Express Entry Point System and embark on a promising journey towards Canadian permanent residency.