The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the mechanism within the Express Entry Pool that selects applicants for permanent residence. The CRS is used for applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class programs.

The points system

All applicants receive a CRS score of 1200 points. Every two weeks, the government selects the highest-ranking candidates in the pool by giving them an “Invitation to Apply” (ITA). This gives them permission to apply for permanent residence.

The categories

There are four categories:

  • Basic factors/human capital: 460/500 points (with or without spouse)
  • Spouse or common law factors: 40 points
  • Skill transfer factors: 100 points
  • Additional points: 600 points
  • TOTAL: 1200 points

A. Basic factors/human capital

This factor awards points for age, level of education, language skills in English or French, and work experience in Canada. The points are different depending on whether you have a spouse or not.

B. Spouse or common-law partner factors

This factor gives you points for your spouse’s education level, English or French language skills, and Canadian work experience.

C. Skill transferability factors (maximum 100 points)

This factor has many sections in which you can earn points. The maximum total amount of points you can earn is 100. This category assesses your ability to bring your talent to Canada.

D. Additional points (maximum 600 points)

This factor has many sections where you can earn points. The maximum total amount of points you can earn is 600. You can earn points for having a brother or sister in Canada, French language skills, education in Canada, a job offer in Canada, or a provincial nomination, which automatically gives you the maximum 600 points.

Reece is a married foreign national applying for the federal skilled worker program. His spouse is also a foreign national. She is 19 years old, has a one-year degree but no Canadian education. She has an average score of 7.5 on IELTS for her language assessment. She has two years of work experience in Canada and three years abroad. She has no job offer and no relatives in Canada. His spouse has a high school diploma and no work experience in Canada. She has an average of 7.5 on her IELTS.

Human/basic capital factors

  • Age = 95
  • Education level = 84
  • Official languages ​​= 115
    • First official language = 115
    • Second official language = 0
  • Canadian work experience = 46
  • Subtotal – Human capital/core factors = 340

Spouse factors

  • Education Level = 2
  • First Officer Languages ​​= 18
  • Work Experience in Canada = 0
  • Subtotal – Spouse Factors = 20

Skill transfer factors

  • Education (up to a maximum of 50 points)
    • A) Official language proficiency and education = 13
    • B) Work experience and education in Canada = 25
    • Subtotal = 38
  • Work experience abroad (up to a maximum of 50 points)
    • A) Official language proficiency and work experience abroad = 25
    • B) Work experience in Canada and abroad = 50
    • Subtotal = 50
    • Qualification certificate = 0
  • Subtotal Skills transfer factors = 88

Additional points (up to a maximum of 600 points)

  • Provincial Nomination = 0
  • Job Offer = 0
  • Study in Canada = 0
  • Brother in Canada = 0
  • French Skills = 0
  • Subtotal Bonus Points = 0

Grand total of the integral classification system formula = 448

Reece has a considerably low score and is unlikely to qualify.

Nala is a single 19-year-old applying for the federal skilled worker program. She holds a Canadian Bachelor of Science degree. She has three years of work experience in Canada and 5 years abroad. She has a valid job offer as a manager at an investment company. She has been nominated by the province within the system.

Basic factors/human capital

  • Age = 105
  • Education level = 120
  • Official languages ​​= 122
    • First official language = 122
    • Second official language = 0
  • Work experience in Canada = 64
  • Subtotal – Basic factors/human capital = 411

Spouse factors

  • Education Level = 0
  • First Officer Languages ​​= 0
  • Work Experience in Canada = 0
  • Subtotal – Spouse Factors = 0

Skill transfer factors

  • Education (up to a maximum of 50 points)
    • A) Official language proficiency and education = 13
    • B) Work experience and education in Canada = 25
    • Subtotal = 38
  • Work experience abroad (up to a maximum of 50 points)
    • A) Official language proficiency and work experience abroad = 25
    • B) Work experience in Canada and abroad = 50
    • Subtotal = 50
    • Qualification certificate = 0
  • Subtotal Skills transfer factors = 88

Additional points (up to a maximum of 600 points)

  • Provincial Nomination = 600
  • Job Offer = 50
  • Study in Canada = 30
  • Brother in Canada = 0
  • French Skills = 0
  • Subtotal Bonus Points = 600

Comprehensive classification system in grand total formula = 1099

Nala has a very good score! She has a great chance to immigrate to Canada.