CRS Calculator for Express Entry to Canada
Navigating the immigration process can be complex, but tools like the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator can simplify the journey. The CRS calculator is a vital part of the Express Entry system for immigration to Canada, helping applicants understand their potential for achieving permanent residence. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the CRS calculator, the Express Entry points system, and how to improve your Express Entry score.
What is the CRS Calculator?
The CRS calculator is a tool used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The calculator assigns points based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. The total number of points a candidate can score is 1,200, and these points determine their rank within the Express Entry pool.​
Understanding Express Entry Points
The Express Entry points system is the backbone of the CRS calculator. It's how the calculator assigns points to each candidate. Here's a breakdown of how points are awarded:
Core Human Capital Factors
These factors include age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. A maximum of 500 points is available for these factors, or 460 for those without a spouse or common-law partner.
Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience can earn you up to 40 additional points.
Skill Transferability Factors
These factors consider combinations of your skills, such as education and work experience or language proficiency and education. You can earn a maximum of 100 points from these combinations.
Additional Points
Additional points can be awarded for factors like having a valid job offer, a nomination from a province or territory, Canadian degrees, diplomas or certificates, a sibling living in Canada, and strong French language skills. These can earn you up to 600 additional points.
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How to Improve Your Express Entry Score
Improving your Express Entry score can significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Here are some strategies:
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Improve Your Language Skills: Proficiency in English and French can earn you significant points. Consider taking language classes or tests to improve your proficiency.
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Gain More Work Experience: More years of work experience, especially in Canada, can increase your points.
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Pursue Higher Education: Higher levels of education can earn you more points. If possible, consider furthering your education.
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Secure a Valid Job Offer or Provincial Nomination: These can add significant points to your score.
Updates and Changes to the CRS Calculator:
The Government of Canada is making significant changes to its immigration system to address labor shortages and promote economic growth. Here are some of the key updates:
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The government has launched a new process called "category-based selection" for Canada’s flagship economic immigration management system, Express Entry. This will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training, or language ability. More details on the timing of invitations for individual categories and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks.
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This year, category-based selection invitations will focus on candidates who have:
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Strong French language proficiency, or
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Work experience in the following fields:
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Healthcare
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Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
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Trades, such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
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Transport
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Agriculture and agri-food
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The category-based selection will make Express Entry more responsive to Canada’s changing economic and labor market needs, while building on the high human capital approach that has been a hallmark of Canada’s successful economic immigration system.
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In June 2022, the Government of Canada made changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to allow for the selection of immigrants based on key attributes that support economic priorities, such as specific work experience or knowledge of French.
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The first category-based invitations to apply are expected to be sent this summer.
These changes aim to make Canada's immigration system more responsive to the country's social and economic needs, and to ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities.
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Here are the recent changes to the Express Entry system, which includes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Calculator, as of November 16, 2022:
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The system switched to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This implies the following changes:
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The NOC 2016 skill type and skill level structure (NOC 0, A, B, C, and D) was replaced with a 6 category system. This new system represents the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) needed to work in an occupation.
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The 4-digit occupation codes have been updated to 5-digit codes.
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The eligibility criteria were updated for all programs that use the NOC.
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For more detailed information, you may want to visit the page about NOC 2021.