How CRS Points Work
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates candidates on various factors:
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Core human capital factors: up to 600 points
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Age: Maximum of 110 points (single) or 100 points (married).
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Education: Up to 150 points for higher education.
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Language Proficiency: Up to 136 points for first official language (single) and 34 for a second official language.
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Work Experience: Canadian experience adds up to 80 points.
2. Additional points (e.g., a provincial nomination or sibling is Canadian): up to 600 points
How Education is Scored
For applicants with foreign education credentials, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is mandatory to verify equivalency to Canadian standards. Approved ECA organizations include:
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World Education Services (WES)
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International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
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Comparative Education Service (CES)
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International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
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International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
An ECA is essential for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) eligibility and will enhance CRS points for other streams.
How to Demonstrate Language Proficiency
To create a valid Express Entry profile, you must demonstrate language proficiency in English or French. Tests must be taken through an approved provider, including:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
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CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
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TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
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TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
Your test results are valid for two years and must meet the minimum score required by your chosen program (e.g., CEC, FSWP, or FSTP). This score is converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, which contribute to your overall CRS score.
How Work Experience is Scored
Here’s how the system evaluates and categorizes your work experience:
Foreign Work Experience
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1 year of work experience: 40 points.
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2–3 years of work experience: 53 points.
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4 or more years of work experience: 70 points.
Canadian Work Experience (CEC, FSWP, FSTP)
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1 year of Canadian work experience: 40 points.
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2 years of Canadian work experience: 53 points.
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3 years or more of Canadian work experience: 80 points.
In addition, every job listed in your employment history must align with an appropriate National Occupational Classification (NOC) code under TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
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TEER 0: Management positions (e.g., marketing manager, engineering director).
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TEER 1: Professional occupations requiring a degree (e.g., software engineers, accountants).
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TEER 2: Technical roles with diplomas/apprenticeships (e.g., engineering technologists).
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TEER 3: Skilled trades with diplomas or certifications (e.g., bakers, plumbers).
Work experience in TEER 4 or 5 does not qualify under Express Entry.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you’ve worked in Canada, the CEC is the most accessible pathway to permanent residency, although it’s crucial to understand what kind of work experience qualifies.
To be eligible:
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Your experience must be skilled work under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 (e.g., managerial roles, professional jobs, and technical occupations).
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You need at least 12 months of full-time work (or an equivalent amount in part-time hours) within the last three years.
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Work experience must be gained legally while on proper authorization, such as a valid work permit.
What doesn’t count:
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Self-employment or work completed while you were a full-time student doesn’t qualify. For instance, running a side business while studying in Canada won’t meet the eligibility criteria.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry
If you’re not receiving enough points under Express Entry’s CRS, the PNP could be your secondary option. Provinces and territories nominate candidates based on regional labour needs, and many PNP streams are linked to Express Entry.
Here’s how it works:
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You create an Express Entry profile and indicate interest in specific provinces or territories.
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If selected, you receive a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your CRS score. This practically guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Each province has its own priorities. For example, Ontario often focuses on IT professionals, while Alberta and Saskatchewan often look for agricultural and trade workers. Researching your eligibility and aligning your profile with regional needs is key to a successful application. This can be a perplexing and time-consuming process; consulting with a legal expert with experience and the latest legal context would greatly accelerate this legwork.
Creating Your Express Entry Profile
Once you’ve gathered your documents and confirmed your eligibility, you’ll create your profile in the Express Entry system.
This includes:
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Personal information (age, marital status, etc.)
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Language test results
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ECA report (if applicable)
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Work experience history, aligned with your NOCs
After submitting your profile, the system assigns you a CRS score and informs you which program(s) you qualify for.
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off in a draw, you’ll receive an ITA. This is where you’ll need to submit a complete and accurate application within 60 days, including:
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Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters, contracts, pay stubs)
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Proof of education (e.g., degrees, ECA report)
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Language test results
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Proof of funds (if you don’t have a job offer in Canada)
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Documents for accompanying family members (e.g., passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates)
This is also the stage where additional checks, such as medical exams and police certificates, may be asked for as well.
Summary of Supporting Documentation
Preparing for Express Entry means getting your paperwork in order before you hit submit. Here’s what you’ll need:
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Proof of Work Experience: Employer reference letters detailing your role, responsibilities, hours worked, and duration of employment. Include contracts and pay stubs for added credibility.
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Educational Credentials: A Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for degrees obtained outside Canada to confirm they’re equivalent to Canadian standards.
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Language Test Results: Approved tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada to prove your proficiency in English or French. Scores must be valid at the time of application.
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Proof of Funds: If you don’t have a job offer in Canada, you’ll need bank statements or financial documents showing sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.
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Documents for Accompanying Family Members: Passports, birth certificates, and marriage certificates for family members included in your application.
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Intracompany Transferee (ICT)
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CUSMA and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Work Permits
C20 Reciprocal
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International Experience Canada (IEC)
Understanding the Express Entry System
Express Entry manages applications for three main economic immigration programs:
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with skilled Canadian work experience.
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with international work experience.
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For trade professionals in designated occupations.
