Express Entry – Comprehensive CRS Points Breakdown

Understanding Your Express Entry CRS Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Your CRS score is calculated based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other additional criteria. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the pool. Use the detailed breakdown below to understand how points are allocated across different categories and calculate your potential CRS score.

A. Core/human capital factors

You will earn points as if you don’t have a spouse or partner if:

  • they are not coming with you to Canada, or
  • they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Factors Points with a spouse or common-law partner Points without a spouse or common-law partner
Age 100 110
Level of education 140 150
Official languages proficiency 150 160
Canadian work experience 70 80
Point Breakdown of Core/human capital factors

  • With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 460 points total
  • Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 500 points total

Age

Age With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 100 points) Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 110 points)
17 years of age or less 0 0
18 years of age 90 99
19 years of age 95 105
20 to 29 years of age 100 110
30 years of age 95 105
31 years of age 90 99
32 years of age 85 94
33 years of age 80 88
34 years of age 75 83
35 years of age 70 77
36 years of age 65 72
37 years of age 60 66
38 years of age 55 61
39 years of age 50 55
40 years of age 45 50
41 years of age 35 39
42 years of age 25 28
43 years of age 15 17
44 years of age 5 6
45 years of age or more 0 0

Level of Education

Level of Education With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 140 points) Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 150 points)
Less than secondary school (high school) 0 0
Secondary diploma (high school graduation) 28 30
One-year degree, diploma or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute 84 90
Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute 91 98
Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute 112 120
Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years 119 128
Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree,” the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) 126 135
Doctoral level university degree (Ph.D.) 140 150

Official languages proficiency – first official language

Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):

  • 32 with a spouse or common-law partner
  • 34 without a spouse or common-law partner
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 128 points) Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 136 points)
Less than CLB 4 0 0
CLB 4 or 5 6 6
CLB 6 8 9
CLB 7 16 17
CLB 8 22 23
CLB 9 29 31
CLB 10 or more 32 34

Official languages proficiency – second official language

Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):

  • 6 with a spouse or common-law partner (up to a combined maximum of 22 points)
  • 6 without a spouse or common-law partner (up to a combined maximum of 24 points)
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 22 points) Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 24 points)
CLB 4 or less 0 0
CLB 5 or 6 1 1
CLB 7 or 8 3 3
CLB 9 or more 6 6

Canadian work experience

Canadian work experience With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 70 points) Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 80 points)
None or less than a year 0 0
1 year 35 40
2 years 46 53
3 years 56 64
4 years 63 72
5 years or more 70 80

B. Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)

Factors Points (Maximum 40 points)
Level of education 10
Official language proficiency 20
Canadian work experience 10
Point Breakdown of Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)

Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education

Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education With spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 10 points) Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply)
Less than secondary school (high school) 0 n/a
Secondary school (high school graduation) 2 n/a
One-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute 6 n/a
Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical in school, or other institute 7 n/a
Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute 8 n/a
Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years 9 n/a
Master’s degree, or professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree”, the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) 10 n/a
Doctoral level university degree (PhD) 10 n/a

Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.

Spouse’s or common-law partner’s official languages proficiency – first official language

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening) Maximum 20 points for section
Maximum 5 points per ability		 Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply)
CLB 4 or less 0 n/a
CLB 5 or 6 1 n/a
CLB 7 or 8 3 n/a
CLB 9 or more 5 n/a

Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.

Spouse’s Canadian work experience

Spouse’s Canadian work experience Maximum 10 points Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply)
None or less than a year 0 n/a
1 year 5 n/a
2 years 7 n/a
3 years 8 n/a
4 years 9 n/a
5 years or more 10 n/a

Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.

C. Skill Transferability factors

Education Points (Maximum 50 points)
With good/strong official languages proficiency and a post-secondary degree 50
With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree 50
Foreign work experience Points (Maximum 50 points)
With good/strong official languages proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level 7 or higher) and foreign work experience 50
With Canadian work experience and foreign work experience 50
Certificate of qualification (for people in trade occupations) Points (Maximum 50 points)
With good/strong official languages proficiency and a certificate of qualification 50
Point Breakdown of Skill transferability factors

  • For skill transferability factors: Maximum of 100 points

Education

With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 7 or higher) and a post-secondary degree

Education level Points for CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, with one or more under CLB 9 (Maximum 25 points) Points for CLB 9 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50 points)
Secondary school (high school) credential or less 0 0
Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer 13 25
Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer 25 50
A university-level credential at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill Level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required 25 50
A university-level credential at the doctoral level 25 50

With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree

Education level Points for education + 1 year of Canadian work experience (Maximum 25 points) Points for education + 2 years or more of Canadian work experience (Maximum 50 points)
Secondary school (high school) credential or less 0 0
Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer 13 25
Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer 25 50
A university-level credential at the master’s level or at the level of an entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill Level A for which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required 25 50
A university-level credential at the doctoral level 25 50

Foreign work experience – With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 7 or higher)

Years of experience Points for foreign work experience + CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under 9 (Maximum 25 points) Points for foreign work experience + CLB 9 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50 points)
No foreign work experience 0 0
1 or 2 years of foreign work experience 13 25
3 years or more of foreign work experience 25 50

Foreign work experience – With Canadian work experience

Years of experience Points for foreign work experience + 1 year of Canadian work experience (Maximum 25 points) Points for foreign work experience + 2 years or more of Canadian work experience (Maximum 50 points)
No foreign work experience 0 0
1 or 2 years of foreign work experience 13 25
3 years or more of foreign work experience 25 50

Certificate of qualification (trade occupations) – With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 5 or higher)

Qualification Points for certificate of qualification + CLB 5 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under 7 (Maximum 25 points) Points for certificate of qualification + CLB 7 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50 points)
With a certificate of qualification 25 50

D. Additional points

Factor Maximum points per factor
Brother or sister living in Canada (18 years or older, citizen or permanent resident) 15
French language skills 50
Post-secondary education in Canada 30
Provincial or territorial nomination 600
Breakdown of additional points
Additional points Maximum 600 points
Brother or sister living in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 15
Scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and scored CLB 4 or lower in English (or didn’t take an English test) 25
Scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills 50
Post-secondary education in Canada – credential of one or two years 15
Post-secondary education in Canada – credential three years or longer 30
Provincial or territorial nomination 600

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One of our licensed immigration consultants can speak with you in person, online or on the phone about your unique immigration situation and give you a breakdown of your options.
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862 thoughts on “Express Entry – Comprehensive CRS Points Breakdown”

  2. Please Sir, I applied as a main applicant for this program but if my spouse received a Canadian job offer will it add the job offer points to our application or that is exclusive to the main applicant?

    Reply ↓

  3. Dear Sir/Madam

    I am currently staying in South Africa and i have my Bachelor’s degree from India. I do have my transcript and Degree from my university. For my ECA from WES, can i send the Transcript that i have and other documents directly to WES or my university will have to send the transcript in a sealed envelope.

    Thanks in Advance

    Reply ↓

  4. I am currently an MBA student in Canada in BC and will complete in September,2016.
    However, I am working full time.
    My questions are:
    1) Will my experience count towards when I apply for the Express entry.
    2) Will my current stay in Calgary have an effect on my Providential nomination since I schooled in B.C..

    Thank you

    Reply ↓

  5. Dear CICS team,

    My IELTS GT results are
    L:6.5
    R:7
    S:7
    W:6.5
    over all Band 7.

    I am working as a compliance specialist with 10 years experience in financial sector and holding MBA degree from pakistan.

    are there chances of getting selected for the express entry pool or do i need to give Ilets again forbeter score?

    Reply ↓

  6. I have applied for Express Entry Profile under Federal Skilled Worker. NOC Code 4165. I have also submitted for state PNP in Prince Edward Island on 3rd August 2016. How soon there is a chance to get the PNP nomination from PEI? My CSR score is 347. If my spouse is enrolling for studies in Canada will it help us to get any additional score? Please give feedback.

    Reply ↓

  7. I would like to opt for Expree entry for Canada. I am a Master’s in computer applications and currently working in a Ltd firm. Which ielts is required – academic or general?

    Reply ↓

  8. I had my bachelor’s degree assessed by WES.
    Do I need to include my secondary education when filling up the express entry profile?

    Reply ↓

  10. I am 52 years old ,B.com /MBA ,both qualification assessed by WES. I am working as Manager Finance and accounts,experience 28 years. IELTS score w-6.5,S-7,R-6.5,L-6.5.Any possibility of Canada immigration.

    Reply ↓

  11. I don’t understand the Skill transferability factors. For instance: Points for CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under 9.”

    Then under it you have “Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer”, if I have a Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer BUT NOT CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, will I score 13 or zero or what?

    Reply ↓

  12. Pls I would like to know if evaluating my wife’s certificate will give me points if yes will the points be significant? As the principal applicant if I don’t meet up with the ielts scores and my wife does will I still need to repeat repeat test?

    Reply ↓

  13. i have done secondary education with 85% marks in non medical ../i got 6 band overall – 6.5 in listening 6 in reading 5.5 in writing and 5 speaking .. am i eligible for study in canada .. and plz suggest me .. which collage these bands

    Reply ↓

  14. I have a job offer letter from a Canadian company and I have 12 years of experience as quality analyst in IT companies in Hyderabad, India. Do I need to attempt IELTS Exam? Or am I eligible for express entry program without IELTS Score? Please clarify?

    Reply ↓

  15. Hi,

    Is it possible for me to apply PR for the below qualification

    Age: 28
    B.Tech IT
    5.10 years of experience as a .NET Programmer
    IELTS Score: 6.5
    Listening: 6.0
    Reading: 6.5
    Writing: 6.0
    Speaking: 6.5
    Overall: 6.5

    Reply ↓

  16. I would like to ask if my husband is qualified for the express entry. he just had his ielts total band score is 7.5 ( Speaking 7, reading 7, writing 6.5, listening 7.5)…he graduated AB Political Science and more than 10 yrs of work experience. Age is 37 , country Philippines

    Reply ↓

  17. Hi,
    I have BSc Hons Degree in technology and e commerce from London UK. Course duration was more than 3 years. I have pakistani passport.
    Age 25. I have work experience of UK but in hospitality.
    Now I have questions, first how many bands atleast will I require and will I be eligible with minimum IELTS score.
    Second, my maternal uncle’s daughter is going there too. Do you think that she can support me.
    Your response will be highly appreciated

    Reply ↓

  18. Pls I would like to know your:
    * cost if you were to help me to process Permanent Residence Visa under the Express Entry Immigration to Canada (Only myself as I am still single).
    * Installments plan for the payment of your fess.
    * Roles or responsibilities from the beginning to the end of the process that will ensure success of the process.

    Lastly, I would like all conversations to be by mails for documentation purpose. I will call where need be.

    I look forward to your prompt response shortly.

    Thank you.

    Reply ↓

  20. Hi..I am having score of IELTS General Training, L-8.5,R-8.5,W-6.5,S-6.5
    I have total score of 384 in express entry.However the lowest score that has come in express entry draw is 454, Can you give me how I can improve my score with Provisional / Territory nomination,what’s the process.Please guide.

    Reply ↓

  21. hi..! i got over all 5.5 in ielts, and i have 4+ years of experience as a network admin, and i also have job offer latter from canada employer, so can i apply for pr now?
    please suggest me… it’s very important for me

    Reply ↓

  22. Hi

    I have been accepted in the pool but I want to increase my points. If my wife’s bachelor degree is approved by ECA how many points will I get for it?
    Thank you

    Reply ↓

  23. Hi,

    I have 3+ yrs experience in Wipro as an Incident Manager and i scored 7 bands in IELTS, I am now planning to move to Canada and would like to apply for PR through express entry.
    Would i be eligible for that?
    Please Help .

    Reply ↓

  24. hi
    i am manager in bank with more than 6 yr expirance and having Master degree
    my occupation comes under one of skill categary
    i have IELTS CLB 8 and with ECA report,
    am i able to apply for express entry without spouse IELTS and ECA and
    is it necessary for my spouse to appear for IELTS
    or my points will enable me for eligibility
    i am mainly intrested for PNP programme
    does it require spouse IELTS AND ECA

    Reply ↓

  25. Hello, this is the second time I am writing without a response.. I have as follows
    R:6
    L:6
    W: 6.5
    S: 7.0
    total of 6.5.
    age: 33
    3-4yrs work experience.
    But each time I try it tells me I am not eligible. From your responses the minimum is 6.0. Please kindly help me with information on what could be wrong. Has the minimum band score changed? This is really frustrating for me.

    Reply ↓

    • It’s not just about language requirement. You also need to meet other criteria under Federal Skilled Worker.

      Reply ↓

  26. hi, I just want to find out if my spouse and I can open two different express entry profiles or if its just supposed to be one for the two of us.

    Reply ↓

  28. I have a degree from US & I 140 approved.I am on work Visa in States & have been living here now for 8 years .Do I still need to take test for English proficiency ?

    Reply ↓

  29. i am already in the pool but my score is not more than 348. i understand i need a job offer or a PNP to boost my chances of getting an invite. how can your company render service in this line. Am 37 already married with 3 kids. someone is also suggesting school route like getting another college degree in canada to boost my chances of post work and also getting a job and re-applying

    Reply ↓

  30. Hello, I have a job offer in BC, we are family of 3,age 35,34,3, and I am already working in QC for more than a year. My language scores for English is

    L. 7
    R.8
    W.6.5
    S.7.5

    What wold be best program for us to apply for PR ?

    Reply ↓

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