Home_Logo

CRS Calculator (updated for 2024)

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS Calculator) – Express Entry Calculator explained with easy instructions

Everything you need to know about CRS Calculator in 2024

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) tool is a key part of Canada’s Express Entry system for immigration. It’s like a big scoreboard that helps decide who gets a chance to live in Canada permanently. The CRS awards points to people who want to move to Canada, based on four main categories: core human capital factors, spouse or common-law partner factors, skill transferability factors, and additional points. Let’s break these down in a simple way:

A. Core Human Capital Factors: This is about you! It includes your age, education, language ability in English and/or French, and your work experience in Canada. Think of it like a personal scorecard. If you’re younger, well-educated, fluent in English or French, and have work experience in Canada, you score higher.

B. Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors: If you’re moving with a spouse or partner, their education, language skills, and Canadian work experience can also earn you points. It’s like getting bonus points because of your partner’s skills.

C. Skill Transferability Factors: This part is like a bonus round. It looks at how your skills might transfer to the Canadian market. It combines your education, foreign work experience, and language ability to see how well you could adapt to work in Canada.

D. Additional Points: These are like extra credit. You can get these points for various reasons like having a sibling in Canada, strong French language skills, higher education in Canada, having a job offer in Canada, or receiving a nomination from a Canadian province or territory.

Each category has a maximum number of points, and the system adds them up to see how you score out of a possible 1,200 points. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

This points system helps Canada select people who are most likely to succeed and contribute to the country’s economy and society. It’s a fair way to see who might do well in Canada, based on their skills, experience, and potential.

CRS Calculator

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry to Canada awards points for core/human capital factors differently for individuals with or without a spouse or common-law partner. The maximum points with a spouse are 460 and without are 500. Points are awarded based on age, education level, official language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. Age points decrease after 29 years, so the maximum points are rewarded for ages between 20 and 29. Education points increase with higher qualifications, up to 150 points for a doctoral degree. Language proficiency points are based on Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, with a maximum of 136 points. Canadian work experience can contribute up to 80 points. For more details, please visit the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteria – Express Entry page.

A. Core / human capital factors

Your marital status itself doesn't directly contribute to your CRS score, but it plays a critical role in determining the points you can earn in other categories. The scoring criteria vary depending on whether you're applying with or without a spouse or common-law partner.



Your age is a significant factor in the CRS scoring system. Points are allocated based on your age at the time of application, with different age groups receiving varying points. Younger applicants typically score higher, reflecting their longer potential contribution to the workforce.



It is essential to carefully select your study level as it significantly influences your overall score. As you apply, remember that the higher your level of study, the more points you can accumulate. Applicants with advanced degrees or extensive skilled training often achieve a higher score, enhancing their chances in the Express Entry pool. It's advisable to meticulously verify and apply the correct level of study to ensure your score reflects your true educational background. Skilled professionals with substantial academic achievements must ensure their academic level is accurately represented to maximize their score. As you apply, keep in mind that each tier of study, from a diploma to a PhD, carries a distinct weight in the scoring system. Your score is a pivotal factor in your Express Entry application, and ensuring it accurately reflects your level of study and skilled qualifications is key to success.



First Language Proficiency

Second Language Proficiency





B. Spouse or common-law partner factors

This section is visible based on Maritial Status you chose in section A. Core / Human capital factors. Section B of the CRS criteria for Express Entry to Canada focuses on factors related to a spouse or common-law partner. This section is applicable only if the applicant has a spouse or common-law partner. It awards a maximum of 10 points for the spouse's education level, 20 points for their proficiency in the first official language (with a maximum of 5 points per language ability), and 10 points for their Canadian work experience. Points are scaled based on the level of education, language proficiency, and duration of work experience. This section does not apply to applicants without a spouse or common-law partner.



Spouse Language Proficiency



Section C of the CRS Calculator, focusing on Skill Transferability Factors, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the profiles of skilled candidates. This section evaluates how candidates' skills and experience can be transferred to the Canadian market. Candidates with a work offer in Canada, or those who have already acquired a work permit, are often seen as having a higher potential for successful integration, thereby positively influencing their results in this section. It's crucial for candidates to accurately showcase any job offers or work permits they have, as these factors can significantly boost their overall results. Furthermore, the synergy between a candidate's existing skilled experience and any Canadian job offer or work permit they hold is critically assessed. Candidates should meticulously ensure their information is up-to-date and reflective of their current skilled status to optimize their results. Receiving a job offer or obtaining a work permit can be a game changer for many candidates, potentially leading to a higher score in the CRS system and improving their chances of success in the Express Entry process.

C. Skill Transferability factors









Section D of the CRS for Express Entry to Canada awards additional points, up to 600, for various factors. Having a sibling in Canada, proficiency in French, Canadian post-secondary education, arranged employment, and provincial or territorial nomination contribute to these points. Points vary, like 15 for a sibling in Canada, up to 600 for a provincial nomination. French language skills can add 25 to 50 points, and Canadian education contributes 15 to 30 points, depending on the credential length. Arranged employment points depend on the job's National Occupational Classification. The maximum total points, combining sections A, B, C, and D, is 1,200.

D. Additional points











The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry to Canada is a points-based tool used to assess and score immigrant applicants. It considers factors like human capital, spouse or common-law partner qualifications, skill transferability, and additional points for specific criteria such as Canadian siblings, language proficiency, and arranged employment. The maximum score is 1,200 points. Applicants can check their ranking in the most up-to-date Express Entry pool on the official Government of Canada website, which provides insights into their likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Do you need expert help with your Express Entry Application?

Evaluating points from CRS Calculator and deciding your next steps can be challenging. If you require assistance during this procedure or need more information you can contact us by the contact form below. Premier Visa and Immigration Services can help.

Premier Immigration Newsletter

Signup for our Newsletter

Latest in Canadian immigration: Subscribe for latest resources, news, and tips for employers, aspiring immigrants, and job seekers worldwide. 

*We value your privacy. Rest assured, your email remains secure with us, and our inbox is a no-spam zone.