What is CRS?

The Canadian immigration authorities, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada) introduced a point system in 2015, known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Meant to assist the Express Entry immigration system, the CRS allows immigration authorities to evaluate the profiles of candidates. Applicants may apply through one of the three federal government’s skilled worker programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

On the basis of their CSR Scores, candidates are selected for ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Canada PR. A helpful tool like a CSR Calculator allows interested candidates in calculating their CSR Score. 

What is CRS Calculator/Express Entry Points Calculator?

The CRS Calculator/Express Entry Points Calculator is a tool meant to help candidates calculate their CSR Score. A CSR Score is a requisite for those who wish to immigrate to Canada. The CRS Calculator asks candidates a set of questions pertaining to the different factors that are taken into account by the CRS. Candidates are assessed on the following: 

• Skills
• Education
• Language Ability
• Work Experience
• Other Factors

What is the CRS calculator/tool?

Applicants interested in immigrating to Canada can utilise a CRS Calculator to determine if their credentials are sufficient for them to receive an ITA from the Canadian immigration authorities. The CSR Calculator takes into account the 4 factors on the basis of which these points are awarded.

How CRS points are calculated with CRS Calculator?

The overall CRS Score is broken up into different sections with different combinations resulting in higher points. If you have a spouse, their profile is also taken into account as a secondary-applicant which means that they don’t add extra points to your total, they simply add a small percentage of the total.

Section A – Core/Human Capital Factors

With Spouse

Criteria	Max Points Awarded
Age	100
Level of Education	140
Official Language Proficiency	150
Work Experience in Canada	70

Without Spouse

Criteria	Max Points Awarded
Age	110
Level of Education	150
Official Language Proficiency	160
Work Experience in Canada	80

Section B – Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors

Criteria	Max Points Awarded
Level of Education	10
Official Language Proficiency	20
Work Experience in Canada	10

Core/Human Capital Factors + Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors = Maximum 500 points (with or without a spouse or common-law partner)

Section C – Skill Transferability Factors

Education	Max Points Awarded
With good language proficiency + a post-secondary degree	50
With Canadian work experience + a post-secondary degree	50
Foreign Work Experience	Max Points Awarded
With good official language proficiency + foreign work experience	50
With Canadian work experience + foreign work experience	50
Certificate of Qualification (Trades Occupations)	Max Points Awarded
With good language proficiency + a certificate of qualification	50

Core/Human Capital Factors + Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors + Skill Transferability Factors = Maximum 600 points

Section D – Additional Points

Criteria	Max Points Awarded
Brother/sister living in Canada	15
French language proficiency	30
Post-secondary education in Canada	30
Arranged employment	200
PN nomination	600

Core/Human Capital Factors + Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors + Skill Transferability Factors + Additional Points = Grand total – Maximum 1,200 points

How CRS Calculator Works?

Under the Express Entry Program, candidates who apply for Canada PR Visa through the Canadian government’s skilled worker programs are all put together in a pool. Following that, the profiles are ranked in this pool based on points they receive on the basis of the 4 CSR factors:

• Core/Human Capital Factors
• Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors
• Skill Transferability Factors
• Additional Points

Each factor has a maximum number of CRS points allotted to it. A CRS Calculator allows candidates to calculate their CRS Score which in turn assists them in their immigration process.

What is the Express Entry Program 2020?

Express Entry Program is the flagship program by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada). Introduced in January 2015, it is meant to facilitate skilled immigrants in acquiring a Canada Permanent Resident Visa. The Express Entry Program manages the profile of the immigrants who register under the skilled economic immigration programs listed below:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Express Entry 2020 Vs Canada PNP

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a different immigration program for skilled immigrants to apply for Canada PR Visa. Under the program, provinces and territories in Canada can nominate individuals and families who wish to settle in their province or territory based on criteria set by the province. Candidates must meet the criteria set in order to become a provincial nominee, which consists of possessing the necessary skills, education, and work experience. Every province in Canada has these PNPs (except Quebec as it has its own immigration program, i.e. QSWP).

In comparison to the Canadian federal government’s program, PNPs have fewer requirements for immigrants to meet. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and most are point-based like the Express Entry immigration system. The requirements are dependent on numerous factors like the demands of the labor market in the province. The needs of the province, as well as the applicant’s genuine intention to settle there is the basis on which the province or territory will consider their application. Candidates are given the provincial nomination certificate if they are able to meet those requirements.

Latest CRS Cut-off

The IRCC holds draws approximately every two weeks to issue ITAs to candidates with high CSR Scores in the express pool. It is essential that candidates figure out if they meet the cut-off by calculating their CRS Score using a CSR Calculator. The latest CRS cut-offs are given below:

Date	CRS Score (of lowest-ranked candidate invited)
March 4, 2020	471
February 19, 2020	470
February 5, 2020	472
January 22, 2020	471
January 8, 2020	473

What are the minimum requirements to apply for a Canada PR Visa?

Skilled immigrants with work experience in an eligible occupation may apply for Canada PR Visa through Express Entry Program. However, they must meet the few requirements in order to be eligible when applying for a Canada PR Visa:

• Candidates must be able to score a minimum of 67 points in an assessment grid
• Minimum of one year of continuous work experience in a skilled occupation that is categorized under National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill level type 0, A, B or C.
• Minimum CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 7 under language proficiency
• Education must be equivalent to the Canadian education system (Education Credential Assessment) and must have a minimum of a post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate
• The candidate is also required to show proof of funds that are required to support the move to Canada financially

What is the cost to apply for a Canada PR Visa?

It is essential that candidates get an idea of their CRS scores before they apply for a Canada PR Visa. This can be done by using a CRS calculator. This will help them to determine whether they fulfill the necessary requirements and if they have a chance to be selected for an ITA. The cost to apply for a Canada PR Visa per applicant is CAD $1040. The breakdown of the cost is as follows:

• Primary applicant: 
  • Educational Credential Assessment is CAD $285 (approx. INR 14,973)
  • Right to PR Fee is CAD $490 (approx. INR 25,745), 
  • Fees for Final Visa Application is CAD $550 (approx. INR 28,894)
• Secondary applicant or spouse:
  • Educational Credential Assessment is CAD $285 (approx. INR 14,973
  • Right to PR Fee is CAD $490 (approx. INR 25,745)
  • Fees for Final Visa Application is CAD $550 (approx. INR 28,894)
• Accompanying dependent child
  • Right to PR Fee is CAD $150 (approx. INR 7,880)

What are the major factors that affect the CRS Score?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) takes into account 4 factors when calculating CRS Scores of candidates. These factors are: 

1. Core/Human Capital Factors (age, education, experience, etc.)
2. Skill Transferability Factors (Canadian/foreign work experience, language ability, etc.)
3. Spouse Factor (Spouse education, work experience, etc)
4. Additional Points (Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, etc.)

What are the ways to improve CRS Score 2020?

Candidates who wish to receive an ITA for Canada PR need a high CRS Score. This can be achieved when active measures are taken to improve these scores through the methods listed below. Candidates can use a CRS calculator to calculate their CRS Score, which is extremely helpful when one is trying to figure out what to prioritize when attempting to improve their score.

Age

Candidates between the ages of 20 and 29 receive the highest CRS Score in this category, and so one might assume starting their immigration process as soon as possible is the best course of action. However, candidates must keep in mind the other criteria that require them to get adequate qualifications and experience in your field, something which takes years to acquire.

Retake language test

The language ability adds up to 260 CRS points for a single candidate, or up to 270 points for a couple. As the most valued human capital factor under the Comprehensive Ranking System, improvements in the language tests can make a significant difference to one’s CRS Score.

Gain work experience

Candidates working outside Canada and who have less than three years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience should continue working. While they won’t score any points under the human capital factors, they are rewarded in the skills transferability combinations. Additionally, it is essential for candidates working in Canada on a work permit to remain employed since they are rewarded more points for Canadian work experience. The CRS Score will update automatically given candidates indicate that their employment is ongoing on your Express Entry profile.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), candidates that are able to a provincial nomination certificate are awarded 600 CRS points. Such a major boost ensures candidates are selected for the ITA.

Complete another educational program

Gaining more education can result in a much higher CRS Score despite being a long-term strategy. Furthermore, education is an important component of the skill transferability factors section of the CRS. To maximize those points, candidates must complete two or more post-secondary credentials, with at least one being a program of three-years or longer.

Get a Canadian job offer

50 CRS points are awarded to candidates who obtain a job offer in Canada. However, it is critical that their job offer meets a strict set of conditions if the candidate wishes to claim points for it.

CRS Score History for 2019

Date	CRS Score (of lowest-ranked candidate invited)
January 9, 2019	449
January 23, 2019	443
January 30, 2019	438
February 20, 2019	457
March 6, 2019	454
March 20, 2019	452
April 3, 2019	451
April 17, 2019	451
May 1, 2019	450
May 15, 2019	332 (Federal Skilled Trades only)
May 29, 2019	470
June 12, 2019	465
June 26, 2019	462
July 10, 2019	460
July 24, 2019	459
August 12, 2019	466
August 20, 2019	457
September 4, 2019	463
September 18, 2019	462
October 2, 2019	464
October 16, 2019	357 (Federal Skilled Trades only)
October 30, 2019	475
November 13, 2019	472
November 27, 2019	471
December 11, 2019	472
December 19, 2019	469