Understanding The Points System For Canadian Immigration

When someone mentions the Canadian immigration points system, they are most likely referring to the Express Entry system in Canada. Express Entry employs a point system to identify the most qualified workers for immigration to Canada.

What is Canada’s Express Entry immigration points system?

Three programs are aligned with Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

These programs rate Express Entry profiles based on many parameters. Age, linguistic ability, education, work experience, and other characteristics determine immigration points.

This scoring system is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and a candidate’s total points are known as their CRS score. When someone refers to Canadian immigration points, they are usually referring to the CRS score.

Express Entry applicants must first create a profile listing all points-eligible elements (Create here). All qualified profiles obtain a CRS score from 1200 points. The Canadian government holds Express Entry draws every two weeks. The top candidates in each draw earn an ITA for Canadian immigration.

Each Express Entry draw has an IRCC cut-off score. Candidates having immigration points above the cut-off receive ITAs for Canadian immigration.

Federal Skilled Worker Points

One of Express Entry’s three programs is The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW). FSW also utilizes a points system. Canadian immigration points are often FSW points.

FSW candidates must complete eligibility requirements before calculating their CRS score. FSW points, a different immigration points system from the CRS score, determine FSW program eligibility in Canada.

100-point FSW grid. FSW candidates must score at least 67 out of 100 to submit an Express Entry profile. Age, education, language, employment experience, and Canadian ties are considered. FSW gives candidates different points for these factors than CRS.

FSW points of 67 out of 100 qualify for Express Entry. Obtaining a CRS score requires this minimum score.

FST and CEC, Canada’s other Express Entry-aligned programs, use the same immigration points system. Instead, FST and CEC applicants must complete program requirements.

Is There a Minimum CRS Score to Enter the Express Entry Pool?

There is no minimum CRS score required to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. The CRS cut-off fluctuates each draw and may increase or decrease depending on a number of factors. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not release what the minimum required CRS score will be ahead of each round of invitations. Therefore, the higher your CRS score, the stronger chance you will have of receiving an ITA.

How to Calculate your Immigration Points for Canada’s Express Entry System

Canada’s FSW and Express Entry immigration points system evaluates various aspects. Our Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) points grid pages provide more information regarding Canadian immigration points.

Our free CRS Calculator can quickly calculate your Express Entry immigration points. After joining Express Entry, our tool will assess your CRS score.

Our page lists the eligibility requirements for submitting an Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Complete our free online assessment form to determine your eligibility for this and other Canadian immigration programs.