The Canada immigration points system is used to assess and rank candidates applying for immigration through the Express Entry system. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the specific points-based system used to evaluate candidates based on various factors. Here are the key components and how points are calculated:
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Factors:
- Core Human Capital Factors:
- Age: Maximum 110 points. Points decrease as the candidate gets older.
- Education: Maximum 150 points for a foreign credential equivalent to a Canadian master’s or doctoral degree.
- Language Proficiency (English and/or French): Maximum 136 points for the first official language and 24 points for the second. Points are awarded based on the candidate’s proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Skill Transferability Factors:
- Education and Canadian Work Experience: Maximum 50 points for a combination of high education and work experience in Canada.
- Language Proficiency and Canadian Work Experience: Maximum 50 points for a combination of high language proficiency and work experience in Canada.
- Foreign Work Experience: Maximum 50 points for foreign work experience combined with language proficiency.
- Canadian Study Experience: Maximum 30 points for a candidate who has completed a program of study in Canada.
- Sibling in Canada: Maximum 15 points for having a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Arranged Employment: Maximum 200 points for candidates with a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or under certain circumstances, exempt from an LMIA.
- Provincial Nomination: Candidates with a provincial nomination receive an additional 600 points.
Maximum Total CRS Points:
Additional Information:
- Express Entry Pool: Candidates enter the Express Entry pool and are assigned a CRS score based on the factors mentioned above.
- Regular Draws: The Canadian government conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who receive an ITA can submit a complete application for permanent residence.
- Job Offer and Provincial Nomination: While a job offer and provincial nomination significantly increase CRS points, they are not mandatory for eligibility in the Express Entry pool.
It’s important to note that the CRS system and points allocation may change, and it’s advisable to refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information. Candidates interested in Express Entry should also be aware that the system is competitive, and high CRS scores increase the chances of receiving an invitation.