How does Canada use the CRS system to choose permanent residents? 

Canada’s Express Entry is the top immigration stream for prospective permanent residents (PR) of Canada. At the heart of the system is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points system used to assess and rank candidates based on various factors.

Knowledge of CRS is crucial to potential immigrants who want to boost their prospects of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. The following article will offer detailed information regarding the CRS system and how one can improve their CRS score.

However, first, let us know how the comprehensive ranking system score comes into the Express Entry.

Role of the Comprehensive Ranking System Score in Express Entry 

The CRS gives scores to Express Entry candidates based on their potential economic contribution to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds periodic draws, where the top-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool are invited to apply for PR. Thus, a higher CRS score directly translates to higher chances of getting an ITA.

Components of the Comprehensive Ranking System Score 

The CRS assesses candidates in various categories, each of which is part of the overall score:

• Core Human Capital Factors: These are age, education, English and/or French language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.​
• Spousal/Common-Law Partner Factors: If applicable, the partner’s education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience are taken into account.​
• Skill Transferability Factors: This evaluates the combination of education, foreign work experience, and language proficiency to determine economic success in Canada.
• Other Factors: There are points awarded for other factors such as a genuine job offer, provincial or territorial nomination, Canadian education qualifications, French language proficiency, and having a brother or sister in Canada.

Recent updates in the CRS system 

In March of 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released vital updates to the Express Entry system:

• Removal of Extra Points for Job Offers: Since March 25, 2025, candidates no longer gain extra CRS points for a legitimate job offer, including those that are supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Previously, such job offers had the potential to add between 50 and 200 points to a candidate’s CRS score.

• Introduction of Category-Based Draws: The IRCC introduced category-based draws to manage specific labor market requirements. In 2025, a new education category will be included to coordinate the selection of federal economic immigrants with Canada’s long-term labor market shortages. 

Strategies to Improve Your CRS Score

With these changes, the applicants can focus on the following to get improved CRS scores:

• Improve Language Skills: Scoring well in English and/or French language tests has a gigantic potential to enhance your CRS points. Retaking language tests to meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 or above can lead to considerable improvements.

• Pursue Higher Studies: A higher education achievement, especially by Canadian institutions, will increase your CRS score. Advanced degrees and those issued are very much valued during the CRS computation. 

• Get Appropriate Work Experience: Gain more work experience, or better yet, work experience in Canada, to gain your CRS points. Where applicable, have at least a year of experience in Canada.

• Get a Provincial Nomination: A province or territorial nomination increases your CRS score by 600 points, pretty much ensuring an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

• Become French Proficient: Acquiring French proficiency can gain you a maximum of 50 points above your CRS score and may qualify you for category-based draws for French-speaking candidates.

• Include Spouse or Partner Factors: If this is the case, factor in your spouse or common-law partner’s credentials. Their education level, language skills, and work history can add points to your CRS score.

Conclusion

Canada’s Express Entry scheme applies the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to choose permanent residents, with the highest-scoring applicants invited to apply through regular draws. In March 2025, the IRCC removed additional points for job offers and initiated category-based draws to handle labor market needs. Language skill improvement can yield up to 50 extra points on CRS scores.

For more details about the comprehensive ranking system score, reach out to Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.

Read More: CIC Express.