If you plan to apply for permanent residence through Canada’s top economic immigration system, you’ve likely wondered: How is my CRS score calculated under Express Entry?

Your CRS score plays a central role in determining whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Because Express Entry works on a points-based ranking model, knowing how these points are awarded helps you plan your profile in a smarter way.

The CRS, or Comprehensive Ranking System, evaluates your profile out of 1,200 points, spread across several factor groups. These include personal traits, education, language ability, work experience, and special bonus categories. The higher your score, the better your chances of being selected in a future draw.

CRS Score Breakdown: Full Points Structure

To understand how your CRS score is calculated under Express Entry, here is the full scoring table:

Factor Category	Max Points (Without Spouse)	Max Points (With Spouse)
Core Human Capital Factors	500	460
Spouse or Partner Factors	N/A	40
Skill Transferability	100	100
Additional Points	600	600
Total Possible	1,200	1,200

Core Human Capital Factors: Core factors form the foundation of your CRS score. These represent qualities that make you more likely to succeed in the Canadian labour market.

Age: Younger applicants receive more points. The maximum score goes to individuals aged 20-29. Points gradually decline after age 30, and candidates aged 45 or older receive zero points for age.

Education: The higher your education, the more points you earn.

Examples:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• PhD

If your education is from outside Canada, you must submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove its Canadian equivalency.

Language Ability: Strong English or French skills can dramatically boost your CRS score.

You must take an accepted test:

• IELTS General
• CELPIP General
• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada
• PTE Core

Achieving CLB 9 or higher in each ability (reading, writing, speaking, listening) gives the highest points.

Canadian Work Experience: Skilled experience gained inside Canada under the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories adds valuable points.

Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: If you apply with a spouse or partner, their background can add up to 40 points to your profile.

Breakdown:

• Language ability: 20 points
• Education: 10 points
• Canadian work experience: 10 points

This category only applies if you are submitting a joint application.

Skill Transferability and How it Affects Your CRS Score

This section rewards powerful combinations of education, foreign work experience, language skills, and Canadian work experience.

You can earn up to 100 points.

Examples of high-value combinations include:

• Strong language scores + a post-secondary degree
• Foreign work experience + CLB 9+
• Canadian work experience + foreign work experience

These combinations help IRCC estimate your long-term economic potential.

Additional Points (Up to 600 Points)

These can drastically increase your CRS score. Even applicants with moderate core points can jump to the top of the pool when qualifying for these bonus categories.

Provincial Nomination (PNP)

• Adds 600 points
• Guarantees an ITA in the next draw

Arranged Employment

• Adds 50 or 200 points depending on the TEER category of the job
• Requires a valid job offer (often with LMIA)

Canadian Study Experience

• Adds 15 to 30 points for completing a qualifying program in Canada

French Language Ability

• Up to 50 points for strong French skills

Sibling in Canada

• Adds 15 points if your sibling is a citizen or permanent resident

How to Calculate Your CRS Score

IRCC provides an official tool on the Government of Canada website. You simply enter your details and receive your estimated score instantly. This helps you plan improvements such as boosting language scores, pursuing a PNP, or improving your work experience.

To summarize, how my CRS score is calculated under Express Entry depends on a mix of age, education, skills, language scores, work experience, and additional bonus factors. Improving even one section can raise your score and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

If you’re planning to apply for Express Entry and want expert help improving your CRS score, ImmigCanada is here to support you every step of the way. Contact ImmigCanada today to start your PR journey with confidence.