What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada's flagship immigration system, managing applications for three economic programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns a score out of 1,200 points.
How CRS Points Are Calculated
The CRS evaluates candidates across four main categories:
- Core/Human Capital (max 500 for singles, 460 with spouse): Age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience
- Spouse Factors (max 40): Education, language, and work experience of your accompanying partner
- Skill Transferability (max 100): Cross-factor combinations like education + language, or education + work experience
- Additional Points (max 600): Provincial nomination (600!), valid job offer (50-200), Canadian education, French language, sibling in Canada
Current CRS Trends
In recent draws, the CRS cutoff for general invitations has ranged between 430-520 points. Category-based draws (targeting specific occupations or French speakers) can have significantly different thresholds.
Top Strategies to Boost Your CRS Score
1. Improve Your Language Score
Language is the single biggest lever in CRS. Moving from IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 across all bands can add 30-40 CRS points. Consider retaking the test with focused preparation.
2. Get a Provincial Nomination
A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 points — virtually guaranteeing an invitation. Research PNP streams that match your profile, especially in smaller provinces like Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, or Manitoba.
3. Gain Canadian Work Experience
Even one year of Canadian work experience adds significant points through both direct scoring and skill transferability combinations.
4. Credential Assessment
Get your foreign credentials evaluated by WES or another designated organization. A higher credential assessment can bump you into a higher education bracket.
5. French Language Bonus
French proficiency (NCLC 7+) adds bonus points, and bilingual candidates receive even more. This is increasingly valuable as Canada prioritizes Francophone immigration.
Use our free CRS calculator to see exactly how many points you score and get personalized improvement recommendations.