Are you considering immigrating to Canada through an Express Entry Program? If so, understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) can boost your chances of success. In 2023, Canada invited several applicants to use the Express Entry System to apply for permanent residence. According to Canada’s immigration levels plans for 2024-2026, 2024 offers more chances, making it the best time to understand the CRS.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System?
The Comprehensive Ranking System is a points-based system that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) devised to select candidates to address Canada’s labor market needs. Based on the grading, a high CRS score gives you a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply through Express Entry. You must qualify for at least one of the following Express Entry programs to get a CRS score:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class allows international graduates and temporary foreign workers to gain Canadian work experience. CEC eligibility requires you to complete at least a year of technical or professional work experience in Canada within 36 months of the application date. You must also plan to live and work outside Quebec.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The FSWP provides an objective evaluation of immigration candidates. Its minimum requirements include a year of full-time work experience or an equivalent paid work experience within 10 years. You may sometimes need to demonstrate that you have savings to provide financial support when you arrive in Canada. Additionally, you need a validated language ability equated to Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in French or English. You must be able to listen, read, write, and speak.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP enables you to obtain a permanent residence within six months. To be eligible for FSTP, you must demonstrate your experience and skills in performing your occupation. Candidates must have obtained full-time work experience over two years or equivalent part-time work. You must obtain work experience in the skilled trade in the five years before you apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
How Canada Uses CRS to Select Permanent Residence Candidates
The IRCC conducts periodic Express Entry draws, inviting the top candidates to apply for permanent residence. Only those who attain or exceed the cutoff scores receive invitations to apply. In case of a tie, the application date serves as the tiebreaker. The following factors influence your CRS score:
- Age
- Arranged employment
- Education
- Skills
- Work experience
- Language proficiency
- Family ties to Canada
