Understanding the Immigration point system
The Canadian Express Entry immigration system is based on points. It uses a merit-based system to select the profiles of the competitive foreign nationals to settle and work in Canada permanently. Canadian has three important economic immigration programs that are aligned with the Express Entry system:
Under each program, candidates applying for immigration are assigned with certain points based on important selection factors such as Age, Language Proficiency, Education, Work Experience, and other factors. These are known as Canadian Immigration Points or CRS score.
Candidates who want to apply for Canadian PR through the Express Entry system create a profile with a maximum accuracy of information to enter into the pool. Each profile is assessed and assigned with a CRS score out of 1200 points. The profiles are ranked according to the score obtained and they are granted ITA.
The Express Entry system works on Immigration draw that is conducted every fortnight. The draw is represented by a CRS cut-off to select the candidates for ITA.
Out of the three important economic immigration programs, the Federal Skilled Worker Program uses a separate points system, before calculating the CRS score, also refers to as 67 Canada Immigration Points. The candidates need to meet a minimum score of 67 out of 100 points to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for FSW. These points are allocated based on age, education, language proficiency, work experience, adaptability, and employment factors.
It is important to note that scoring 67 points out of 100 is the minimum score required to enter into the Express Entry pool under FSW. It makes the candidates eligible to get their CRS score. However, we always suggest our candidates to put efforts into scoring as much possible as they can.
Canada has two official languages – English and French (in Quebec province). Knowing English, French or both languages is extremely beneficial for foreign workers/ nationals. Candidates can get up to 28 points in the four abilities- Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking.
Candidates are required to undertake an approved language test to prove their language proficiency. They need to meet the standards of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence Linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French.
Calculating points for First official language (24 points) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
First official language | Speaking | Listning | Reading | Writing |
CLB level 9 or higher | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
CLB level 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
CLB level 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Below CLB level 7 | Not eligible to apply | Not eligible to apply | Not eligible to apply | Not eligible to apply |
Calculating points for Second official language (4 points) | |
---|---|
Second official language | Points |
At least CLB 5 in all of the 4 abilities | 4 |
CLB 4 or less in any of the 4 abilities | 0 |
Candidates can score up to 25 points in the Education factor if they have a degree, certificate, or diploma obtained from a Secondary or Post- Secondary institution. Candidates who have completed their education outside of Canada have to submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) document as proof that the degree, certificate, or diploma they are presenting is equivalent to the Canadian standards of education.
Candidates can obtain up to 15 points under the work experience factor. They have to provide full-time paid work experience for at least 30 hours per week or part-time paid work experience for at least 15 hours per week for 24 months (i.e. equivalent to the full- time paid work experience). Additionally, the work experience must be in an occupation classified under the National Occupational Classification for Skill level A or B or Skill Type 0.
Calculating points as per the number of years of experience | |
---|---|
Experience | Maximum 15 points |
1 year | 9 |
2-3 years | 11 |
4-5 years | 13 |
6 or more years | 15 |
The points under this factor are allocated at the time of application submission. Candidates can obtain up to 12 points as per their age.
Age | Points |
---|---|
Under 18 | 0 |
18-35 | 12 |
36 | 11 |
37 | 10 |
38 | 9 |
39 | 8 |
40 | 7 |
41 | 6 |
42 | 5 |
43 | 4 |
44 | 3 |
45 | 2 |
46 | 1 |
47 and older | 0 |
Candidates can obtain up to 10 points if they present a valid and official job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must be of at least 1 year for full- time paid work, constituting 30 hours per week. Additionally, the job offer must be in an occupation listed as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B of the NOC
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada with your spouse or common-law partner, it can get you 10 points for adaptability. The candidate and their spouse can earn the points together by combining the below elements:
Adaptability | Maximum 10 points |
---|---|
Your spouse or partner’s language level Your spouse or common-law partner has a language level in either English or French at CLB 4 level or higher in all 4 language abilities (speaking, listening, reading and writing). To get these points, you must submit your spouse or common-law partner’s test results from an approved agency when you apply. The language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. They must be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence. |
5 |
Your past studies in Canada You completed at least 2 academic years of full-time study (in a program at least 2 years long) at a secondary or post-secondary school in Canada. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of classes per week. You must have stayed in good academic standing (as set out by the school) during that time. |
5 |
Your spouse or partner’s past studies in Canada Your spouse or common-law partner completed at least 2 academic years of full-time study (in a program at least 2 years long) at a secondary or post-secondary school in Canada. Full-time study means at least 15 hours of classes per week, and your spouse or partner must have stayed in good academic standing (as set out by the school) during that time. |
5 |
Your past work in Canada You did at least 1 year of full-time work in Canada:
|
10 |
Your spouse or common-law partner’s past work in Canada Your spouse or partner did at least 1 year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit or while authorized to work in Canada. |
5 |
Arranged employment in Canada You earned points for having arranged employment. |
5 |
Relatives in Canada You, or your spouse or common-law partner, have a relative who is:
This relative must be a:
|