Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System CRS

What is the Comprehensive Ranking System?

The Comprehensive Ranking System, or CRS, is a points-based system used to rank candidates applying for permanent residence in Canada through the newly-instituted Express Entry system.

Express Entry began in January 2015, and is utilized by foreign workers looking to become permanent residents of Canada. Interested parties fill out an online profile that determines if they are eligible, based on criteria such as what skills they possess, their work experience, language ability, etc. Eligible applicants are then added to a pool of other eligible candidates for permanent residence and ranked against each other using the Comprehensive Ranking System. The CRS assigns points based on the criteria that candidates are initially assessed on, as well as if they have a valid job offer, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or a nomination for permanent residence by one of the provinces or territories of Canada.

There are regular “rounds of invitations” that are conducted, giving candidates who may not have been selected when they first applied another chance at obtaining permanent residence. Applications will be on file for twelve (12) months from the date of submission. If at the end of those 12 months you still have not received an invitation for permanent residence, you can apply again through the Express Entry online portal, provided you still meet all criteria and/or have taken steps to improve your potential score with the Comprehensive Ranking System.

The CRS scores candidates out of a potential 1,200 points, and the formula used has four (4) aspects, namely:

Skills and experience factors that are known to be key contributors to immigrants’ economic success once in Canada)
Spouse or common-law partner factors, for example language ability, education, etc.
Skill transferability
Valid job offer or provincial or territorial nomination (for additional points)

Point breakdown for single candidates:

Skills and Experience Factors – Maximum points awarded: 500
Skill Transferability – Maximum points awarded: 100
Additional Points – Maximum points awarded: 600

Point breakdown for candidates traveling with a spouse or common-law partner:

Skills and Experience Factors – Maximum points awarded: 460
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors – Maximum points awarded: 40
Skill Transferability – Maximum points awarded: 100
Additional Points – Maximum points awarded: 600

You can use the Comprehensive Ranking System point estimation tool to determine your potential total and if there is anything you can do to increase your chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residence.

You can also visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/grid-crs.asp for a more in-depth breakdown of each of the assessment factors of the CRS.

Contact Akrami & Associates

Contact Akrami & Associates if you have any questions about Express Entry and the Comprehensive Ranking System, and we will glad to assist you in any way we can. We’re here to help!

Shabnam Akrami

Shabnam Akrami is the Managing Partner and Founder of Akrami & Associates. p> Prior to receiving her Paralegal Diploma with Honours, she completed her Law Degree from the UK at the University of London as well as completed a Post Graduate Diploma. In addition, she has also graduated from York University where she received both her Bachelor in Criminology and Masters in Socio-Legal Studies. She is also a Member in good standing with Law Society of Upper Canada. Prior to opening her own firm, she gained extensive experience in corporate immigration law; specializing in work permits, temporary resident permits and rehabilitation cases. She has in depth and hands on experience in all Canadian Immigration and Citizenship matters. These matters include preparation and submission of applications for permanent residence, work permits, NAFTA applications, labour market opinions, temporary resident permits, sponsorships, and business investors. Shabnam is dedicated to all her clients and committed to the successful completion of all the immigration matters in her care. With Shabnam, there is always a way!