The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is used to rank candidates in Canada’s Express Entry system. If you don’t have a job offer, you can still score high by maximizing points in other categories.
CRS Score Breakdown (Without a Job Offer)
Your CRS score consists of four main factors:
1. Core Human Capital Factors (Maximum: 500 Points)
- Age (Maximum: 110 Points)
- Education (Maximum: 150 Points)
- Language Proficiency – IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF (Maximum: 160 Points)
- Work Experience (Canadian & Foreign) (Maximum: 80 Points)
2. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (If Applicable) (Maximum: 40 Points)
- Spouse’s Education, Language Proficiency, and Work Experience can add points.
3. Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum: 100 Points)
- Combination of Work Experience, Education, and Language Proficiency can increase points.
4. Additional Factors (Maximum: 600 Points)
- Provincial Nomination (600 Points) – Not applicable here
- Job Offer (50-200 Points) – Not applicable here
- Canadian Study Experience, French Proficiency, or Having a Sibling in Canada can add points.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculate Your CRS Score (Without a Job Offer)
Step 1: Determine Your Core Human Capital Points
| Factor | Points (Single Applicant) | Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Age (Maximum: 110) | 0 to 110 | 0 to 100 |
| Education (Maximum: 150) | 0 to 150 | 0 to 140 |
| Language Proficiency (Maximum: 160) | 0 to 160 | 0 to 150 |
| Canadian Work Experience (Maximum: 80) | 0 to 80 | 0 to 70 |
Step 2: Add Skill Transferability Points (Maximum: 100 Points)
- Education + High Language Proficiency = Up to 50 Points
- Foreign Work Experience + High Language Proficiency = Up to 50 Points
Step 3: Add Additional Points (Maximum: 600 Points)
- Canadian Education (Post-Secondary) = 15–30 Points
- French Proficiency (CLB 7+) = 25–50 Points
- Sibling in Canada (PR/Citizen) = 15 Points
Example Calculation (Without a Job Offer)
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (30 years old) | 105 |
| Master’s Degree | 135 |
| IELTS: CLB 9+ | 128 |
| 3+ Years of Foreign Work Experience | 50 |
| No Canadian Work Experience | 0 |
| Education + Language Bonus | 50 |
| Foreign Work Experience + Language Bonus | 50 |
| Canadian Study Experience | 0 |
| French CLB 7+ (Optional) | 25 |
| Total CRS Score (Without a Job Offer) | 543 |
Ways to Increase CRS Score Without a Job Offer
- Improve IELTS/French scores to CLB 9 or higher.
- Gain more work experience (if below 3 years).
- Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for an extra 600 points.
- Get an additional degree or certification.
- Apply with a spouse (if applicable) to gain additional points.