Maple News reports that understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a critical step for anyone aiming to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system. Introduced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the CRS is a points-based evaluation tool that determines which candidates are most suited to meet Canada’s economic and labor market needs.
In 2023 alone, Canada issued 110,266 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through Express Entry. With a target of bringing in another 110,000 permanent residents under this system in 2024, the CRS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s skilled immigration intake.
To receive an ITA, candidates must achieve a competitive CRS score. This score is based on several key factors, including age, education, language proficiency in English or French, work experience, family ties in Canada, arranged employment, and other adaptability factors. The maximum possible score is 1,200, but even a mid-range score can be enough to secure an ITA, especially in targeted draws.
However, not everyone is eligible to receive a CRS score. Candidates must first qualify for at least one of the three immigration programs managed via Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Once a candidate meets the criteria for one of these programs, their profile can be entered into the Express Entry pool to be ranked using the CRS.
IRCC conducts Express Entry draws at regular intervals, often every two weeks. During these draws, candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. If candidates have identical scores, the tie-breaking rule uses the date and time of their application submission to rank them.
With the Canadian government increasingly using category-based selection draws—targeting healthcare workers, STEM professionals, tradespeople, and French-language speakers—even candidates with lower CRS scores but in-demand skills have a solid chance of receiving an ITA.
Boosting your CRS score can be done through a variety of tactics, such as improving language test results, gaining more work experience, completing additional education, or securing a valid job offer in Canada. Candidates already in the pool are encouraged to keep their profiles up to date as life changes may impact their scores over time.
As Canada ramps up its immigration targets through 2026, staying informed about the CRS and Express Entry process is more important than ever for aspiring immigrants. Maple News will continue to provide up-to-date coverage and expert insights to help candidates navigate this evolving system with confidence.