How Does the Canadian

Express Entry
Points System
Work?
The Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is a points-based system. It is used to manage applications for
permanent residence under federal economic immigration programs.

The Canadian Government gives you points based on certain factors such as your age, work
experience, education, and language skills.

There are actually two (2) Canadian Immigration Tests you must pass to be selected
for Permanent Residency: 1) Eligibility Test, and 2) CRS Test.

Eligibility 1. Express Entry Profile If your score is minimum

Test (short-form immigration application) 67/100, you are eligible

Eligible
(You are now in the Express Entry Pool)

If your CRS is higher than the

current minimum set by the
CRS Test 2. Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) Canadian Government, you get
invited to apply for PR

Invited to Apply for Permanent Residency

3. Apply for Permanent Residency

(long-form application)

4. Become a Canadian Permanent Resident

Step 1: Complete your Express Entry Profile (a short-form immigration application). You must
get 67 out of 100 points to be considered “eligible”.

Step 2: You move into the Express Entry Pool with all other candidates applying at the same
time as you. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to assess a candidate’s
profile and rank them in the Express Entry Pool. Every 3 – 4 weeks the Canadian
Government sets a minimum passing score. You must obtain this minimum score to be
“Selected For Permanent Residency”. The points are out of 600.

Step 3: If you pass the minimum CRS Score, you are asked to apply for Permanent Residency (a
long-form immigration application).

Step 4: Become a Permanent Resident of Canada.

How are the CRS Points Calculated?
The Canadian Government will give you points based on the factors below. These are the
maximum number of points you get for each factor.

A. Core / Human Capital Factor

Points per factor - with a Spouse Points per factor - without a
Factors
or common-law partner Spouse or common-law partner

Age 100 110

Level of Education 140 150

Official Languages Proficiency 150 160

Canadaian work experience 70 80

Maximum score 460 500

B. Spouse or common-law factors

Points per factor
Factors
(Maximum 40 points)

Level of Education 10

Official Languages Proficiency 20

Canadaian work experience 10

C. Skill Transferability factor (Maximum 100 points)

Points per factor
Education
(Maximum 50 points)
With good / strong official languages proficiency
50
and post-secondary degree
With Canadian work experience and a post
50
secondary degree
Points per factor
Foreign work experience
(Maximum 50 points)
With good / strong official languages proficiency
50
(IELTS 6 or higher) and foreign work experience
With Canadian work experience and foreign work
50
experience
Factors to consider
• The highest scoring age is between 20-29, however most of our clients are in their 30s. It can
be difficult for people age 20-29 to have the required work experience and education.

• Higher education will mean more points – a Master’s degree will get more points than an
undergraduate degree, etc.

• Everyone must complete an English or French language test.

• Most of our clients do not have any Canadian work experience.

• You can get extra points be including your spouse on your application.

• As of the end of 2016, the minimum CRS score required by the Canadian Government
was 450-500 CRS points.

• The minimum number of points required changes every month. The Canadian Government
has stated that the number of points may lower in 2017 due to changes in the immigration
system and a higher quota of Permanent Residents, required for the year.
Is There a Way to Get Additional CRS Points?
There are several ways to boost your CRS Score:

1 Increase the score you receive for your education, language skills or work
experience. The way many of our clients achieve this is by improving their language scores.

2 Get nominated by a province

• There are over 60+ Canadian Immigration Programs
• Each province and territory has separate Canadian immigration programs that you may
be eligible for. These programs often give you extra points for having relatives in a particular
province and also consider if your work experience matches the provincial labour market.
lease note the Province of Quebec has its own Skilled Worker Program and does not use the
Express Entry system.

3 Studying in Canada
• Completing your undergraduate or graduate degree in Canada is an excellent pathway to
immigrating to Canada.
• Stay in Canada and work after you complete your studies under the Post-Graduate Work
Permit
• Get extra CRS Points for completing your studies in Canada

4 Obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

• Start your job search now
• Research available jobs and the labour market at www.jobbank.gc.ca
• Download the Beeton & Co ebook “How to Find a Job in Canada from Overseas?”
 Would you like an honest review
of your Canadian immigration
eligibility?
Meet with one of my associates (Qualified Canadian
Immigration Lawyers) to discuss your eligibility before
submitting your application.

Julie Beeton

BOOK A CONSULTATION TODAY AT

WWW.BEETONCO.COM or +971 (0)4 443 2422

Julie Beeton is a Canadian immigration lawyer based in the Middle East and
the Managing Director of Beeton & Co. Beeton & Co specializes in helping
professionals, families and students immigrate and study in Canada.

The information contained in this e-book is not legal advice.