How to Calculate Points for Canada Skilled Worker

The Canadian Skilled Worker program is designed to attract skilled individuals to Canada who can contribute to the country's economy. The points system used to assess applicants is both intricate and precise, reflecting various aspects of your profile. Here's how you can calculate your points and what you can do to boost them.

1. Understanding the CRS Points System

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to evaluate candidates for the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.

2. Key Components of CRS Points Calculation

• Core Human Capital Factors: These include your age, education, language proficiency (English and/or French), and Canadian work experience.
• Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors: If applicable, points are also awarded for the education, language skills, and Canadian work experience of your spouse or common-law partner.
• Skill Transferability Factors: These assess how your education and work experience combine to enhance your ability to succeed in Canada.
• Additional Points: These can be earned for a valid job offer, a provincial nomination, Canadian education, and French language skills.

3. Calculating Core Human Capital Points

Age: The maximum points for age are 110. Younger applicants typically score higher, with points decreasing incrementally as age increases.

Education: You can earn up to 150 points for education. Points are awarded based on the highest level of education achieved, with additional points available for Canadian educational credentials.

Language Proficiency: Up to 136 points are available for English and/or French language skills. Higher scores in language tests like IELTS or TEF can significantly boost your points.

Canadian Work Experience: A maximum of 80 points can be awarded based on the amount of Canadian work experience you have.

4. Spouse or Common-law Partner Points

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, additional points are available for their educational background, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.

5. Skill Transferability Points

The skill transferability section rewards points for combining high language proficiency with a recognized post-secondary education or Canadian work experience. This category has a maximum of 100 points.

6. Additional Points

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): A nomination from a province can add 600 points to your CRS score.

Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can contribute up to 50 points, or 200 points if the job offer is in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) 00 category.

Canadian Education: Completing a Canadian post-secondary program can add up to 30 points.

French Language Skills: Proficiency in French can earn additional points, especially if combined with English proficiency.

7. Tips for Improving Your CRS Score

• Improve Language Test Scores: Investing time in language classes or practice tests can yield higher scores.
• Obtain a Provincial Nomination: Explore opportunities to apply for a provincial nomination, which can substantially increase your CRS score.
• Gain Canadian Work Experience: If possible, acquire Canadian work experience to boost your points.
• Enhance Education Credentials: Consider additional certifications or degrees that can improve your education score.

8. Example Calculation

To illustrate, let's consider a hypothetical candidate:

• Age: 30 (110 points)
• Education: Master's degree (135 points)
• Language Proficiency: CLB 9 in English (128 points)
• Canadian Work Experience: 2 years (40 points)

Adding these up, we get a score of 413 points in the Core Human Capital Factors. If this candidate also has a provincial nomination (600 points) and a spouse with strong language skills (40 points), their total CRS score would be significantly higher.

9. Final Steps

Once you have calculated your points, monitor the Express Entry draws to see if your score meets the cutoff for an Invitation to Apply. Adjust your strategies accordingly if you need to improve your score to meet future draw thresholds.

10. Conclusion

Understanding how to calculate and maximize your CRS points is crucial in navigating the Canadian Skilled Worker program successfully. By focusing on improving key areas and making strategic decisions, you can enhance your chances of securing a place in Canada and achieving your immigration goals.