Overview
The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks eligible Express Entry profiles out of 1,200 points. It is used after a candidate meets the requirements of at least one managed federal program.
There is no permanent passing CRS score. Every round has its own cut-off based on the round type, eligible pool, number of invitations and tie-breaking rule.
Maximum score
1,200 CRS points
Provincial nomination
+600 points
Job offer
No CRS points since March 25, 2025
Invitation cut-off
Changes by round
Eligibility and core rules
- Core factors can include age, education, first and second official languages and Canadian work experience.
- An accompanying spouse’s education, language and Canadian work can affect the calculation.
- Skill-transferability combinations can award points for education, language, Canadian work and foreign work.
- Additional points may be available for provincial nomination, eligible Canadian education, French ability and an eligible sibling in Canada.
- Category-based candidates are still ranked by CRS against other candidates eligible for that round.
How this works
- 01
Confirm program eligibility
CRS ranking begins only after the profile qualifies for a managed program.
- 02
Enter documented facts
Use valid language, education, work and family information that can later be proved.
- 03
Review the calculated score
Use IRCC’s official calculator for planning and compare it with the submitted profile.
- 04
Keep the profile current
Update changes that can alter eligibility or score, including expired tests, work, marriage or nomination.
Documents and evidence
- Approved language-test results
- Canadian credentials or valid ECA reports for foreign education
- Detailed work-experience evidence
- Provincial nomination, Canadian-study or family evidence for additional points
- Civil-status and spouse documents used in the calculation
Important distinctions and cautions
- Do not confuse CRS with the separate 67-point FSWP selection grid.
- An online estimate is not a guarantee that IRCC will accept every point claimed.
- Language tests and ECAs have expiry rules and must remain valid at the required stages.
- The score needed in a past draw does not predict the next cut-off.
Official government sources
Use the live IRCC pages below to confirm the rules before relying on them.
General information only, not legal advice. IRCC may change rules, occupation lists or invitation instructions. The live government source controls.