Understanding the Two-Step Process
Step 1: PR Points (Federal Skilled Worker)
The PR Points system (also called FSW points) is the first hurdle for Express Entry. You must score at least 67 out of 100 points to be eligible to create an Express Entry profile.
PR Points Breakdown (100 total):
- Age: Maximum 12 points (ages 18-35 get full points)
- Education: Maximum 25 points (PhD = 25, Master's = 23)
- Work Experience: Maximum 15 points (6+ years = 15)
- Language: Maximum 28 points (CLB 9+ in all abilities)
- Adaptability: Maximum 10 points (job offer, Canadian education, etc.)
- Arranged Employment: Maximum 10 points (valid job offer)
Step 2: CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System)
Once you're in the Express Entry pool (with 67+ PR points), your CRS score determines your ranking. Only candidates with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in each draw.
CRS Score Breakdown (1,200 total):
- Core Human Capital: Up to 500 points (age, education, language, work)
- Spouse Factors: Up to 40 points (if applicable)
- Skill Transferability: Up to 100 points (combinations of factors)
- Additional Points: Up to 600 points (provincial nomination, job offer, Canadian education, siblings in Canada, French language)
Real-Life Example
Example: Sarah's Immigration Journey
Sarah's Profile:
- • Age: 28 years old
- • Education: Master's degree
- • Work Experience: 4 years
- • Language: IELTS 8.0 (CLB 9)
- • Job Offer: None
PR Points Calculation:
- Age: 12 points
- Education: 23 points (Master's)
- Work: 11 points (4 years)
- Language: 24 points (CLB 9)
- Adaptability: 0 points
- Total: 70/100 ✅ Eligible!
CRS Score Calculation:
- Age: 105 points
- Education: 135 points
- Language: 128 points
- Work: 50 points
- Skill Transferability: 50 points
- Total: 468/1200
Result: Sarah is eligible to enter the pool (70 PR points), but her CRS score of 468 is below recent cut-offs (480-500). She needs to improve her CRS score through additional education, better language scores, or a provincial nomination.
Which Calculator Should You Use?
Use PR Points Calculator When:
- You're just starting your immigration journey
- You want to check basic eligibility
- You need to know if you can enter the pool
- You're applying through Federal Skilled Worker
Use CRS Calculator When:
- You already have 67+ PR points
- You want to know your ranking in the pool
- You're comparing with recent draw cut-offs
- You want to see how to improve your score
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Express Entry with less than 67 PR points?
No, you cannot enter the Express Entry pool through Federal Skilled Worker program with less than 67 PR points. However, you may be eligible for other programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) which have different eligibility criteria.
What happens if my CRS score is below the cut-off?
If your CRS score is below the cut-off, you remain in the pool for up to 12 months. During this time, you can improve your score by: retaking language tests, gaining more work experience, obtaining a provincial nomination (+600 points), getting a job offer, or completing additional education. Your profile expires after 12 months, but you can create a new one.
Do I need to recalculate both scores regularly?
Your PR points remain relatively stable once you're eligible. However, your CRS score changes automatically as you age (decreases after 29), gain work experience, or update your profile. You should recalculate your CRS score whenever you: turn a year older, gain 6+ months work experience, retake language tests, or obtain new credentials.
Which score is more important?
Both are equally important but serve different purposes. PR points determine if you can enter the pool (pass/fail at 67 points). CRS score determines if you'll receive an ITA (competitive ranking). You need 67+ PR points to be eligible, then focus on maximizing your CRS score to be competitive in draws.
Ready to Calculate Your Scores?
Use both calculators to get a complete picture of your Express Entry eligibility and competitiveness.