Top 5 Differences between CRS and FSW points

Canada's points-based system usually gets applicants confused between the two types of points required to get a Canada Permanent Residency. This blog  focuses on the clearing confusions in both the points systems:

1. A 100-point system to be eligible for Express Entry for Federal Skilled Workers Program, and
2. A high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1200 points to receive an ITA for candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Read along to uncover all the differences between the CRS and FSW points.

What is the CRS Points System?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to calculate the scores of candidates who have entered into the Express Entry pool. You have to first get through the 67 points system if you are applying for a Canada PR visa under the FSW program.

• The maximum score in the CRS points system is 1200.
• Of the 1200 points, 600 is allotted to ‘Core Factors’ of the applicant like age, education, experience, job offer, language ability to speak, adaptability, etc.
• The other 600 points will be awarded to an applicant if he/she gets a provincial nomination from any province of Canada through Provincial Nomination Program (PNP).

What is the Canada FSW Point System (67 points system)?

The FSW points system is the initial point calculator that helps Canadian authorities to decide if you are eligible for Express Entry or not. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses a unique points-based system to select skilled workers to work in their labour market. A candidate gets a score from 100 points, and getting 67 points makes them eligible for PR with the Federal Skilled Worker program.

• FSW is a point- based system that evaluates your profile within a 100-point maximum-score.
• You need a minimum score of 67 points to enter the Express Entry pool.
• You are scored based on factors like age, educational qualification, work experience, English/French Skills, adaptability and job offer.

Note: The Candian Government uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to classify jobs.

The citizenship and immigration authorities of the country have specified the following  factors on which points are given to a candidate in FSW and CRS point system. 

Differences Between FSW points and CRS points

 

 

 

Definition

FSW

Test to determine initial eligibility to apply for a permanent residence visa

CRS

Ranking procedure to analyze the rank and chances of selection in the Express Entry Pool

 

 

 

Definition

FSW

Test to determine initial eligibility to apply for a permanent residence visa

CRS

Ranking procedure to analyze the rank and chances of selection in the Express Entry Pool

 

 

 

Points System

FSW

Points allotted for individual factors

CRS

Points allotted for grouped elements

 

 

 

Points System

FSW

Points allotted for individual factors

CRS

Points allotted for grouped elements

 

 

 

Selection Factors

FSW

Age, Education, Work experience, Language skill level, Job offer and Adaptability.

CRS

Core Human Capital Factors, Spouse Factors, Skill Transferability Factors, Bonus Points

 

 

 

Selection Factors

FSW

Age, Education, Work experience, Language skill level, Job offer and Adaptability.

CRS

Core Human Capital Factors, Spouse Factors, Skill Transferability Factors, Bonus Point

 

 

 

Spouse Points

FSW

Spouse factors are not included during points calculation

CRS

Spouse factors are included and points structure differs when included

 

 

 

Spouse Points

FSW

Spouse factors are not included during points calculation

CRS

Spouse factors are included and points structure differs when included

 

 

 

PNP Benefits

FSW

Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) has no points

CRS

Provincial Nominations Program (PNP) can fetch you 600 points.

 

 

 

PNP Benefits

FSW

Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) has no points.

CRS

Provincial Nominations Program (PNP) can fetch you 600 points.

Calculate Your CRS Score

• CRS score or the Comprehensive Ranking System is Canada's eligibility calculator for immigrants.
• CRS calculator is used in the 'Express Entry' method. 
• A candidate must score a minimum of 67 points to be eligible to apply for the Express Entry Program.
• Once eligible, the candidate must score a minimum of 471 points in the Express Entry Program (in 2024).

How to Increase your CRS Score?

There are ways to improve your CRS score and get your PR visa within the upcoming draws of 2024:

•    Gain a Diploma Certificate

Besides your graduation or post-secondary school qualification or high school diploma certificate in any skill that is closely related to your chosen occupation will greatly help in adding extra points.

•    Look for a Job Offer

A job offer from a Canadian employer can not only add extra points to your CRS but also increase your profile value. 

•    Apply for a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)

Provinces nominate candidates who are a significant asset to their economy. You will get direct points on your nomination and get your PR visa for immigration to Canada.

•    Include Spouse Skills

If you are married and your spouse has eligible traits of Canada immigration, then why not take a benefit from it? Include their skills in your profile and gain points for spouse factors.

CRS Points Table: 

Spousal and Non-Spousal points:

For additional points:

Other Important FAQs

Is 67 Points enough to be Eligible for Canada Immigration?

No. A score of 67 points under FSW program will only help you to get in the Express Entry program. And the points that you score under the CRS system determines if you will get the Permanent Resident visa. 

To score 67 points or more in your first attempt:

• Apply for a PR visa when you are aged between 18 and 35
• Strive for a qualification higher than a Bachelor's degree
• Gain a work experience that is more than 5 years.
• Attempt IELTS language test with proper coaching so that you can score high in the first attempt.
• Ielts language test result will help you to get a work in Canada
• Build networks overseas and try to gain a qualifying offer of employment from a Canadian employer. 

After this, you have to calculate your CRS score and strive to get the required CRS score. Only after this, you will be able to proceed with the Educational Credential Assessment and further process steps.

How is the 67 point system different from the express entry system as immigration program to Canada?

• Federal Skilled Worker( 67 point system) is one of these federal programs for permanent residency in Canada.
• Express Entry system has its own scoring system called the CRS. It helps determine the points for Express Entry.

Why approach a consultant when you can get your CRS Score online?

Well, there are 3 reasons, big enough for you to take the right decision:

•    Online Canada Immigration Points Calculators are Robotic

Not all online Canada immigration calculators will give you accurate results. Since they are hard-coded software, the chances are that they may have technical glitches or simply just wrongly coded could mean that your CRS score is not accurate.

•    Out-dated Calculators

The point requirement often keeps changing. Not all Canada Immigration Calculator tools are very adaptive to these changes. 

•    Online Points Calculator for PR Visa doesn’t show you loopholes

How will you know which areas to improve to better your points? Only an experienced and trusted immigration consultant will tell you best. 

Conclusion: 

So, here’s what you need to remember:

While both FSW and CRS systems consider similar factors on allotting of points, they are vastly unique.

• The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program Points are calculated on a total of 100 points out of which minimum 67 points is required, and the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) is calculated on a total of 1200 points
• To calculate points for FSW, the Canada Immigration Points Calculator is used as a reference.
• To calculate points for CRS, the CRS calculator is used as a reference.

So, do you want to move to Canada? We’ll help you get the points.

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