Canada PR Points Calculator 2018
Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canada Permanent Residency under the Express Entry system (2018 criteria). This tool helps you estimate your eligibility based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Your CRS Score Results
Your estimated Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Comprehensive Guide to Canada PR Points Calculator 2018
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess and score your profile for immigration to Canada through Express Entry. The 2018 version of the CRS calculator remains relevant for understanding how points are allocated across different factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How the CRS scoring system works (2018 criteria)
- Maximum points allocation per category
- Strategies to improve your CRS score
- Historical CRS cut-off trends from 2018
- Comparison between 2018 and current CRS criteria
- Frequently asked questions about Canada PR points
1. Understanding the CRS Points Breakdown (2018)
The CRS awards points out of a maximum of 1,200, divided into four main components:
- Core/Human Capital Factors (Maximum 500 points for single applicants, 460 for those with a spouse)
- Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors (Maximum 40 points)
- Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 points)
- Additional Points (Maximum 600 points)
| Category | Single Applicant (Max Points) | Applicant with Spouse (Max Points) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 110 | 100 |
| Level of Education | 150 | 140 |
| Official Language Proficiency (First) | 136 | 128 |
| Official Language Proficiency (Second) | 24 | 22 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 80 | 70 |
| Core/Human Capital Total | 500 | 460 |
| Spouse’s Education | N/A | 10 |
| Spouse’s Language | N/A | 20 |
| Spouse’s Canadian Work Experience | N/A | 10 |
| Spouse Factors Total | N/A | 40 |
| Skill Transferability (Education + Language) | 50 | 50 |
| Skill Transferability (Foreign Work Experience + Language) | 50 | 50 |
| Skill Transferability Total | 100 | 100 |
| Provincial Nomination | 600 | 600 |
| Arranged Employment | 200 | 200 |
| Canadian Education | 30 | 30 |
| French Language Skills | 30 | 30 |
| Sibling in Canada | 15 | 15 |
| Additional Points Total | 600 | 600 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 1,200 | 1,200 |
2. Age Factor: How Points Are Allocated
Age is one of the most critical factors in the CRS calculator, with the maximum points awarded to applicants between 20-29 years. Points decrease gradually after age 30.
| Age | Points (Single) | Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| 17 or younger | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | 99 | 90 |
| 19 | 105 | 95 |
| 20-29 | 110 | 100 |
| 30 | 105 | 95 |
| 31 | 99 | 90 |
| 32 | 94 | 85 |
| 33 | 88 | 80 |
| 34 | 83 | 75 |
| 35 | 77 | 70 |
| 36 | 72 | 65 |
| 37 | 66 | 60 |
| 38 | 61 | 55 |
| 39 | 55 | 50 |
| 40 | 50 | 45 |
| 41 | 39 | 35 |
| 42 | 28 | 25 |
| 43 | 17 | 15 |
| 44 | 6 | 5 |
| 45 | 0 | 0 |
| 46 or older | 0 | 0 |
As you can see, applicants lose points as they age, which is why many candidates aim to submit their Express Entry profile before turning 30 to maximize their score.
3. Language Proficiency: The Key to High CRS Scores
Language ability is the most significant factor in the CRS calculator, with a maximum of 136 points for single applicants (128 with a spouse) for the first official language and 24 points (22 with a spouse) for the second official language.
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used to measure language proficiency. For IELTS (most common test), the CLB equivalents are:
| CLB Level | IELTS (Listening) | IELTS (Reading) | IELTS (Writing) | IELTS (Speaking) | Points (First Language, Single) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 32 per ability (128 total) |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 31 per ability (124 total) |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 29 per ability (116 total) |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 28 per ability (112 total) |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 24 per ability (96 total) |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 16 per ability (64 total) |
| CLB 4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6 per ability (24 total) |
Pro Tip: Improving your language score from CLB 7 to CLB 9 can increase your CRS score by 24 points (from 112 to 124 for first language). This is often the most effective way to boost your score without changing other factors.
4. Education Points: How Your Degrees Affect Your Score
Your education level contributes up to 150 points (single) or 140 points (with spouse) to your CRS score. The points are awarded based on the highest level of education you’ve completed:
| Education Level | Points (Single) | Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral level (PhD) | 150 | 140 |
| Master’s degree OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession | 135 | 126 |
| Two or more post-secondary degrees/diplomas (at least one 3+ years) | 128 | 119 |
| Three-year or longer post-secondary degree/diploma | 120 | 112 |
| Two-year post-secondary degree/diploma | 98 | 90 |
| One-year post-secondary degree/diploma | 90 | 84 |
| Secondary school (high school) only | 30 | 28 |
If you completed your education outside Canada, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved organization like World Education Services (WES) to claim these points.
5. Work Experience: Canadian vs. Foreign
Work experience is divided into two categories:
- Canadian work experience (up to 80 points for single applicants)
- Foreign work experience (included in core human capital factors)
Canadian work experience is particularly valuable because it demonstrates your ability to succeed in the Canadian labor market. Points are awarded as follows:
| Canadian Work Experience | Points (Single) | Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| None | 0 | 0 |
| 1 year | 40 | 35 |
| 2 years | 53 | 46 |
| 3 years | 64 | 56 |
| 4 years | 72 | 63 |
| 5+ years | 80 | 70 |
For foreign work experience (included in the core human capital factors), points are awarded based on the number of years of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B):
| Foreign Work Experience | Points (Single) | Points (With Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| None or less than 1 year | 0 | 0 |
| 1 year | 9 | 8 |
| 2 years | 11 | 10 |
| 3 years | 13 | 12 |
| 4-5 years | 15 | 14 |
| 6+ years | 17 | 16 |
6. Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 Points)
These points reward combinations of education, language proficiency, and work experience that demonstrate strong potential for economic success in Canada. There are two main categories:
- Education + Language (max 50 points)
- Foreign Work Experience + Language (max 50 points)
For example, having a post-secondary degree and CLB 9 or higher in your first official language can earn you 50 points in the education + language category.
7. Additional Points (Maximum 600 Points)
The additional points section can dramatically increase your CRS score, with the most significant boost coming from:
- Provincial Nomination (600 points) – If a Canadian province nominates you through their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you automatically get 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Arranged Employment (200 points for NOC 00, 50 for other NOC A/B) – Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Canadian Education (30 points) – For completing at least two years of study at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- French Language Skills (30 points) – For having strong French language abilities (CLB 7 or higher in all abilities).
- Sibling in Canada (15 points) – If you have a brother or sister living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident.
8. CRS Cut-Off Trends in 2018
In 2018, the CRS cut-off scores for Express Entry draws fluctuated between 439 and 456 for most of the year. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the lowest CRS scores that received an ITA:
| Month | Lowest CRS Score | Number of ITAs Issued | Draw Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2018 | 446 | 2,750 | Jan 10, 2018 |
| February 2018 | 442 | 3,000 | Feb 7, 2018 |
| March 2018 | 446 | 3,000 | Mar 14, 2018 |
| April 2018 | 444 | 3,500 | Apr 11, 2018 |
| May 2018 | 441 | 3,500 | May 23, 2018 |
| June 2018 | 442 | 3,750 | Jun 13, 2018 |
| July 2018 | 442 | 3,750 | Jul 11, 2018 |
| August 2018 | 440 | 3,900 | Aug 8, 2018 |
| September 2018 | 441 | 3,900 | Sep 5, 2018 |
| October 2018 | 440 | 3,900 | Oct 3, 2018 |
| November 2018 | 439 | 3,900 | Nov 15, 2018 |
| December 2018 | 439 | 3,900 | Dec 19, 2018 |
The lowest CRS score in 2018 was 439, which occurred in November and December. This means that candidates needed at least 439 points to receive an ITA for permanent residency during these draws.
9. How to Improve Your CRS Score
If your CRS score is below the cut-off, here are the most effective strategies to improve it:
- Retake your language test – Improving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 can add 24 points to your score.
- Gain more work experience – Each additional year of foreign work experience (up to 6 years) adds points.
- Get a provincial nomination – This adds 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
- Secure a valid job offer – A job offer in a NOC 00 position adds 200 points.
- Complete another degree or diploma – Higher education levels can increase your points.
- Have your spouse as the principal applicant – If your spouse has a higher CRS score, they should be the primary applicant.
- Gain Canadian work experience – Even one year of Canadian work experience adds 40 points.
- Improve your spouse’s language skills – If married, having your spouse take a language test can add up to 20 points.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating Your CRS Score
Many applicants make errors when calculating their CRS score, which can lead to disappointment if they don’t receive an ITA. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Overestimating language points – Ensure you’re using the correct CLB to IELTS/TEF conversion.
- Incorrectly calculating work experience – Only skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B) counts.
- Not getting an ECA for foreign education – Without an ECA, your foreign education won’t count.
- Ignoring skill transferability points – Many applicants miss out on these valuable points.
- Not considering provincial nomination – A nomination adds 600 points, which is often overlooked.
- Miscalculating age points – Your age is locked in on the day you submit your Express Entry profile.
- Not updating your profile – If you gain new work experience or improve your language score, update your profile to reflect these changes.
11. Comparing 2018 CRS to Current Criteria
While the core structure of the CRS remains similar, there have been some changes since 2018:
| Factor | 2018 Criteria | Current Criteria (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Points | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Age Points (20-29) | 110 (single), 100 (with spouse) | 110 (single), 100 (with spouse) |
| Language Points (CLB 10) | 32 per ability (max 128) | 32 per ability (max 136) |
| Education Points (PhD) | 150 (single), 140 (with spouse) | 150 (single), 140 (with spouse) |
| Canadian Work Experience (5+ years) | 80 (single), 70 (with spouse) | 80 (single), 70 (with spouse) |
| Provincial Nomination | 600 points | 600 points |
| Arranged Employment (NOC 00) | 200 points | 200 points |
| French Language Skills | Up to 30 points | Up to 50 points (enhanced) |
| Sibling in Canada | 15 points | 15 points |
| Canadian Education | 30 points | 30 points |
The most significant change since 2018 is the enhanced points for French language skills, which now offer up to 50 points instead of 30. This reflects Canada’s increased emphasis on bilingualism.
12. Frequently Asked Questions About CRS Calculator 2018
Q: Can I still use the 2018 CRS calculator for current Express Entry draws?
A: While the core structure remains similar, there have been minor updates to the CRS since 2018. For the most accurate assessment, use the current CRS calculator. However, the 2018 version is still useful for understanding how points are allocated.
Q: How often do Express Entry draws occur?
A: In 2018, draws typically occurred every two weeks. The frequency can vary, but IRCC usually conducts draws regularly throughout the year.
Q: What was the average CRS cut-off score in 2018?
A: The average CRS cut-off in 2018 was approximately 442, with the lowest being 439 in late 2018.
Q: How long is my Express Entry profile valid?
A: Your Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. If you don’t receive an ITA within that time, you’ll need to create a new profile.
Q: Can I improve my CRS score after submitting my profile?
A: Yes! You can update your profile if you:
- Retake a language test and get a higher score
- Gain additional work experience
- Complete a new educational credential
- Receive a provincial nomination
- Secure a valid job offer
Q: Does my spouse’s age affect my CRS score?
A: No, only the principal applicant’s age is considered in the CRS calculation. However, your spouse’s education, language skills, and Canadian work experience can contribute points.
Q: What is the minimum CRS score required for Canada PR?
A: There is no fixed minimum score, as it depends on the cut-off for each Express Entry draw. In 2018, the lowest cut-off was 439, but this can vary based on the number of candidates in the pool and Canada’s immigration targets.
13. Official Resources and Next Steps
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to these official resources:
- Official CRS Criteria (Government of Canada)
- Express Entry System (IRCC)
- IRCC Help Centre (Definitions and Terms)
If you’re serious about immigrating to Canada, consider:
- Taking an IELTS test to prove your English proficiency
- Getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your foreign degrees
- Researching Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with your skills
- Consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
The Express Entry system is competitive, but with the right strategy and preparation, you can maximize your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residency.