Express Entry is the main pathway for immigrating to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Under Express Entry, candidates are ranked based on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores in the CRS pool are issued invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
So how many CRS points do you need to have a good chance of being invited? Is scoring 450 points or above enough to be competitive in the Express Entry pool?
What is the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System?
The Express Entry CRS awards points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English/French skills. There are a total of 1,200 points available, divided into the following categories:
| CRS Category | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Core human capital factors | 600 points |
| Spouse factors | 40 points |
| Skill transferability factors | 100 points |
| Additional points | 600 points |
| Total | 1,200 points |
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major CRS scoring factors:
- Age: You can earn a maximum of 110 points for your age. The most points go to those aged 20-29.
- Education: You can earn up to 200 points based on your highest level of education completed.
- Official Languages: You can earn up to 198 points for your English and/or French language skills.
- Work Experience: Skilled work experience can give you up to 80 points.
- Arranged Employment: Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can give you 200 points.
- Adaptability: Things like previous study or work in Canada, a sibling living in Canada, and strong French language skills are worth up to 100 points.
How are candidates ranked and invited?
Candidates receive a CRS score based on the above factors. Those with the highest scores in the pool are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) during regular Express Entry draws.
These draws normally happen every 2 weeks. In each draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) establishes a minimum CRS cut-off score. Candidates with scores above that threshold receive an ITA in that draw.
For example, say IRCC sets a cutoff of 450 points for a particular draw. All candidates scoring 451 or higher would get an ITA, while those scoring 450 or below would have to wait for a future draw.
The actual minimum CRS score for each draw depends on factors like:
- Number of ITAs allocated for the draw
- Number of candidates in the pool
- Makeup of candidates in the pool (i.e. distribution of CRS scores)
Generally, candidates with higher scores are ranked higher and invited sooner – but the minimum score required fluctuates over time.
What CRS scores guarantee an ITA?
There is no ‘guaranteed’ CRS score that ensures you’ll be invited in the next Express Entry draw.
However, here are some general ranges to aim for if you want a high chance of quick invitation:
- 470+ points: Very good chance of quick ITA
- 450-469 points: Good chance of ITA within several draws
- 430-449 points: May receive ITA, but could take longer (4-8 draws or more)
- Under 430 points: Low chance of receiving ITA
These ranges are based on the minimum CRS scores for draws over the past year. But remember, there are no guarantees as the score requirements can change over time.
How many CRS points do I have?
The best way to determine your personal CRS score is to use the IRCC’s free CRS Calculator. This tool lets you enter your age, education, work experience, language ability and other factors to calculate your individual score.
Be sure to use the most up-to-date information when calculating your points. For example, if you plan on writing an English test like the IELTS to boost your language score, use your target results rather than your current score.
What if I don’t have 450+ CRS points?
If your current score is below 450 points, don’t panic! There are several ways you can try and improve your ranking in the Express Entry pool, such as:
- Improve language ability by taking English or French classes and re-taking language tests
- Get more skilled work experience to boost points for foreign and/or Canadian experience
- Complete more education like a Master’s degree or PhD
- Obtain a provincial nomination for an additional 600 points
- Find a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer for 200 more points
Depending on your current profile, you may be able to significantly increase your CRS score by focusing on one or more of these tactics.
What if my score is above 450 points?
If you already have over 450 CRS points, congratulations! You have a great chance of being invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Here are some tips to maximize your chances while in the Express Entry pool:
- Make sure your profile is error-free and up-to-date
- Enter the pool as soon as possible so you can be ranked for upcoming draws
- Keep working to improve your points – a higher score means a higher rank
- Consider options like dual intent work permits or PNPs to move to Canada sooner
With 450+ points, you should receive an ITA within a few short months. Continue gathering documents and preparing your application, so you’ll be ready to submit once invited!
Is 450 points enough for Express Entry in 2023?
Given current trends, 450 points is generally considered a competitive CRS score for Express Entry in 2023.
Over the past year, CRS minimum cut-off scores have fluctuated between 401-467 points. But they have remained steadily within the mid-400s since mid-2022.
The table below shows the minimum scores for recent Express Entry draws:
| Draw Date | Minimum CRS Score |
|---|---|
| January 4, 2023 | 467 points |
| December 21, 2022 | 461 points |
| December 7, 2022 | 437 points |
| November 23, 2022 | 401 points |
| November 9, 2022 | 455 points |
| October 19, 2022 | 452 points |
Based on the recent minimal CRS scores, having 450+ points seems very likely to result in an ITA in an upcoming draw in 2023.
Of course, Express Entry cut-off thresholds are never guaranteed. But scoring above 450 points puts you in a good position for an invitation from IRCC.
What is the current Express Entry backlog?
As of early 2023, there are approximately 114,000 candidates still waiting in the Express Entry pool according to IRCC data.
This backlog has built up over time, as the number of candidates entering Express Entry continues to exceed the number of ITAs issued in draws.
IRCC is working to reduce the backlog by:
- Increasing the number of ITAs issued per draw
- Increasing draw frequency
- Processing applications faster after invitation
But for now, the backlog means there is a delay between entering the pool and getting an ITA, unless you have an extremely high CRS score.
How long will it take to get an ITA with 450+ points?
Generally, candidates with 450+ points are receiving ITA invitations within 3-8 draws once entering the Express Entry pool.
This currently translates to around 6-16 weeks from profile submission to ITA, assuming normal draw intervals of every 2 weeks.
However, processing times can vary considerably based on factors like:
- Total candidates in pool
- Number of candidates with scores above yours
- Number of ITAs issued in upcoming draws
- Minimum CRS cut-off scores set in upcoming draws
So while roughly 2-4 months for ITA with 450+ points is a reasonable estimate, there are no guarantees on exact timelines.
What are the best ways to increase CRS score?
If your score is currently below 450, or you want to further improve your chances, here are some of the best ways to gain more CRS points:
Improve language scores
Scoring higher on IELTS, CELPIP or TEF can significantly boost your points, especially if currently below CLB 9.
Get a Master’s degree or higher
A Master’s or PhD can add up to 200 points for education credentials above a Bachelor’s degree.
Build more skilled work experience
1-3 years of foreign skilled work adds up to 80 more points. Canadian work experience boosts score further.
Obtain provincial nomination
A provincial nomination through PNPs results in an additional 600 CRS points.
Find a qualifying job offer
Having a LMIA-approved job from a Canadian employer gives 200 extra CRS points.
Focusing on even 1 or 2 of these tactics can potentially bump many candidates over the 450 point threshold.
Conclusion
A CRS score of 450 points or higher gives you a strong chance of receiving an ITA for permanent residency through Express Entry in 2023.
While Express Entry minimum cut-off scores can fluctuate draw to draw, 450 points is considered quite competitive based on recent trends.
Candidiates with 450+ points are currently receiving invitations within approximately 3-8 draws, or 6-16 weeks after entering the pool.
However, no specific point total guarantees selection for ITA, as the system is dynamic and cut-off thresholds change over time.
Make sure to maximize your profile by using the CRS tool and improving your score factors. This will ensure you have the best chance of getting an ITA with 450+ points under the competitive Express Entry system.
