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Canada Immigration - Difference between CRS and FSW points

Canada is one of the most desirable countries in the world to immigrate to. With a welcoming culture, diverse population and great opportunities, it's no wonder people are making plans to move there. You might be interested in immigrating as well, but you're not sure which Canadian immigration program is right for you.

 

A proper understanding between the differences between two popular options: the Comprehensive Ranking System - CRS and the Federal Skilled Worker Points System - FSW will help you make a better assessment.

CRS vs FSW - Major Differences

  • Max. Points Allocation (CRS 1200 vs FSW 100).

  • Selection Factors.

  • Spousal points.

  • PNP Points

  • Necessary for: Express Entry - Permanent Residence applications.

What is the Comprehensive Ranking System?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that is used to assess and score potential immigrants who wish to live and work in Canada. The CRS was introduced in Express Entry in 2015, and has since been the main way that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has selected candidates for immigration.

The CRS assigns points to each candidate based on factors such as age, level of education, work experience, language ability, and whether or not they have a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer. Candidates are then ranked against each other based on their total score, with the highest-scoring candidates being invited to apply for permanent residence.

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 Federal Skilled Worker system?

The Federal Skilled Worker Points System is another point-based system that was used by IRCC to select candidates for immigration before the CRS was introduced. The FSWP assigned points based on factors such as age, level of education, work experience, language ability, and whether or not the applicant had a job offer from a Canadian employer.

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.

Difference between CRS and the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Points

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the main points-based system used to assess and score Express Entry candidates. The CRS was introduced in 2015 as a way to streamline the Express Entry application process and create a fair, transparent system for selecting candidates.

The Federal Skilled Worker Points System is a points-based system that was introduced in 1967. It is used to assess and score candidates who wish to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The two systems are similar in that they both use a points-based system to assess and score candidates. However, there are some key differences between the two systems.

The CRS gives weight to factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and whether or not you have a job offer from a Canadian employer. The Federal Skilled Worker Points System gives weight to factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.

The CRS is based on a 1,200 point scale, with 600 points being awarded for human capital factors and 600 points being awarded for skills transferability factors. The Federal Skilled Worker Points System is based on a 100 point scale, with 60 points being awarded for human capital factors and 40 points being  awarded for skills transferability factors.

The CRS gives additional points for candidates who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The Federal Skilled Worker Points System does not give additional points for candidates who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

The CRS gives additional points for candidates who have been previously employed in Canada. The Federal Skilled Worker Points System does not give additional points for candidates who have been previously employed in Canada.

The CRS also gives additional points for candidates who have relatives living in Canada. The Federal Skilled Worker Points System does not give additional points for candidates who have relatives living in 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.

If you're planning on immigrating to Canada, it's important to understand the difference between the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Points system. The CRS is used for Express Entry applications, while the FSW system is for those applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Both systems have different requirements and scoring systems, so be sure to research both thoroughly before beginning your application. Good luck!

CRS vs FSW
CRS
FSW
Definition
Ranking procedure used to rank eligible applicants in the Express Entry pool.
Used to test initial eligibility to apply for Express Entry as a skilled worker
Points System
Points allocated based on major group of factors.
Points allocated for individual factors
Selection Factors
Core Human Capital Factors, Skill Transferability Factors, Spouse Factors and Additional Factors.
Age, education, language skills, work experience and adaptability.
Spouse/Partner Points
Spouse factors are considered in total number of points awarded.
Spouse points are not considered during evaluation
PNP points
PNP can earn you 600 additional points.
No points considered

Need help in applying for Express Entry to Canada? Hire an authorized paid representative.

IMMERGITY Immigration Consultant provides valuable insights and tips on how to increase your chances of success. Get in touch now.

If you're thinking of hiring a representative, be sure to check that they're authorized by IRCC. You can verify our credentials by clicking here.

Hiring a representative is not required, but it can be helpful, especially if you're not familiar with the application process. If you decide to hire a representative, be sure to choose someone who you trust and who you feel comfortable working with.

A work permit is a legal document that lets a person who is not a Canadian citizen work in Canada. About half a million work permits are given to temporary foreign workers from all over the world every year.

Many people from other countries move to Canada in search of better job prospects. If you want to move to Canada permanently, getting a job there is a great first step.

The process of acquiring a work permit in Canada can be done in a variety of different ways. Work permits can be broken down into three categories: those that require a job offer from a Canadian employer; those that require an employer to submit a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA); and those that require the applicant to have some kind of connection to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.).

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